A new look at distance learning and teaching music.

The picture from the new book "Kingdom of Tune"-2

Homework: The Challenge of Distance Learning

Homework has long been seen as a form of distance learning, but many teachers brace themselves for the worst when assigning it. While some exceptions exist, the majority of teachers face common challenges when students practice independently.

As driving instructors often say, "On the road, assume every driver is careless—it's safer that way." Similarly, experienced music teachers often have low expectations when students practice piano at home. The main concern is that students might forget or misinterpret the hard work accomplished during lessons.

Parental Involvement: A Double-Edged Sword Will students receive help from their parents? This is a complex question. On one hand, parental support can be helpful; on the other, it can lead to mixed messages if parents aren't musically trained. In some cases, it's better for students to work independently than to receive incorrect guidance from well-meaning parents.

The Ideal Student Teachers ideally want students to build on what they’ve learned in class, returning with improved skills and understanding. This is like planting seeds in fertile soil: the growth between lessons is crucial. In contrast, a student who consistently falls short can lead to frustration and disappointment for teachers, undermining their passion for their work.

The Frustration of a Music Teacher Unprepared students can cause teachers to doubt their own abilities, leading to lost enthusiasm, financial loss, and potentially a drop in student numbers. When students leave, they may spread negative feedback, impacting a teacher's reputation and contributing to a decline in interest in music education.

The Impact of Distance Learning Adding distance learning to the mix can exacerbate these issues. If students make progress primarily during in-person lessons, reducing this component can result in a greater burden on teachers and less effective outcomes. Yet, distance learning is often necessary. The challenge is to equip students with the skills and confidence to work independently, achieving tangible results without direct supervision.

Tools for Distance Learning Despite these challenges, unique tools like the Soft Mozart system can facilitate distance learning in music education. Soft Mozart is designed to bridge the gap between notation and sound, allowing students to see, hear, play, and listen to musical notation on their own. By extending the lines and spaces of the Grand Staff, the system provides a platform for developing universal musical skills applicable to any instrument.

Benefits of Emulation Software This software allows teachers to feel more confident about the next lesson, knowing that even if a student plays another instrument, they can still practice music by reading notes on a keyboard. This approach allows teachers to focus on developing advanced skills, rather than addressing fundamental issues.

To illustrate the potential of this system, let's consider a few examples:

1. A 3-year-old child develops her voice using solfeggio over a 5-month period.

2. How teaching on Skype with the #softmozart technology looks like?

 

3. A 2-year-old child develops her hearing in order to master the violin.

4. A 4-year-old child works remotely on mastering a piano piece.

 

Behind the Scenes of Distance Learning

Each of these videos represents the culmination of a teacher's hard work. Now, imagine this teacher: how would they feel if a child comes to class with improved skills after practicing at home? They'd likely feel encouraged and validated. Distance learning plays a critical role in this scenario—it allows students to build on their own strengths, enabling them to develop skills like musical memory, voice, and hearing independently.

By allowing students to practice at home, teachers gain room to focus on creativity and repertoire development during lessons. This flexibility fosters a more engaging and enjoyable learning experience, keeping everyone excited and motivated. When students are able to progress through self-guided learning, it benefits everyone involved, including parents and social networks.

A positive approach to homework transforms music teaching into a popular activity, attracting more interest from children, parents, and broader communities. This enthusiasm can lead to a stronger musical culture and increased participation in music education.

In the end, while many things may change, music remains constant and timeless—a testament to its enduring value and significance.