MPR News with Angela Davis

How did music education adapt to the pandemic?

A teacher holds a bow as she teaches in front of a laptop.
Music teacher Brianna Barhorst instructs a student who is learning remotely Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 at Park Brook Elementary School in Brooklyn Park. While some students are phasing in in-person learning, others are part of the Distance Learning Academy and will learn remotely for the rest of the school year.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News

When the pandemic forced virtually all education online, music teachers faced special challenges.

Many found creative ways to teach on video platforms and host virtual recitals and concerts. Music teachers in St. Paul Public Schools recorded this version of “Lean on Me” to inspire students and colleagues who spent an entire year without in-person instruction.

Some students improved their playing because they had more time to practice. But for other students, it just didn’t work, as they struggled with lousy sound quality because of poor internet connections and lost the motivation of playing in a live group.

Host Angela Davis talks with two music educators about the experiences of music teachers and students over the past year and what lessons will stay with them as they begin music together in person. 

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