Opinions please: Would you prefer this for September? Home music lessons!

[Nickelallergy891]

Hi all! I'm an instrument teacher from home, based in UK.

I'm currently taking a break from teaching over the summer after many weeks of online lessons(!), but have been thinking about what to do with my back to back home students come September. I'd love to get them back to face to face but also want to make sure that everyone feels safe!

For the first term at least, my plan is to split my students into two groups: on the hour and half past the hour (they are mostly 30 minute students). I'll then alternate the two groups so that one week they are in person, and the next online.

Example:

Group 1 - in person week A and online week B:
4pm
5pm
6pm

Group 2 - online week A and in person week B:
4.30pm
5.30pm
6.30pm

This would mean that there will be no contact between students leaving and coming at the same time, and I can sanitise the piano/areas and my hands in time for the next in person student. As a parent, would you prefer this arrangement for easing back into face to face lessons post covid? Or are there any home teachers out there thinking of doing something similar?

Thanks and sorry for long post! Also posted on extra curricular but it seems a bit quiet there!

Sounds very sensible. I’d be very happy with that arrangement.

sounds like a perfect compromise to me

(Outside of the UK) was chatting with a friend who is a music teacher and she was telling me about stringent requirements eg plexiglass screen between student and teacher, special coverings for piano to facilitate cleaning (cannot begin to imagine what this would feel like in terms of responsiveness of keys under fingers), masks in indoor spaces are a requirement as student-teacher are not part of the same bubble. Would you consider doing a quick questionnaire on COVID symptoms and also travel, contact with people who have travelled or who have symptoms? Sanitizer available for student to use before and after each lesson? Limiting what is brought into the classroom? Use of mask due to proximity and time?

We have also been required to sign waivers for participation in sports

Sorry for another separate comment - are any of the music or teaching organizations issuing guidelines? Could be UK-based or outside of the UK to get some thoughts and ideas

I think that sounds a good compromise. DS has continued to have online lessons throughout the summer but realistically it's not going to be the same as face to face. I would be happy with this arrangement.

Thanks for your helpful replies!

I'm a member of ISM and will keep an eye on their advice re insurance etc.

I have masks and visors and will happily wear both without question. I can let students through my back door so that they are only entering into the room that I teach in itself. I will be sanitising the piano between uses and will ask students to sanitise on entry and exit. I don't teach woodwind or singing so I'm not sure a perspex screen is necessary, but will look into it.

Thanks for your views from a parent's perspective; I appreciate that online lessons although a great alternative aren't the same as in person, and I'm eager to offer my students the option of coming back to me as soon as it's safe to do so.