Karlie Brady

Journalist

A lot of activates have been cancelled lately due to coronavirus, but thanks to a local teacher, music doesn’t have to be one of them.

Lynda’s Music Studio has been operating in Mossman for six years and has over 40 families taking lessons.

When coronavirus restricted non-essential activities, music teacher, Lynda Irvine wasn’t about to just quit, instead, she transitioned the school to online learning and is now bringing music directly into her students’ homes.

“I really didn’t want to stop teaching because learning music is such a help for both adults and children in stressful circumstances. It takes your mind to a more creative space and stops the worrying about present situations,” she said.

“I have already taught a small number of more advanced students from all over Australia online, so the transition to local online lessons was easy as I already had knowledge of platforms and teaching practises that work well online.”

Ms Irvine said she is using video or audio chat platforms and any device that families are familiar with.

“My families have been superstars during the transition, finding creative ways to hold or stand devices so I can see faces and instruments and we can hear each other.

“I am so proud of how students have adjusted to the new way of learning music.

“We are learning new songs, exploring theory and also composing and having fun doing hand jives to pop songs,” she said.

Ms Irvine added that new students, young and old of any skill level, are welcome to get involved if they are looking for something different to do while conforming to the new social distancing rules.

“All you need is an instrument, internet, and enthusiasm.

“You can learn any musical instrument with me; piano, guitar, woodwind, strings, voice and composition for fun or exam entry. We explore all genres of music from classical, pop, jazz and digital house music.

“There used to be lots of opportunities to perform at studio recitals, open mike nights, art exhibition openings at DAB and busking but performance occasions are now limited to online concerts,” she said.

For more information or to get involved visit Lynda’s Music Studio.

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