Klára Boudalová teaches a class on music education. She has made thinking about social distancing part of her syllabus by asking her students to develop online music teaching materials for educators in their local communities.
Originally my students were going to work with Prague kids under my mentorship. Instead, I changed my syllabus, turning this crisis into a chance for my students to feel like they can make a difference.
I gave my students an uneasy task. Go and help! Make someone happy, be there for someone as a teacher and inspiration. This is not time for just academic discussions, this is time for action.
And they did. Each one of them in their own wonderful and unique way. I am now looking at their projects, and it is making me proud.
All of the students are doing incredible work. One recorded videos for family singing and dancing at home, another made a home disco project, and I have students teaching vocal warm up techniques to singers so they do not lose the quality of their voice during lockdown.
One of my students, Valesca, brought together a group of twenty friends on Zoom to sing a James Taylor song of hope which is dedicated to health care workers and other essential workers. With her virtual choir, she wants to show that there can be still be unity and togetherness. It is… well…touching. And we all need to “Shed a Little Light”, as it is called. Please listen to it and enjoy!