On September 1, 2020, MacEwan University, The School for Continuing Education and The Conservatory of Music relaunched face-to-face instruction for voice. On September 11, Alberta Health Services updated their approach, "...to allow limited band practices, singing and wind instruments concerts to occur, providing distancing, enhanced cleaning and other precautions are implemented."
As of March 16, 2020, all voice lessons have been delivered online by The Sharkey Voice Studio and will continue to do for the 2020/21 academic year. The studio will reassess its decision in January 2021 to observe the local transmission levels of that time. A hybrid model of in-person and online delivery of lessons will be considered by the beginning of 2021.
Once in-person lessons are allowed to resume safely, the following steps will be in place:
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Lessons will have staggered entry a with 15 minute break between students, minimizing contact between each student/family and allow for 2 metre social distancing as much as possible. A hybrid of online and in-person learning would also be delivered in conjunction with the staggered teaching schedule.
Lessons will take place in one of the larger rooms at MacEwan University Conservatory of Music's Alberta College Campus, where more than 2 metres of social distancing can be implemented.
The instructor will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) if needed to be within 2 metres during a lesson, but will always wear a mask regardless.
SCREENING & PREVENTION
An accurate log of attendance will be kept.
A COVID-19 screening procedure will be in place for myself and students (see pre-screening questionnaire below).
A policy for cancellation due to sickness and alternative lesson options are available on the Studio Policy page.
The instructor will follow social distancing guidelines and comply with quarantine/isolation requirements outside of lessons.
CLEANING & SANITIZATION
Heightened sanitation and cleaning procedures in the studio are in place to keep all of us safe.
Common touch items such as music stands, the piano lid, keyboard, doorknobs, light switch, counters, phone and computer are sanitized between lessons.
Other common touch items, such as pencils or gadgets have been removed.
The instructor follows hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
What students need to do:
ILLNESS
If you are ill, or if a member of your immediate family is ill, DO NOTcome to your lesson. Out of a high level of precaution, the instructor and all students must avoid exposure to any airborne illness.
If you show signs of illness and attend the lesson anyway, the lesson will not proceed and the lesson will be deferred to a later date.
Alternatively, a student may arrange a remote online lesson if his/her vocal cords are not affected.
SCREENING
Stay home if you or a family member show any symptoms.
Complete the COVID-19 pre-screening questionnaire (see below) prior to each lesson.
Review the Studio Policies regarding cancellation, make-up lesson and non-compliance.
ARRIVAL
Arrive 5-10 minutes early to your lesson. You are welcome to wait in your car - a text/call/email will be sent to inform you when you can make your way to your lesson. Do not wait in the small waiting area outside the studio.
A mask or face covering is recommended when arriving for lessons.
Avoid overcrowding of the elevator. Limit the number in an elevator car to 2-3 people. Wear a face mask. Alternatively, take the stairs or wait for the next elevator.
Avoid touching your face after pushing the button.
Before entering studio, please wash hands thoroughly. Upon entering the studio, sanitize hands with available sanitizer at table beside the front door entrance.
Bring your own stationery items such as pencils, erasers and facial tissue.
Follow respiratory etiquette.
COMMUNICATION & PAYMENT
While adhering to physical distancing practices, please communicate via email or by phone whenever possible.
Please make contactless electronic payments for lessons. For cheque payments, please send them by mail. Cash payments will not be accepted.
As COVID-19 has devastating respiratory effects, online lessons are still our best and safest option. This, and the above relaunch plan, will be our new normal for a while. I appreciate your support in keeping each other safe and I look forward to seeing you in-person!