STUDIO PLAN FOR COVID 19

Dear Students and Parents,
 
I am writing to provide you with the most information I can at this time about plans for teaching and learning in the coming fall term.
 
The world faces many uncertainties at this time, and yet music has the power to be an uplifting force, a calming refuge and a wholistic activity that gives a sense of normalcy. I have been working hard to provide my students with continued options and opportunities for learning, and am dedicated to supporting their continued education in every way I can.
 
There are many unknowns about the public health conditions and directives that will apply in September and beyond. This letter proposes a flexible plan that will take into consideration the many variables and options ahead.
 
Since the beginning of this pandemic, my primary concern has been the health and wellbeing of my students and studio families. Within this context, I am also motivated to ensure that learning can continue.
 
With these key considerations in mind, I propose:
 

• Should health conditions and official directives allow, beginning September 7th, piano lessons will resume in person, if you feel comfortable doing this. There would be precautionary steps taken, like frequent disinfecting, temperature taken before entering, handwashing before and after lesson (I have a separate hand towel for each student) and masks are required (worn properly to cover nose and mouth).  I also have a clear barrier between my keyboard and the grand piano, which the students will play on.

 

• If you are uncomfortable with in person lessons, we will do them online.

 

• If the student is unable/unwilling to wear a mask properly, we will do online lessons on Zoom or Facetime.  

 

• If you show any signs of illness (but feel well enough to have a lesson) or have a family member who displays any COVID-like symptoms, the lesson will be done online.   

 

• Students who have a lesson before them will only enter after the prior student exits.  I will shorten the lesson by two minutes to allow passing time. 

 

• Please limit the number of people in the studio.  I still would like to have a parent present (at least once a month), but siblings and other guests should stay outside the studio.  Again, there can be no unsupervised children on my property. 

 

• Should we begin in person or online and then receive an official directive that changes the social distancing requirements, we will reassess and continue lessons in the safest way possible.

 

• Our first masterclasses will be on ZOOM. I hope to move to in person masterclasses as soon as we can!

 
Please let me know what books you have at home via email.  If there are any unused books, please return them to me ASAP, as I am in the process of ordering new books.
 
I am in the process of updating my website to show what I know at this time.  I still plan to do three recitals (December, February, and June), the Music Artistry Program (Feb. 19-21) and Chapter Honors Competition (March 6), as well as a few other events, such as Theory testing (which was cancelled this year due to COVID).  
 
I also suspect that those students who are doing public school will find that there are gaps in their school day, and am open to switching lesson times to allow for an earlier or even different day lesson.  Just let me know what might work for you and I will see if I can accommodate it!
 
Be safe, and stay healthy!  I am excited for another year with each of you!
 
Sincerely,
Julie Swienty