Musos are among many in the Illawarra community being hugely impacted by social distancing to help keep a cap on the spread of COVID-19.
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Entertainers such as Andrea Wells have suddenly faced venues closing and gigs being cancelled. But a big part of what Ms Wells does is music tuition. Which she has been able to continue thanks to technology.
Melodique Music School has made a swift shift to online teaching with lessons now being conducted by video call.
Ms Wells said her students are not just learning about music. There are many benefits singing and or playing an instrument can have on people stuck at home. She said it was a proven fact that music is good for your mental health.
"With higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression due to the effects of COVID-19, a 30 to 60 minute music lesson is a 30 to 60 minute escape from any negativity and worry. Music is a scientifically recognised mode of therapy, and has proven psychological benefits".
Ms Wells said a music lesson was also a great way to fill time which is something most people now have more of.
"With many limited in their ability to work or bound to their homes, suddenly we have more time on our hands and more time to practice, Melodique Music School can tutor at any time of day, Monday to Saturday".
"All instruments are available, including vocals, piano, guitar and flute".
Ms Wells said regular music lessons when they are spending so much time at home will give them some consistency and structure.
"With the schools soon closing, and children at home out of their daily routines, regular lessons can help bring back order to your home and your children's lives," she said.
"We can even assist them with their music related homework, from primary to HSC level learning.
"We teach everything from theory, to technique, to composition, to performance.
"Sports are cancelled and venues are closed. Activities like swimming, dancing, gymnastics, martial arts, or going to the gym, can no longer be engaged in.
"But you can still engage in music.
"We have a heaps of fun in our music lesson video calls.
"At Melodique Music School laughter has always been as important as the learning. Online music lessons provide a way to continue to connect with other people with zero risk to your health".
Ms Wells said already 50 per cent of the school's client base have converted to the new way of learning.
Most are using the Zoom app which is also attracting new students.
"We have two new starters this week who inquired specifically for online lessons. And I have a group of four housemates who are also starting this week online for fun," she said.
"We are using mostly Zoom and we may be implementing Microsoft Teams soon as an option also since there are multiple tutors trying to make calls.
"We don't want the technology to daunt anyone though, or for them to say no because they are unfamiliar with a certain app or platform. We are open to Skype, WhatsApp and FaceTime as well
"We are happy to offer a free 10 to 15 minute training call to help them set up and learn to use the technology.
"We can can also deliver piano and flute in Chinese. And guitar in Spanish and Italian..
"It has really been quite amazing and successful".
Parents are really liking their children being able to maintain an activity, and being able to be able to socialise in some way.
"It is very effective learning. We can help with their music related homework too. We can essentially function in the same way a math tutor can".
The Illawarra Mercury has launched a Taking Care of Business campaign.
Each day we will highlight a local business who is adapting or evolving to be able to keep operating under these trying times.
If you know of a business adapting, please send us an email titled Taking Care of Business to cos@illawarramercury.com.au.
We have also put a call out and will run a list of cafes, restaurants and clubs who are offering takeaway or delivery on our Facebook page. If you know of an outlet now offering home delivery or takeaway, please let us know and add it to the list.
Read more:
- Wollongong-founded COVID-19 Facebook foodie group 'Illawarra Menus' racks up 20,000 followers in six days
- List of Illawarra restaurants and cafes offering delivery and takeaway during the COVID-19 shutdown
- Liquor and Gaming Authority allows Grill'd to deliver beer or wine with meals
- After bringing joy to fire ravaged communities over summer Ken Murray is doing the same in Wollongong with COVID-19
- How to plan a wedding in 23 hours because of COVID-19
- Wollongong's Deli and Dine on Market dances into customers' hearts with grazing boxes amid COVID-19 crisis
- Clubs and eateries face closure as PM announces new restrictions
- What Illawarra clubs and eateries are doing to survive coronavirus
- New music initiative to help the community to keep on jammin during social isolation
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we aim to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
