Large monitors, cameras, computer carts and cables – great webs of cables that only GGS audio engineers can conquer – are the new tools of learning these days at GGS. Our faculty still teach, master class artists still visit, but many lessons, sonata repertoire sessions, and all master classes now happen through platforms like Zoom and Audiomovers. (Who knew Zoom before March?) Yet the learning continues, and technology is now embedded into all sorts of instruction and performance.
GGS students can have private lessons or master class sessions in four specially outfitted studios in the G wing or via a fifth mobile setup for Temerty Theatre or Mazzoleni Hall. A $32,500 investment created these tech-enhanced spaces – computers, 32-inch screens, webcams, audio interfaces, headphone amps and adapters, microphones, mic stands, carts and cabling, not to mention the software. Head spinning? You’ve seen and heard it all in action. Another $6,000 was spent in additional classroom equipment, and $1,500 more for hardware to film the GGS Chamber Opera.
When Paul Kantor holds a violin studio class from Houston, or John O’Conor gives piano lessons from Florida, or percussionist Mark Braafhart Zooms in from Amsterdam to hear GGS percussionists in Temerty, this $40,000 investment makes it happen.
Associate Dean Barry Shiffman has now taught many months over Zoom as well as in person. “The study of classical music can appear to be at odds with the fast- moving developments in technology,” he says. “Let’s not forget that our string players still rub their horse-haired bows with rosin made of tree sap, and our timpani heads are made from calfskins.
“Our school’s namesake, Glenn Gould, proved that the embrace of technology when married with the tradition of classical music can achieve great results. We have used his inspirational vision as we have pivoted to provide the best experience possible during this difficult time. While we all look forward to a return to in-person activity, the amazing changes brought about by online technology will have a lasting impact.”
We’ve had glitches along the way! Tech connections to remote faculty eating up lesson time; a third simultaneous Zoom master class bumping off the two ongoing classes; Zoom silencing the highest flute sounds. Through it all, GGS engineers have toned down the distorted sound, solved the connection issues, and helped students be heard by faculty and master class artists from Bern, Los Angeles, New York City, London and Moscow.
There have even been moments when skilled master class artists have almost reached through the screen to make their thoughts known clearly to our students. This first video shows violinist Ji Soo Choi (ADP ’21) performing Schumann’s Sonata No. 1 in A minor with pianist Ben Smith (ADP ’06) for New York violinist Stefan Jackiw. The second video shows how effectively Stefan can communicate how he wants Ji Soo to sound. The operative word is “roiling!”
We talked to GGS students about what it’s been like learning this way, playing and talking to a computer screen. Here’s first-year violinist Isabella Perron (BMus ’24) after she played for Stefan Jackiw:
First-year horn player Noah Hawryluck (BMus ’24) spoke to us after he worked with David Cooper:
And listen to the singers who performed behind plexiglass for renowned pianist and vocal coach Warren Jones on November 27. Diana Agasian (BMus ’22), Charlotte Anderson (BMus ’24), Tyler Cervini (ADP ’21), and Jessica Levin (BMus ’24) not only appreciate the chance to learn from a master, but also the opportunity to connect safely in the building, hear each other’s voices and learn from their peers.
Faculty such as John Perry and Hans Jørgen Jensen, who still can’t cross borders to teach, continue their lessons via technology and Zoom allows students access to artists around the world who wouldn’t necessarily be able to travel to us: trombonist Ian Bousfield from Bern, Switzerland; cellist Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi from Tokyo; and harpist Alexander Boldachev from Moscow.
Nothing will replace in-person instruction, but the global pandemic has necessitated quick adoption of technology to create viable alternatives until in-person visits can resume. As we continue to adapt, adjust our expectations, and embrace new ways, GGS learning endures.
