Since the start of 2020, the whole world has witnessed an unprecedented rate of infection and death caused by the Covid 19 virus. Most places went into partial or complete lockdowns. Some countries delayed the decisions on lockdown that claimed more lives of their citizens, while a country like India called for an early complete lockdown. The early lockdown saved a lot of lives but impacted the economics. Most schools and colleges in India closed down in March 2020. Music schools are closed too. Music teachers and schools shifted to online platforms to deliver their lessons. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet became familiar household names. Initially many music teachers, parents and students were reluctant to change over thinking the lockdown will be over soon. Gradually people understood the situation and started to accept online teaching. After the initial setbacks, the situation gradually improved. Many things changed during the last one and a half years. Covid 19 pandemic changed the model for music education. Almost all music teachers and music schools resumed their music classes online. Music schools like the Academy for Musical Excellence had an advantage. AMEC has provided online music classes since 2017. Progressive music examination boards like Musicea Arts and Culture Council did not suffer much as they already had online examination facilities. Some other popular music examination boards like Trinity College London, LCM, ABRSM, Rockschool initially suffered. Later they too started a stopgap online music examination facility. Institutes and businesses with online presence expanded their services during the pandemic. A music festival like the Yuva Music Festival engaged music learners with monthly online digital concerts. Musicea Yuva Festival has now become popular children and youth music festival in India. Participants across India and foreign countries perform Piano, Violin, Keyboard, Guitar, Drums, Popular Vocals, Bollywood songs, Indian traditional songs. All participants receive an e-certificate of participation. To meet the demands of the dance teachers, Musicea is also launching a monthly online Yuva Dance festival from July 2021.
Covid 19 pandemic changed the mode for music education, probably forever. Many learners feel more comfortable learning virtually. It saves travel time and cost. In many cases, they get to learn at their preferred timings. The initial thoughts of many learners and teachers were that online mode will hamper the quality of music education to a great extent. No one can deny the advantages of physical lessons. Online music lessons have several advantages if the teacher uses the technology and follow a structured music curriculum. Feedbacks from many teachers and students indicate that online music classes will remain popular even after the lockdowns are over. Teachers and students have embraced the digital world.
MusiCEA Exam 