Some tips and news on online lessons, security and more!
Regarding Zoom and security
Meridee and all MW Teachers are aware of the recent news about Zoom, are in active discussion and have protocols in place. Every link on any platform – Zoom, Face Time, Google Hangouts, etc. – is private. For Zoom we also are deploying passwords and waiting rooms. For the FBI tips about Zoom, which all teachers have reviewed, click here https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/boston/news/press-releases/fbi-warns-of-teleconferencing-and-online-classroom-hijacking-during-covid-19-pandemic
Tips for Online Music Lessons
We asked our teachers to share the most helpful advice for parents navigating this new world of online music lessons. Here’s what they have to say:
Start with a location in your home that you know gets good connectivity. Basements can be tough unless the router is there already.
When possible, use a laptop for video lessons. A laptop’s processing power is so much better than other devices so keep your iPad or your phone for your last resort.
Pick one spot for the device to stay during the lesson. Holding your phone or moving the screen around can be disorienting and lead to lag time. Teachers don’t necessarily need to see your child’s fingers on the piano keys. They’ve got amazing musician ears!
Plan to check in with your music teacher at the beginning or end of the lesson. You can take a minute to find out how the lessons are going, help solve technical issues and maybe get a performance out of your child!
For young students, plan to be nearby but not “in” the lesson. Just as with in-person lessons, it’s important that your child know they need to focus and take direction from the teacher. Your teacher will let you know if they need more support but usually they do better when a parent is in the next room (and that’s your escape, too!).
OR join in the lesson! For young students, it can be a wonderful experience to spend 30 minutes learning piano with you. Have dad sit in to improvise or mom add some lyrics to a song. Use it as family time!
Have your musician use headphones! They are a must for younger kids but help everyone hear and focus better.
Talk to your music teacher before an online lesson to discuss the best plan for set up including what device you're using, the platform for online lessons, materials they'll share and need to see and how much supervision your student will need.
Remember above all, we all have good days and bad. It’s okay for your child’s lesson to be a little rough sometimes. It’s a chance for them to share their experience of this new situation with a trusted teacher. The most important part is to hang in there and not give up!
We’re in this together!
Teachers shared success stories via Zoom meetings this past week.
New ways to share - happening every week!
If you haven’t joined our Facebook Student Song Share yet, don’t wait! Just this week we’ve had students as young as 8 up to teens sharing their performances with us. We’ve also had great songs, covers and originals, by our teaching staff. Don’t miss out!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1554367101380390/
We’re also on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/merideemusic/) and will have more videos to share soon! #merideewinterssongshare to follow us!