Thank you to Florida’s music educators for all that you are doing for your students during this unprecedented time, and thank you for sharing the following linked resources. We will be updating these resources as we learn of new ones.
The Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) wishes health and wellness for all. FMEA is available to answer or research any questions you might have during this period of uncertainty. 1-800-301-3632, info@FMEA.org or FMEA.org The following are resources for music educators dealing with school closures due to COVID-19.
In case you missed the live NAfME and NAMM webinar on Wednesday, Bridging the Gap: Teaching and Learning Music Online, or would like to watch it again, here is the link to the replay video. More than 6000 music educators across the country participated in the call, and feedback has been very positive.
When we are using online instructional materials, student safety must be our first priority. We as educators must be just as diligent about providing safe virtual/online environments as when we are interacting face-to-face. According to the Childhood Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA):
- Children under age 13 should have verifiable parental consent before accessing any online resources
- Students and/or families should not provide any identifying information to access to any resource, whether free or paid
Aerosol Study Preliminary Results
The International Coalition on the Study of Aerosol has released preliminary results. The study is being conducted by the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the University of Maryland. James Weaver from the National Federation of High Schools and Mark Spede the President of CBDNA are the coordinators of the project. Many performing arts coalitions joined forces to commission the study on the effects of COVID -19 on the return to ensemble playing. The Florida Music Educators Association have been contributing members of the coalition. The coalition has had the foresight to try to establish the risks and mitigating factors for performing musical instruments and singing in the classrooms and outdoor spaces.
We would like to suggest that as Florida Music Educators you read and understand the information in the report. We do know that this is very preliminary with additional preliminary results being released at the end of July with additional information on wind and brass instruments and singing, including elementary classroom singing, humming, and recorder playing. Once you review the results, plan to share the preliminary information with administrators. There are considerations in the preliminary release of the study that can be reviewed now, in particular HVAC systems and HEPA filters.
Review the Preliminary Results here
Watch the Round-1 results Webinar with Dr. James Weaver
Watch the Round-2 results Webinar with Dr. James Weaver
COVID-19 Resources
Facilities
Arts Education Resources
Music Education Resources
NAfME Resources
- See the NAfME COVID-19 page for:
- Resources to protect music programs and provide guidance for going back to school this fall
- Free Professional Development
- Advice and insight from members
- The online community, Amplify, and the NAfME Linked-In Group
Civil Rights of Students
Copyrighted Materials
General Education Resources
General Health Resources
Instrument Hygiene
School Closure Guidance
State and Local Government Resources
Students with Disabilities
Schools should continue promoting everyday disease prevention strategies:
- If you are sick, stay home from school.
- Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of your arm.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Consult https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus for further guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Schools can share relevant CDC fact sheets to help students, families, and staff understand COVID-19 along with steps they can take to protect themselves:
The third-party resource links are being provided for informational purposes only; they do not constitute or imply the endorsement or recommendation by The Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) of the third-party or the contents of such third-party websites. Because FMEA does not have any control over such third-party websites, FMEA is not responsible for the content of linked third-party sites and does not make any representations regarding the content made available on such third-party websites. Unless specifically noted, the views expressed in these media do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Association, its officers, or its employees.
