Whether we like it or not, the pandemic has changed the way we work, attend school, and even make music. Here are a few ways we can adapt to new ways of learning and socializing:
Asynchronous Learning - Classroom education depended heavily on synchronous work, which meant real-time engagement, live activities, and possibly even physical feedback. Now that we must socially distance, turning to asynchronous work (such as guided, independent learning modules which require student feedback) is more important than ever! Students can co-create their music curriculum based on their interests and learn resourcefulness in finding tools, articles & videos that serve their goals. Project-based learning can become quite interesting and motivating when students are given control of their own education.
Chamber Music - A group of two to four musicians can comfortably play together online using apps like JamKazam, Acapella & BandLab. Consider pairing up with a friend or someone from the studio to choose duets, trios or quartets featuring your favorite music! Setting a regular time to meet each week helps with accountability and keeps music-making relevant and fun!
Pivoting - It's not uncommon to reassess the reasons you wanted to learn music in the first place. Especially in times like these, it can seem strange to aim for 1st chair in your orchestra or wanting to prepare for a live performance. These are great times to learn the art of pivoting! Pivoting is taking your skills and knowledge and making them relevant to an auxiliary field of interest. The first step is to acknowledge that a change is necessary in order to preserve your passion. Learning orchestral excerpts may not be exciting considering that your orchestra is not rehearsing, but that doesn't mean you can't learn about what it would take to produce music for video games or films! Maybe you've always wanted to learn how to compose your own music, how to conduct, or how to improvise. These are all areas of music you should feel welcome to explore should it spark an interest for you, and being a well-rounded musician often encompasses developing many of these auxiliary proficiencies.
If you're feeling unmotivated or overwhelmed, understand that you're not alone. The feeling of unease is often a sign that things need to change. Take the time to notice what you'd really like to get out of the present moment, and be open to it!