Overall, I don’t have a super negative opinion on online learning, but I think I do prefer learning in person. A hybrid system would be ideal for me – our music ed class this morning was actually held over Zoom, and it was really nice to be able to sleep in a bit and eat breakfast while attending class at the same time. In particular, I really loved my theory class during the year everything was online. My prof really made it work, and made it overall interactive and engaging; something most classes weren’t able to be. Particularly in classes with older profs who weren’t great with technology, we ran into a lot more issues with even getting the class running and using class time efficiently. Ultimately, a hybrid method would be best for all different types of learners. I think it’s impossible to engage in ensemble work effectively online, but there are aspects of musical learning that still can happen online.

I think the main two activities I would have in my back pocket in the event of an online learning emergency would be:

a) something theory-related. This stuff is like the math of music; it’s useful to be able to apply it in context (i.e. ensemble rehearsal) but it can be taught without that too.

b) something music history/inquiry project based. This would allow students some freedom of choice in what they’re learning and how they present it but still relate to music and important aspects of music.