Building Community in the Studio

(Originally published in the Fall 2020 APTA News & Views for the Alberta Piano Teachers’ Association. Updated & modified for the Studio Blog.)

Growing up, I didn’t like how we kept to ourselves at recitals and how there was little interaction between students. I yearned for music buddies and community, which I didn’t have until I attended university.

When I started to teach privately, establishing a friendly studio community was one of my priorities. Since most of us publish studio newsletters to connect with families, my focus here is on the activities I have instigated to build connections and foster a sense of community through the years. Colleagues, feel free to adapt these into your studio.

Group Classes & Special Projects

My students have collaborated on various projects, both in and out of group classes. They have done everything from composing, piano combos, pop bands, folk dancing, recording, editing, and field trips. Our three biggest projects were Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir 4: Fly to Paradise, David Wesley’s O Canada Choir, and a student band that earned an Honorable Mention in a Long & McQuade music contest.

Musespeak Studio · Musespeak Studio - Long and McQuade Entry 2013

It hasn’t been easy offering group classes. Some students are just too busy to come at a different time. Others really dislike the idea of group classes. For those who participate, the group projects and classes remain one of the most memorable parts of their music studies.

Sadly, with the pandemic, I fear the days of group classes are over. However, I will endeavour to find ways for my students to collaborate.

Casual Performance Opportunities

I established piano parties to give students performance experience in a social setting, seeing as most of their performances are for family and friends. I generally schedule two to three parties a year. Each student performs one or more pieces. I do as well, usually sharing something fairly new. If there’s a birthday, someone plays Happy Birthday. At one party, a student played O Canada, so we all stood up and sang the anthem.

Before and after performances, we play board games. Everyone brings snacks to share.

Cat Tower is a piano party favourite! Credit: R-M Arca.

One year, a student who suffers from severe performance anxiety had an attack. She went upstairs while another student went to comfort her and give her a pep talk. She came back down and performed, crying throughout her performance. Everyone listened to her calmly and supported her afterwards. I couldn’t have been more proud of my students for how they handled the situation.

With the pandemic, our last three piano parties were held online via Zoom or StreamYard. At the first online party, I ditched the performances in favour of giving my students a chance to socialize and discuss how they were coping. At our most recent one, we played a couple of online games after everyone performed.

To give students performance experience in a community setting, I book recitals at a local nursing home, two times a year. That was one tradition from my student days that I wanted to continue.

At our 2019 annual recital for our neighbourhood nursing home. Credit S. Yin.

The pandemic hasn’t stopped this. We have held two live stream recitals for the nursing home residents since the beginning of the pandemic. You can find out about our live streaming adventures here.

Crossover Periods & Mentoring

The studio is quite lively during the changeover period between lessons. Parents chat in the waiting area, while the students switching off exchange greetings, share news and listen to the Music Clip of the Day.

Alas, those days are over. Hopefully not permanently.

I recently set up a Piano Buddies program. Five students expressed an interest in being Piano Buddies. They’ll work together to do some ear training and rhythm practice and perform for each other. Earlier this week, I coached one of my students in how to set up a Christmas Break gaming day online. It is my hope this will evolve with minimal input from me.

Recitals as a Social Event

The Snack & Chat has been a popular feature at year-end recitals. Each family brings a plate of goodies to share. Students and parents chat with each other, students praise each other for a good performance and sometimes, someone breaks out a board game. Some years, it takes a while to clear out the area.

With our last two live stream recitals, my students did manage to keep that sense of community. They took full advantage of the backstage chat window during the recital, cheering each other on. Family and friends utilized the live chat on YouTube. Thanks to StreamYard’s user interface, I inserted some of the comments directly into the live stream and responded to comments and questions in real time.

It wasn’t the same as being in a church and having the Snack & Chat afterwards, but at least there was that real-time interaction with family and friends both near and far. After our December recital, some of us squeezed in a few rounds of Among Us.

Building Community via Social Media

Most students enjoy being the “Instagram Star of the Day,” where I feature a photo, video or screencap of fun or great moments during lessons. Most of my teenage students are on Instagram, so they have formed a network all on their own, following each other and keeping in touch via Direct Messaging. Past students keep in touch through Facebook or Instagram.

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The fact that my students continue to keep in touch with each other as well as myself, years after lessons, makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. My efforts to have a friendly studio community have borne fruit.

This may seem like a lot. Start with a few activities. Create opportunities for students and their families to connect and support each other in multiple ways. That is how community is fostered.

DISCLAIMER: This post contains a referral link to StreamYard.

The Thrill of Helping Others

Shortly after the devastating floods in Southern Alberta (which spilled into British Columbia and Saskatchewan), a friend and I were looking for ways to help. We joined several flood support groups on Facebook, but when we found YYCHelps, we thought, "Hey cool! Someone's on the ball with organizing!" We promptly signed up.

In less than one week, the website and volunteer opportunities processes on YYCHelps were streamlined even more. My friend and I signed up to help with Tide Loads of Hope through the YYCHelps website. Two of the ladies we helped were interviewed in this news clip:

At the same time, I spied a posting for volunteers with some social media savvy. I got excited. Here was something that called to my technical and social media geekiness.

At the volunteer orientation session on June 27, 2013, I signed up to help in two areas. Within six hours, I was appointed to lead the website updates team.

I was leery of the commitment, especially with me heading out the CFMTA Convention early July. The core team member who approached me said, "If you could set it up, I can take over when I return [and you go]."

The core team explained that they wanted a swarm structure for the teams. Everyone is dispensable. The set-up, if done properly, should allow for anyone who can read and use the computer to take over your role.

After just five crazy days of working with my team and setting up the team handbook, we've really gelled while building up something truly exciting. Before leaving for Halifax, I appointed two back-up team leads from within the team, although part of me didn't want to leave. It was just too darn exciting.

Yes, I'm an adrenaline junkie. Being thrown into a project running, trying to get something meaningful set up (and set up well) within a tight timeframe, meeting with and working with a diverse group of like-minded and talented people for a good cause - how could you NOT get high from this?

In the end, my initial fears were about nothing. The bulk of my commitment was during those five days, which involved contacting my team, setting up a schedule, developing a team handbook (Version 1.0 and 1.1) and liaising with the other team members as well as the Core Team.

When I left for the CFMTA national convention, I had complete faith that any member of my team could step up to lead the team successfully. Although I popped in on our team's online chat window my first day away, I was quickly shooed offline. The team was on it. I had absolutely nothing to worry about.

My two back-ups did a superb job while I was away, working the team out of its role prior to my return. When handing the reins back to the Core Team, the team expressed appreciation for the Core Team's efforts and for each member of the team, as well as gratitude for being able to help with the flood relief efforts. Should they need our skills once again further down the road, we're all game.

Although our role in complete, there is still work to be done. I have yet to catch up on all the news and developments on Basecamp and see if there's anything remaining loose ends that I must take care of. As well, there are countless opportunities cropping up in which we as a team can band together - with each other and with others - to make a difference.

Building Community in a Virtual Environment

When I participated in Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir last year, one of the fringe benefits was that I became part of this bustling and caring online community. You can read more about my VC3 experience here. It's an amazing group. Everyone is eager to cheer you on - whether it you are preparing for a performance or job interview, surgery or pregnancy. My fellow VCers are usually the first to "Like" a Facebook status by another VCer.

Things get pretty exciting leading up to a Virtual Choir submission deadline. As Eric Whitacre has said on more than one occasion, singers are procrastinators. That final week leading up to the submission deadline was just nuts.

Last year, we crashed the server when the last minute submissions skyrocketed. Not only that, helpful singers wound up in "Facebook Jail" for posting too much in the VC groups on Facebook.

This year, a forum was added to Eric's website, which eased the strain on the Facebook group. As the deadline approached the Ohana Thread was created in the EW forums. Many of those who landed in FB Jail last year were official moderators this year, volunteering their time to help a complete stranger with their submission.

On the eve of the VC4 deadline, June 9th, a few of us got a message from one of our VC friends: "If you can help out, log into the Forums. The mods have gone to bed and there are a lot of people who need help." Although it made for a long night, going into the wee hours of the morning of D-Day, it was great troubleshooting in a Google Hangout with VC friends from British Columbia, New Orleans, California and London, UK.

As Virtual Choir members counted down to the June 10 VC4 submission deadline, several wound up either trolling the Facebook groups (the website kept going up and down), joining a global Google Hangout, or both. Right up to the last second, members were helping others with their submissions, giving moral support and virtual high-fives.

I passed the deadline in one of the global hangouts while trying to help someone with her submission (she managed to get one video submitted). Shortly after the deadline passed, our group decided to celebrate by singing VC4 - "Fly". With singers from Singapore, USA, Canada, Puerto Rico and Austria, the time lag made singing in sync difficult. However, the opportunity to sing together, in real-time, was a truly magical, communal experience.

A Flood of Community Support

As many readers know, Southern Alberta was hit with the worst case of flooding it the province's history. A local state of emergency has been (or was) declared in 25 communities. We're not out of the woods yet either. I grew up in one of the hardest hit areas - High River, Alberta. This is what the town looked like on Saturday:

Almost the entire community of 13,000, along with the surrounding area was flooded. It's a sight that makes many residents and former residents teary-eyed just by looking at the photo.

First responders, town employees and the army have been working tirelessly since last Thursday to de-water the town and get to water, power, sewage and communications up and going. It's a tough slog.

It has been an emotional roller-coaster ride. The hardest part is not knowing for certain just what state my childhood home is in. It has escaped the devastating effects of floods in the past, but this is the first time a flood has taken over pretty much the entire town. Maybe it sustained a lot of flood damage. Perhaps it was one of the lucky few that were barely touched. That is something you nor I have control over.

Tied right up there is the sadness of seeing such a beautiful community in such a state. This little town, like any other, represents people's cherished dreams, their livelihood, their community - their roots.

Then, while still reeling over the floods devastating effects on Bragg Creek, Cochrane, HIgh River,  Okotoks and Pincher Creek, we heard that Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat - even Edmonton - and its environs were bracing for flooding. Calgary's downtown core and surrounding communities got hit hard.

What is truly wonderful to see - and to be a part of - is the flood of community support. Between Facebook, Twitter and the various media organizations, the word gets out quickly regarding where help is needed and how people can help. Seconds after a post, a string of volunteers spring forward into action.

One thing that is rather interesting to note is a conversation I had with a friend earlier today. We were discussing each others' Facebook News Feeds. Whenever she posted updates about the flood or her volunteering efforts, she got several comments along the line of "That's so good of you. That's so kind." To be blunt, I found those comments odd.

Sure it's good and kind, but isn't that what you're supposed to do? Isn't there a name for that? Ah yes, the Golden Rule, which can most likely trace its roots to Matthew 25:40.

Having grown up in High River, helping each other out whenever a flood came is just something we do. Passing on the message of where and how people can help via social media is just another way that my FB network and I have been trying to help. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that many small communities and those who volunteer regularly have a similar mindset.

Everyone has their reasons whether to volunteer or not. To donate or not. Just like people have the option to ignore a mandatory evacuation order. 'Tis the nature of free will.

I'm just glad to see so many helping hands out there. I feel blessed to live in a place where the government, city and town officials are so dedicated, working alongside with the army and first responders. They, like Mayor Nenshi of Calgary, could use a nap. These folks have been fantastic, working incredibly long hours checking all the homes, rescuing people and pets, clearing debris and countless tasks that the rest of us aren't aware of.

I only wish that all places worldwide that have been stuck by a natural disaster can experience this outpouring of community love and support.

Want to help with the Alberta Flood relief efforts? Check out these links:

Calgary Clean Up

High River Flood Support FB Page

M.D. of Foothills

Okotoks Online

Red Cross Alberta Floods Fund

Town of High River

YYC Helps

If I've missed a link, please share it in the Comments section. Thanks!

Volunteering in the Community

Volunteerism is one of those gifts that keeps on giving. There are countless special needs organizations, special interest groups and non-profit organizations that can benefit from the gift of your time and talents.

Why should you volunteer? Well, everyone has their reasons. Some students need to volunteer to get course credits. I know others who volunteer as a family activity. Sometimes, I volunteer because it's the only way I can contribute.

Regardless of your reasons, volunteering is good for your health. Your PEMS health, that is:

• Physical benefits: Have you ever signed up to do a charity fun run or walk? You can get into shape and collect pledges for a worthy cause. Or, you could help someone less mobile by running errands or carrying items for them.

• Emotional benefits: When I feel like the world is beating me down, there's nothing like helping someone else to put my life into perspective. Also, I find that volunteering enables me to meet a variety of people I wouldn't normally meet through my line of work.

• Mental benefits: Volunteering can be as mentally challenging or as easy as you wish it to be. You can serve on a committee or a board. Or be an event volunteer. It's up to you. Plus, it's a nice brain break from your regular routine.

• Spiritual benefits: There is something to be said about raising someone up who could use a helping hand. It's the Golden Rule, really.

These are some ideas for volunteering in the community:

• Schools: Let's face it, our education system is getting cut down left, right and centre. Teachers would gladly welcome assistance during field trips, sports games and practices, band trips, musical theatre productions, science fairs, school club activities and so on.

• Churches: You can serve in various capacities at church - from helping out in the office to lending a helping hand at special events. You can also serve in the various church ministries.

• Non-profit organizations: Choose your area of special interest: fine arts groups, the environment, animals, the homeless, the disadvantaged, victims of abuse - these are just a few examples.

• Hobby-related groups: Are you an vintage airplane buff? Volunteer for an airplane preservation society. If you love history, contact your local museum. If you're a geek, consider volunteering at a convention, fair or expo.

Bear in mind that some volunteer activities require that you have reliable transportation (e.g. Meals on Wheels). Another caveat is that if you are working with children or vulnerable groups, a police check will need to be completed on you.

Here are a few places you can check out to explore volunteering in your community and beyond:

• Go Voluntouring

• International Volunteer Programs

• Single Volunteers, Inc.

• Single Volunteers of Calgary

• Universal Giving

• Volunteer Alberta

• Volunteer Calgary

• Volunteer Canada

• Volunteer Match