ISSUE NO. 22 | JANUARY 2021
ZOOM TO THE RESCUE
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MODERN DAY MUSIC SCHOOL
It ensured stable work for our coaches and consistent learning for students in a time of uncertainty. Since adding Zoom as a lesson option, many students found that they enjoy this type of learning and have continued for varying reasons. The Zoom option is often utilized by students who feel more comfortable with distance learning at this time, but it has proved useful in other situations as well! We spoke to some parents whose students have continued using Zoom to get the inside scoop!
This past year brought a lot of challenges, but difficult times reveal strength and adaptability. When we transitioned to Zoom lessons in March each student and coach learned how to move forward online together. We are very proud that our community learned a new format, making the best of a less than ideal time. stable work for our coaches and consistent learning for students in a time of uncertainty.
BY LAURA BETH JOHNSON
zoom to the rescue
Karen P’s daughter, Aeryn, takes ukulele lessons with Gabe. She said, “The Zoom lessons from MDM have been a huge godsend for us this year. Our family has been isolating at home since March, but being able to keep up with the weekly lesson routine has helped us immensely.” This is something we’ve heard from many parents and we are grateful to have been a part of that comforting routine. It’s important that music students have consistency in order to keep their skills sharp. Karen continued, “The lessons gave us a sense of normalcy, as well as the music. The music has been a stress relief and something to look forward to every week. My daughter now uses playing her instrument as a way to ground herself! My daughter had more time over the summer to concentrate on her music lessons and the Zoom lessons made that possible.” Karen also pointed out that sometimes kids feel more comfortable in a familiar environment. Aeryn is instructed at the same piano she practices on! “We had the freedom to choose different time slots because we don’t have to factor in the commute,” explained Melissa, mother of Sofia Z. (14) who takes voice with Connor and piano with Chelsea. Sofia also used online video platforms for Saratoga Children’s Theatre, Proctors classes, and Russell Sage Theater Camp this summer and knows the drill! She loves her MDM Zoom lessons. Melissa said, “They’re excellent. Your teachers have done an amazing job pivoting.”
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Both parents said they would encourage others to give Zoom lessons a try. “I think how natural it becomes might surprise some people,” Melissa said , “Sofia has been able to do virtually all of the activities that she would be able to do in person. While we look forward to seeing everyone again, this has been an excellent substitute.” Aeryn feels comfortable and confident with Zoom as well. Her mom, Karen, explained, “Her lessons are the same high quality as in person. Her teacher is attentive and they have no problems watching and talking to each other on Zoom. They share links, and browse YouTube for new songs during class like normal.” It is fun for the parents as well who get to know exactly what their child is learning. Karen explained, “Aeryn loves to play what she's learned right after her lessons. She pulls us both in and plays for us. When we were in person we had a long drive. That extra time she spends on the music, and with us, is worth a lot to me.” The pandemic is not the only reason students use video lessons. In my experience, I’ve had students get stuck in traffic and Zoom in to warm up so we didn’t lose any time. I also have a few students in their first year of college who continued lessons with me even though they’re scattered across the country! Live video lessons are a great tool and I’m glad I have experience with it. We’re so glad to hear that the Zoom option has helped students and families spend more time together and feel safe and comfortable. Aeryn said she’s going to continue doing Zoom lessons even after the pandemic! Her mom said, “It's really been a joy to take lessons with Gabe via Zoom. It's been a big positive part of our time this year.” We can’t wait to continue with you all in 2021!
Blake S. (4) is a part of our Little Rocker’s Program and a HUGE music enthusiast! Blake plays guitar, ukulele, and drums. His favorite artists are Elvis and The Beatles. Blake said, “I love to go to Little Rockers with Tony and play the drums! At home I have an acoustic and electric guitar, but the amp broke. What it is is you can’t turn it on before you plug it in. Tony said that. I think it broke cause we did that a hundred times.” Blake's mom, Sue, chuckled, “Yes, we learned from Tony how to use the amp. Maybe Santa will bring another one.” Blake continued, “Before I came into this music class I was in a band”, Blake announced proudly. His mom looked surprised, “ A band, huh?” “Yup!” “Well,” she said, “I don’t know about that, but he loves to see bands play live.” Blake has come to the Band Program shows the past two years! He’s gone to see Tony play out and is a fan of local artists such as Melissa Scandelori and Grand Central Station! “He is drawn to musicians. He just loves everything about seeing live music,” Jessica shared.
“He is drawn to musicians. He just loves everything about music from the instruments to the stage set up,” Sue shared. Sue played clarinet as a kid, but didn’t stick with it. “We don’t know where this came from,” she said, “but then again my father is a serious musical appreciator. No musical talent, but he knows just about everything about music. He has a music room with records covering two entire walls.” Blake loves listening to records with his grandpa and even has a record player in his own room! He likes to go to the farmers market to collect new records. His favorite game to play is stage. He sets a whole stage up in the living room and then performs a concert for us. “No way! I’ve worked on stages for big big shows before,” I told him. “We put up the scaffolding and the lights and the audio equipment.” “How long did it take?” he asked, impressed. “Oh it took all morning. 5 hours I think.” “Woah. Mine only takes an hour.” “You’re very efficient.” “I am.” Blake, your love for music is incredible! Thank you for coming to see our bands and Tony play! We can’t wait to see you learn more and more and become an incredible musician!
Our Virtual Student Showcase is on Facebook Live on 1/24 at 1pm! Check your email or the MDM bulletin board for more info! Please reach out to the office AND your coach to secure your spot.
JANUARY CALENDAR
1 - New Years Day 4 - Musicians of Ma'alwyck, The Linda, Virtual Concert, 8 PM 8 - Rufus Wainwright, Virtual Concert, 6PM 10 - Madison VanDenburg, American Idol 2019 Finalist, Virtual Concert, 7 PM 11 - Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones, The Linda, Virtual Concert, 8 PM 18 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day 18 - Mirk, The Linda, Virtual Concert, 8 PM 25 - BEARGRASS, The Linda, Virtual Concert, 8PM 30 - Moriah Formica, 80’s Radical Sabbatical, Virtual Concert 12 PM 31 - The 63rd GRAMMY Awards
Reeves M Arthur S Ryan A Jackson A Olivia C Nikita P Theresa F Kaden M Jack M Grant M Isabelle G Yana B Annelies V Ishaan T Justice H Conor C Nate M Simone P Neil P
A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR OUR NEW STUDENTS in december!
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