This quarantine has played havoc with musicians, students of music, and audiences everywhere. However, the music community has come together in remarkable ways to provide concerts, classes, music camps, and other musical experiences online.
But, I hear from way too many people: “It’s not as good,” or, “It’s not the same.”
As an educator, I hear the same thing about online education. Here’s my reply to both: just get over it.
Or better yet, learn to appreciate it. Or learn to make it better. None of us has extensive experience with being a musician or a student online. Even if we have taken online courses, or created music videos for social media, these experiences pale in comparison to our experiences with face-to-face classes or playing together in a jam or a band. We have many more hours of experience in playing in jams or bands. We’re still learning about how musical performance is evolving through online tools.
If you’re just waiting for things to go back to “normal,” you’re in the unfortunate position of gritting your teeth and wishing your life away. All those who are jumping in are figuring things out, learning about the technology, determining better ways to teach and perform online, and most of all, keeping the music going.
It’s time for everyone who can to jump in. There are performers putting on shows on Facebook — Michael Cleveland plays his inimitable style of fiddling from his kitchen from time to time, and Mike Compton is performing “Live by Request,” to name just two.
Instructors are teaching online, using a variety of tools to help us all keep learning. Check out the Freight and Salvage’s website for a long list of classes you can take without having to brave the highways or pay for parking. Or, find an instructor in your local area.
Festivals are also going online, such as Del McCoury’s DelFest, which started yesterday, May 21, 2020, and most importantly, the reconfigured CBA Father’s Day Festival, “Turn Your Radio Online” at turnyourradio.online. It begins Saturday evening, May 23, 2020, with events and performances continuing up to Father’s Day. I know we’d all like to be in Grass Valley next month, but we can still enjoy the amazing talent and energy that goes into this festival.
It’s also important if you have the means to help keep food on the table of musicians whose work you enjoy. Buy their CDs and swag from their websites. Look for their virtual tip jars. Look at the Patreon website to see if you can support any of your favorites. For example, have a look at the Bluegrass Ambassadors Patreon page, and the good work they’re doing.
I’m attending both private and group lessons four days a week, twice on Mondays :). I participated in Walker Creek music camp online. It was great. Was it as good as face to face? It doesn’t matter if it was or if it wasn’t. It’s what was available, and what I will continue to do until this is over.
Remember, it will be over.
