muslang pa

When my husband and I toasted the new year for 2020, my calendar was filled with exciting activities. I was actively involved in the Music Teachers Association in California where I planned to have dozens of students participating in the annual piano exams. And, I would be hosting and chairing the vocal examinations, as I had done for the past six years. 

After exam season would be our school’s annual spring showcase, followed by a slew of community concerts and events where my students would be performing all summer. Pop music and community events are always the highlight of our year. It brings fun and spirit into music practice! I have always wished that we could have more opportunities in music education for students who are interested in non-classical styles. If you agree, read on!!

Then, on March 15th, California music went silent 

My staff of teachers quickly pivoted to online lessons. Instead of complaining about the coffee maker or comically arguing about whether the toilet paper goes over or under on the holder, we were messaging each other about the platforms we were testing out – Zoom, Facetime, Skype, Teams, Hangouts. It was a bizarre month, but we didn’t think it would last long. 

Facilities started cancelling our events. First…a senior piano recital…Then, a faculty recital…Then, all of the prepaid and pre-planned exams…Next, Carnegie Hall. 

I realized that this was going to be a long summer without extracurricular activities. I sat at my desk heartbroken as I thought about my students who wouldn’t have a prom or a graduation. I cried when considering how my competitive pianists wouldn’t be able to perform their lifelong dream of taking the winner’s lap around Carnegie Hall.

I started thinking about how these same students (and those younger) could potentially face penalizations in their future college admittances and career growth because they weren’t able to complete exams, competitions, extra work to keep them moving forward in their life and musical growth this year. 

I had to do something . . .

My team and I worked together to create an online platform for our students and others. Physical doors may be closed, but the virtual windows were opening wider than ever before. What was important? 

  • Keeping students motivated and reaching toward goals.
  • Giving all students opportunities to perform and have musical experiences.
  • Creating a bit of fun.
  • Helping other teachers in our same position

Online Music Exams

We created a program that would allow students to take accreditation exams from home – anytime! The exams consist of an online theory test and an online submission platform for technique and pieces. The registration process is all done within the theory exam – no crazy hoops for teachers, parents, or students.

We are currently offering exams for levels 1 – 10 in traditional piano (classical), traditional voice (classical), pop piano, pop voice, and songwriting. 

Online Music Competitions

Next, we decided to host an international music competition. Since students can’t compete in person right now, why not give them the opportunity to compete online? The competition (Deadline October 31st) will award winners with a fully-paid trip to London or New York City (once COVID-19 is over) and we will sponsor them to record a single for international release at a top-tier studio, where they will have the opportunity to see multiple sides to the music industry – from performing, to recording, to mixing and mastering, all the way to producing and publishing. 

We hope that students around the world will continue to have the same opportunities for growth now as they did prior to COVID. And, since we never know what the future holds, the convenience of being able to participate in events from home certainly won’t go out of style.

Get in Touch!

We would love to e-meet your students and hear what they’re working on through our certification exams and competitions! 

Please let me know if I can offer you a teaser for the exam. Email me at majhon@musicaslanguage.com for more details. 

Check out the programs here: Music As Language Certification Program Music As Language Sessions Competition

And, if you’re so inclined, we have great music merch for teachers and students as well. Our collections offer some fun, such as “I Speak in Song Lyrics and Sarcasm,” “Built Like a Dom7,” the snarky “You’re Basic as C Major,” and the most popular… “I May Seem Sweet, But I’m Tough as Forte.” Music As Language Merch Store

Thank you in advance for your support! We hope that our efforts can help you and your students have a brighter (and more musical) 2020!

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