One Manager of Programs &
such initiative is an ongoing series of virtual town halls . Moderated by MusiCounts
Education Nick Godsoe and including a number of educators from across Canada , these discussions highlight the challenges currently facing teachers working remotely and in classes . Examples include : how to establish best practices for working remotely , finding ways for students and teachers to remain motivated and engaged , and the means to maximize their time together on and offline .
The first MusiCounts Learn virtual town hall took place in May and focused on how educators are adapting to teaching music remotely and what the lasting ramifications of COVID-19 might mean for music education once schools reopen . That theme was picked up again on August 26 th in a town hall entitled , “ Improvising as a Music Educator in COVID-19 : Adaptive Tactics in a Time of Uncertainty .”
Improvising & Planning For musicians , improvisation is baked into their everyday workflow , regardless of their gig . It ’ s a particularly powerful and important skill for teachers to draw on currently to ensure the provision of meaningful music education experiences for educators and students .
Right off the top , Godsoe and the four panelists joining him emphasize the need to be flexible to do so – particularly in coping with the anxiety surrounding the beginning of the 2020 school year . Consequently , they ’ re focusing on what can still be done and achieved as opposed to getting bogged down in what they can no longer do .
As Laura Lee Matthie puts it : “ We ’ ll figure out something else that will be just as exciting and just as cool .”
MUSICOUNTS ’ NICK GODSOE
Matthie , a secondary school teacher in Simcoe County , ON , emphasized expanding her capacity for improvisation – exactly as any musician would – by investigating what other educators are doing , emulating what works , and putting her own spin on it for her specific job .
It ’ s important to recognize – whether you ’ re teaching at a school or privately – that you are not alone . That ’ s underlined by Newfoundland and Labrador-based educator Andrew Mercer , who has taught high school music remotely since 2002 . Mercer suggests envisioning the entire community of music teachers as part of the same band and drawing on other members ’ ideas and expertise to deepen your ability to teach effectively and engage students online and face-to-face . Your approach may differ , but by trial and error , you ’ ll find a way forward
Teachers : Take Advantage of MusiCounts Learn
MusiCounts has created a new program to help teachers and parents keep students engaged with music education at home . MusiCounts Learn is a space for teachers and parents to stay up-to-date with the latest resources and conversations around music education in Canada . This will help ensure more kids have access to music education , both inside and outside of the classroom .
So far , the initiative includes : a curated database of music education resources to help facilitate at-home music education ; a remote music blog series with input from teachers , parents , and artists across the country discussing various tactics to facilitate remote music education ; a series of virtual town halls on timely issues affecting Canadian educators ; a virtual music education event calendar ; and more .
For more information , visit : www . musicounts . ca / musicountslearn
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