Faculty of Music enhances COVID practice options for students

Nov. 12, 2020

With the transition to remote learning for the Fall term, the Faculty of Music was presented with a unique set of challenges that required thoughtful problem solving.

“We immediately recognized that our percussion and keyboard students required access to their major instruments housed in our building,” said Anna Ferenc, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Music.

“After surveying our students on their remote learning needs, we found over 200 students did not have a learning space that would accommodate playing or practising their various instrument due to potential noise complaints or lack of internet access. Helping students through these unique challenges was top of mind for our Faculty", says Ferenc.

It was determined that, in addition to opening the practice-room building, every academic classroom could also be used. In addition, Music faculty graciously offered the use of their studios and offices as practice spaces. There are now 65 rooms in addition to regular practice spaces available to students. The Theatre Auditorium has also been turned into a large, safe practice space for percussion students.

Working alongside the Pandemic Recovery Committee and SHERM, the Faculty of Music has been able to develop a safe plan for students to access practice space that includes enhanced sanitization protocols. University staff regularly disinfect each room in addition to arrival and departure sanitizing by students. Strict scheduling ensures single-occupancy use of rooms and an hour-long rest time between uses.

The Faculty of Music appreciates all of the work that has gone into repurposing the Aird building during these unique times. Faculty of Music students who require practice space are encouraged to be in contact with Resources Coordinator Andrew Mellanby at amellanby@wlu.ca.