Frederick     -     Germantown     -    Hagerstown

Online Teaching Update!​

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Hello Everyone,

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I hope everyone is doing well so far!  In consideration of Governor Hogan’s Executive Order on March 23, 2020, Frederick Community  College has made the decision to extend the remote instruction and operations plan currently in place through the end of the Spring Semester, May 20, 2020.  All buildings on campus will remain closed.

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Music and Arts has informed me that students will receive calls shortly about beginning online lesson by April 6, 2020.  As of now those transitioning to online lessons will receive an email for each Zoom lesson.  Here's hoping to get back to our weekly lessons.

 

The school, however, has transitioned to online lessons in the meantime until further notice to either extend the online format or open up the school again past the May 20th announcement. Most of my students usually take lessons year-round, which includes the summer months.  This means our group classes will be held online using the Zoom platform, please see below for more information on Zoom.

 

Online GROUP LESSONS using ZOOM:

We will be using Zoom as our online lesson platform mostly.  All you need is to use the link provided in the email, or click the appropriate link in the News and Events box on this page.

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This link will take you to a "waiting room" where I see who is waiting to be let in to our video conference.  This "waiting room" feature will help prevent any unauthorized access to our group class.

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For mobile devices - there is a quick app download. You don't need to sign up, unless you want to.  You can join the meeting after clicking on the link that has direct access to my account for lessons.  Allow to have audio and video enabled.

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For desktop computers/laptops - you don't need to download the app or sign up, unless you want to. The link will open up and use a web browser for our video conferencing.

 

You may choose to use any mobile devices like tablets/ipads, cell phones, laptop/computers.  Most laptops have a built-in microphone/webcam feature already.  For desktop computers, if yours does not have a webcam/microphone already, you may want to invest in those.  Some webcams have a built-in microphone already.

 

Mr. Jao currently uses his desktop with a Logitech c920 HD Pro Webcam and it has a built-in microphone. He also uses a separate microphone called Blue Yeti microphone, so I can have better options for recording and sound.

 

Mr. Diggs currently uses an iPad Pro, with no external devices.  

 

Having a webcam/microphone is OPTIONAL. You do not need to have these in order to have online lessons.  You can use your cell phone or other mobile devices.​  Most students currently choose to use their mobile devices, which is also fine!  Just keep in mind that those devices are limited in how sound going in and out.  It would probably be better to use ear/headphones instead of using the speakers from your mobile device. But if you don't mind, then as is would be fine.

 

In addition to online live video conferencing, there will be video recordings with detailed instructions of lesson assignments tailored to what we're working on that I would send to you.  Review the videos as often as needed to help with your own progress at home.  Most of your progress happens at home, so it's a good idea to learn to video record yourself for self-improvement.  I do this all the time for myself!

 

Everyone please start familiarizing yourself with how to use the Zoom platform.  You can test run it yourself using multiple mobile devices or computers at home, or video call friends/family! 

 

These are the next few Saturday dates for the Suzuki Violin Group Classes:

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April 4th, 25th

May 2nd, 9th, and 16th 

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Since we are mostly stuck at home, this means there are more opportunities for scheduled group classes! Stay tuned for more dates TBD!

 

We will have a list of music to work on, please get in touch with your teacher to find out what pieces you can work on to participate in!  We will be adding more to the original list. And guess what!!  You'll be able to use/have your music in front of you instead of memorizing!  This will help give you more opportunities to record and play more pieces.

 

*Here is an example of what to expect the group recital to be like: https://youtu.be/e58UCmDP92M

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Everyone will submit a video of themselves playing along with an accompaniment recording that us teachers will provide.  Students will listen to the accompaniment recorrding via ear/headphones while video recording their playing/performance of each piece.  This may take multiple attempts to get "just right" for submission.  Students will learn to record and evaluate their performance using technology that they can carry on to use for future projects.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know! Stay safe and healthy!

 

PS. Both teachers have pets, so you may see them in the background or them trying to get our attention.  Feel free to show your pets too if you have any!

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Best wishes,

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Jason Diggs

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