WISH me luck I’m about to download Zoom for online teaching – it’s a new world. The ideal of the 2020s sci fi future is here and now for England. Apocalyptic weather for the winter, inspired by industrially manufactured climate change, followed by a global pandemic which is about to kill thousands. And now we all use technology to work at home. It’s what we always dreamed of.
Putting the Tories far right theories of culling the elderly to make way for the super race of wealthy dorks and pub goers for a minute, let’s consider that this is a new world where we are forced to embrace opportunities and get on with a positive spirit. Having taught the guitar, as well as worked as a gigging musician, full time since 2005, I have only ever taught in people’s houses and in schools. If you’re like me – playing catch up – then welcome to the journey. I know we can make this fun though.
If you’re a member of the Musicians’ Union, which I thoroughly recommend, then they offer a tonne of advice on everything from applying for universal credit in the lock down to online teaching. Here’s a fine blog to get you going…MU guest blog on online teaching
If you want to know how popular Zoom is and why then the Guardian put this up 2 days ago guardian article on zoom in the apocalypse and here is my first YouTube tutorial – which is actuallfor TESOL/TEFL but makes no odds to me as I want to teach that as well. And I find this totally relevant for guitar tutors. youtube tutorial on zoom example
Ok so I’m going to write a daily blog. It helps focus my mind and if it helps anyone else, which I hope it does, please let me know. I’m also planning to do a vlog on Monday lunch times as soon as I can work it out and make it look not shit. Any useful hints and tips are welcome.
Mike April 2nd 2020
The Music Workers Diary 