Musician in Lockdown

Being a musician, in particular a choir leader, does have is drawbacks when you are unable to leave the house freely and gather people together! However, the wonders of technology have allowed me to continue making music with students and singers over the past few weeks.

I’ve been amazed at the patience and determination of all my piano students and the flexible approach they have taken to having virtual lessons using FaceTime and WhatsApp video calls. Adapting to a different style of teaching is always tricky, both for student and teacher. I’m also looking forward to hosting a Zoom concert for all my pupils to see and hear each other play - the perfect Saturday afternoon activity!

Running the Pub Choir, Good Morning Choir and The Dover House Singers has been much harder, but now routine has set it, it’s so lovely to be able to connect with my loyal crowd of vocalists. I relish my Monday and Thursday evening singing sessions in my living room, and am so enthused by the comments and emails from people watching and singing along at home. Leading my weekly Good Morning Sing-along also sets me up for a great day ahead - no surprise here as singing does have that effect! The Dover House Singers, a community choir based in Putney, have been so wonderful to me; we continue our weekly rehearsal via Zoom and are enjoying learning some new songs.

I’d like to thank everyone for their kind donations made in recent weeks. It’s so reassuring to know that, once this is all over, we will be able to come together and enjoy some musical fun together again.

Stay safe, have fun and keep singing along!

Carl x