As I am writing this blog, we have been in “lockdown” in South Africa for almost 3 months. In brief, this means that in an instant, we had to come to the terms with a new way of living and all that came with it, making ends meet and adapting the best we can for almost 90 days.
For many this was and still is absolutely devastating…
Most people are still not able to continue with their specific jobs, especially in areas where they are only able to do their jobs with human interaction. An example very close to home, is live music performances, where the core word is LIVE. This area of the music industry came to an immediate halt, leaving many musicians and performers without any other means of income. Virtual performances became the new norm and a temporary solution, but it still left an “emptiness” of the real live feel and interaction between audience and musician.
This made me think about the way forward regarding my specific trade, music tutoring-drumming lessons! Personally I am use to one on one lessons with a student, but I also had to adapt and start doing online lessons. After a quick survey I did last week, the response I received from almost all of my students were overall, overwhelmingly good. In some cases the response was that they are wondering if it will ever be necessary to do one on on lessons ever again! Not too sure about that though!
Will this then be the new “normal”? Less human contact and more virtual experiences? For me I believe there is a balance between the two and a place for both. Even though some things can only be brought across in real life, between tutor and student, for now, online will have to do. But, taking in consideration the great feedback I received from many of my students it is not the worst of things regarding my craft as a music tutor.
So I leave you with this…
Some comments from the parents of students I received-
“This lockdown gave me an opportunity to watch the lessons and the interaction with you and my son. It is definitely going well and we are glad you kept up with this approach. We will continue with the online for now”-Dad of student.
“I am loving online classes it helps, cause then I know more of what’s going on. Though different with lockdown, it has been a good learning experience. Now we know what to do.” – Mom of student.
“He is crazy about his lessons, it is his highlight of the week! With everyone working from home and studying, his practising is a bit limited, but he enjoys it immensely.” Mom of student
Only time will tell if a virtual world of interaction will remain and if the “chemistry” between tutor and student will only be created in a live one on one lesson.
For now, I will embrace whatever the future holds and keep on teaching and bringing across my passion the best I can.