Since the pivot to fully online learning in March 2020, and then a subsequent continuation of hybrid in-person and online learning, I have found myself not only in the role of choir director but also as sound engineer and recording artist for my students. Technology has not yet been invented to allow humans to sing together on online formats, so the next best thing is training students to practice and sing by themselves at home with music tracks. The 鈥渂and-aid鈥 of practice track-learning during the pandemic has transitioned into a wonderful way to flip our choir classes and to help students take more responsibility for their own learning.
For the past 2 years, I have been singing tracks and recording accompaniments for students on nothing more than a computer and old electric piano; a MIDI piano keyboard and quality microphone that connect to my computer will create high quality content that will serve students for years to come.
Practice tracks created for home and individual practice can also be implemented for classroom use as well. At-home student practice will actually be much more effective when autonomous skills are practiced in small groups under my guidance at school. Use of headphones/splitters can additionally allow students to work independently when I鈥檓 working with a group of students. The keyboard can double as a student instrument with which I can create a new practice room as well.
About my class
Since the pivot to fully online learning in March 2020, and then a subsequent continuation of hybrid in-person and online learning, I have found myself not only in the role of choir director but also as sound engineer and recording artist for my students. Technology has not yet been invented to allow humans to sing together on online formats, so the next best thing is training students to practice and sing by themselves at home with music tracks. The 鈥渂and-aid鈥 of practice track-learning during the pandemic has transitioned into a wonderful way to flip our choir classes and to help students take more responsibility for their own learning.
For the past 2 years, I have been singing tracks and recording accompaniments for students on nothing more than a computer and old electric piano; a MIDI piano keyboard and quality microphone that connect to my computer will create high quality content that will serve students for years to come.
Practice tracks created for home and individual practice can also be implemented for classroom use as well. At-home student practice will actually be much more effective when autonomous skills are practiced in small groups under my guidance at school. Use of headphones/splitters can additionally allow students to work independently when I鈥檓 working with a group of students. The keyboard can double as a student instrument with which I can create a new practice room as well.