So much can be achieved

I have adapted ways of expanding ensemble and group playing, so that the social side of music-making can be maintained if at all possible during the Coronavirus crisis. This helps beginners as much as advanced players.

As you can hear on my recordings page, I always try to encourage pupils to play in groups. 

Even the newest of beginners can get so much from playing in ensembles. Sometimes that will be in duets with themselves or in bigger ensembles with my other students.

We will work on the pieces over a few lessons until everyone feels comfortable that their playing is the best that they can do.

Parents then record the performances on mobile phone voice memo apps and email the results to me. I arrange the recordings on GarageBand and send the final version out. It serves as a permanent memory and example of just how much the pupils have achieved during their learning. With permission from the other players, the recordings can be shared on school websites as well, as an example of what the student has been able to do despite the Coronavirus restrictions.

I also regularly send out piano accompaniments that I have recorded for my students. This gives them something to work with, helping them to keep a strong beat and a sense of forward motion.