Upbeat Updates from MW:
Wed. March 25th:
Isolation is the source of inspiration!
We are inspired by your teachers who leaped into action with online music lessons, creativity and leadership.
We are inspired to give our brave parents more tools to make lessons smooth. Check out our CREATIVITY ZONE for musical games and activities and even a new violin tuning video by one of our very own teachers. Guitar tuning tips coming soon!
We are inspired by families who see opportunity in obstacles and are adding a second music lesson or practice session to the week to support their teachers and prioritize their child's progress.
We are inspired by music and the human spirit. By now we have all seen people singing in Italy or having online music events. The arts are more important and valued than ever. Stay tuned for our online Song Share group - where your child and teachers can all share together.
We are also inspired to innovate an all new course for success! As astronaut, Chris Hadfield reminds us, learning something new (especially an instrument) is a great way to make the most of our time at home. We have an offer for new-to-us students to Learn 4 Songs in 4 Lessons! Be on the lookout for all the details by the end of the week or be proactive and call our team now to find out how you can take advantage of this stay-at-home special.
Parents, we'd also love to hear from you!
What device are you using for lessons?
What surprised you about online music lessons?
What is your child's favorite part?
What is tricky about online lessons?
Your feedback is always what drives us to take our lesson offerings a step beyond. So reach out and stay safe!
Fri. March 20th:
Dear Creative Community,
It may seem strange, but I would describe this week within our school and musical community as incredibly positive. I believe that under pressure we get to see what we are made of – and we are realizing we have much more power than we thought. The capacity to be proactive, responsive and creative makes life a great adventure. I am so honored to be holding space for so many creative proactive parents, students and amazing teachers.
Here are some things that have happened this week:
Parents and students are activated! More than 90% of lessons have moved online and are a hit! Families are reporting that they love keeping something from their normal routine and having the outlet for creativity and play.
Teachers are LOVING online lessons and supporting each other by posting insights, lesson plans and learnings on our Backstage "teachers only" group every hour.
Some students have signed on for even MORE lessons in order to power boost to the next level. (Want to do this too? Call us at 610-649-2782 or talk to your teacher!)
Brand new students from the Main Line and beyond are signing up solely for online lessons.
Teacher and family pets are making cameo appearances.
We're posting some of our most popular MW games and activities online for teachers and students to use during lessons and during home study. (See below for more on that!)
Below are some actual quotes from our "Backstage" MW Teacher Message board:
"Just had an AWESOME lesson over Zoom using MuseScore to notate one of my student’s songs! She was sad about missing out on the showcase, so we’re notating it instead. We shared our screens and I taught her how to use the software."
"I have really been loving the fact that we're essentially teaching with a built-in mirror (and video recorder). It's so helpful to be like 'Hey, look at yourself in the video right now...do you see how your elbow is here... etc.'"
"It's been a very positive way to build community and get to know each other a bit better."
P.S. - Parents, you can have some creative time and learn a new skill during social distancing, too! If you'd like to learn guitar, piano... even opera singing, now's the time! Give us a call at 610-649-2782.
NEW! Online "Creativity Zone" – Exclusively for MW Students
To make your online lessons even more streamlined and fun (and to make home study time more creative and productive!) we've posted some of our most popular MW games and activities online! (With more being posted every day!)
During online lessons, both you and your teacher can pull up the page in a window to play your favorite games, complete note-reading challenges and more. There's also a section with printable game pieces and activities!
There’s a button for the “creativity zone” at the bottom of the school’s homepage on our website, or it can be accessed directly here (ask your teacher for the password or check the email we sent on 3/19 to active students!):
https://www.mwschoolofmusic.com/creativityzone
Weds., March 18th:
Lessons are ON! Many of you have already jumped into online lessons and the response from both teachers and families has been amazing – we’ve heard that the break for parents and the continuation of kids’ routines have been very welcomed. A number of families have requested extra lessons, and the answer is YES! We think that's a great use of your newfound free time. Chat with your teacher to arrange it.
As of today, lessons have almost completely moved online. In rare instances, some teachers may still have availability for in-home lessons (complete with singalong hand-washing sessions). You can discuss that option with them.
We also just launched a Creative Zone for teachers and students where we are posting some of our most popular music games online. This allows easy access during online lessons and between lessons!
Fri. March 13th,
As you know, our community is carefully watching the news about coronavirus and following the advice of health organizations. We wanted to update you on status of lessons and events, as well as the precautions we are taking within the school.
Our Songwriter’s Open Mic events have been postponed. Out of an abundance of caution, and with concern for attendees that fall into the more at-risk groups, we have made the decision to postpone this weekend's shows (the new date is currently TBD). We are so excited to hear your songs, and know that they’ll be even better with more time to refine and practice them. If you are unable to attend the new date (once it is determined) we can refund your show fee or apply it towards your next show/performance.
In-home lessons are still being held. Our teachers will be taking students for hand-washing singalongs at the beginning and end of lessons as well as wiping down instruments before and after lessons. They are also happy to follow any additional protocol you have in place. We feel the in-home aspect of lessons works to our advantage here, as it's an environment you can control as opposed to a facility that sees large numbers of people daily.
Online lessons via FaceTime, Skype and other programs are available and our teachers have been preparing lessons with these platforms.
Any teacher who feels ill or comes in contact with an ill person will reschedule lessons. We are asking families to protect our teachers and fellow students as well by letting them and our office know if a student or any family member they come in contact with is or has been sick.
If a teacher comes to a home to find that someone in the house is ill, they have been instructed not to stay for the lesson. We also have a strict student privacy policy in place.
We are working on some activities, musical challenges and more that can be completed at home. Check back for more!
The Importance of Music and Creativity
In addition to reviewing logistics, we want to emphasize this point: music is such an incredible tool for processing emotions, sharing experiences and brightening others’ days. We’d like to encourage you to make music often, and share it generously. Right now, a number of things feel like they are on pause and our routines are disrupted – never stop creating.
