The Sharkey Voice Studio will introduce a hybrid model of in-person and online delivery of weekly lessons beginning September 2021. Students may choose to attend in-person, online or both.
We strongly encourage you to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible. Second doses boost our immunity and provide the greatest protection against COVID-19 and the identified variants. While first doses are a step towards limiting the impacts of COVID-19, the second dose is needed to experience the full benefits of available vaccines. Under MacEwan University's COVID -19 protocol, The Sharkey Voice Studio will require all students and its collaborators returning in-person to the studio this fall to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the start of the fall 2021 semester.
Whenever possible, The Sharkey Voice Studio will continue to accommodate students who are impacted by COVID-19. This includes students who cannot or choose not to be vaccinated for medical reasons. Therefore, those students will be offered online lessons.
For the safety of in-person lessons, 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.
As necessary, lessons will take place in one of the larger rooms at MacEwan University Conservatory of Music's Alberta College Campus, where more than 2 meters of social distancing can be implemented.
The instructor will wear personal protective equipment (face mask) if needed to be within 2 metres during a lesson.
A Levoit True HEPA Air Purifier will be on in the studio for air cleaning and filtration to help reduce airborne contaminants.
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 have a cough/cold or are feeling unwell or if a member of your immediate family is feeling 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. Alternatively, 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. Cash payments will not be accepted.