“Windows of Opportunity”

Deepening Musical Connections

I have a motto at my Studio that reads “Experience the Joy of Making Music Together!” Easy in “real time”, but a little more challenging “virtually”, alongside all other life concerns surrounding the pandemic. On the positive side - learning, teaching and performing on-line, has opened many “Windows of Opportunity” that have afforded us new adventures and ways to experience the joy of making music together remotely, that we might never have otherwise imagined.

I am grateful to my students and clients for being a part of this adventure! Being brave, trying and testing new apps, games and processes. Learning by doing and playing - through using manipulatives, listening, recording, improvising, composing, and performing.

With new technological resources, it has only expanded what we are able to do - as teachers, students, and musicians.

Professional Connections

I am grateful for the training I received whilst becoming a Certified Clinical Musician, just before the pandemic. This was an all on-line course and mentorship program, with offices in Montana, and a professional harpist based in New York City.

In 2019 I attended the CFMTA Conference in Winnipeg, along with both pedal and electric lever harps, and greatly enjoyed playing and talking with fellow teachers, particularly on subjects concerning on-line teaching, delivery and communication. Little did I know then how valuable those conversations would be! Thanks to my many found friends and colleagues.

In the past year I have come to appreciate the many connections I have made with teachers, musicians and professional organizations throughout the world. It’s affirming and encouraging to see how widely diverse and interesting our musical world is - and to see how our experiences, and those of our students, fit into the larger global picture.

Moving Forward

I’m excited to be teaching and playing “remotely”, and being part of a vast on-line network.

One big window for me personally, will be the opportunity for more composing and arranging, playing and recording.

As well as time for playing around with more new on-line toys and gadgets!

Spring Recital 2021

In the Spring of 2021, friends and families from across Canada and the US zoomed in to join students of The Music Studio for “an evening of beautiful music”. What last year had been novelty, this year was “normal” - and full of ease and celebration!

Big Rewards:

Throughout the year, I have conducted student/parent/teacher interviews to collectively review progress, address concerns, and plan for the future. From everyone, the rewards from a full year of entirely remote learning have been noted:

• More music learned

• More time playing music, and incorporating it as an important life-style choice

• Consistency - looking forward to a regular lesson time and showing up, excited and without worry!

• The safety, convenience and comfort of playing at home