Learning online: A look at CCM's remote instruction

The University of Cincinnati has moved to remote operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning that classes are now being held online through web conferencing tools like Webex, Skype and even FaceTime. Although this university-wide transition to remote learning is new, many College-Conservatory of Music faculty members have been hosting virtual video lessons for students all over the world for several years.

Student violinist KayCee Galano began weekly lessons over Skype with Professor Kurt Sassmannshaus when she was 10 and living in Brunei. Now a sophomore at CCM, she made her Carnegie Hall debut in October. CCM Cello Professor Alan Rafferty, a cellist at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, has also given lessons via Skype and FaceTime for years.

Rafferty has 16 full-time cello students enrolled in his studio class and nine students enrolled in his orchestral repertoire class, in addition to private lesson students. Jade Siebert is one of Rafferty’s students; she is pursuing a BFA in cello performance and music education. She says that she is more critical during her practice sessions because she knows that virtual lessons are not ideal for sound quality.

"I have never had online cello lessons but I have done online classes before,” Siebert says. “I have been enjoying the switch for classes like music theory and history because I am able to study and finish my work much faster than if classes were in-person. I do miss seeing my professors and classmates though. The most important thing is staying organized and knowing when assignments are due.”

She misses hearing people play and talk about music in-person, but adds that she is staying connected with friends and classmates through texts, social media and video calls.

Rafferty says that many musicians are accustomed to spending time alone to hone their craft in solo practice sessions, which can range from four to six hours a day. Still, he encourages students to go outside for fresh air — while maintaining social distances — every day.