@SpiritManager school isn’t an option for composition, right now or for the near future, even if other departments open up. The several young composers I know of who are in doctoral programs are all contemplating taking a leave until it is possible to practice their craft as they need to, and have works performed properly. They only get a certain number of years of funding, and don’t want to waste it on semester(s) during which they can’t do the work they want to do, some it interdisciplinary and much of it requiring physical presence in the studio and/or with musicians for collaborative work.
This is so tough for professionals like your son, but also for students at all levels.
I still prioritize survival, which is my main worry every day.
@compmom - I’m sorry to hear that. I was thinking they would have financial support and a community within which they could share their ideas and efforts - even if not realized in real time on real instruments with a real audience. So, thanks for adding to my depression!
Sorry! I think you posted while I was editing actually
It’s hard for professionals like your son particularly when a large project that has involved years of work, falls through. And it’s hard for students who are starting on their path. And it’s hard for students almost done their doctorates. It’s hard for everyone! Going to take a walk now, ugh!
I haven’t wanted to post in this thread because I don’t feel like my family has much right to complain. We are all healthy, our employment and living situations are stable, and my daughter is “only” a high school junior so she really isn’t as impacted by what’s going on as a lot of your kids are. But I just have to vent, just this once… this is all so unfair! We had college tours lined up over spring break. She had a concerto performance lined up for the end of the school year. She had a quartet performance lined up… a summer music program lined up. She worked SO HARD to make these things happen! She doesn’t have a long history with the viola and these were to be the kinds of things that got her positioned for college season next year. Now what?
I know these are such small problems in the grand scheme of things. And of course, I know the coronavirus doesn’t care what I think is fair. I really do spend so much time these days feeling lucky, thankful, grateful. But today, I’m glad this thread is here.
@stringbird re “Now what?” My suggestion: 3 - 6 hours of personal practice daily with 2 online lessons per week with her current teacher (perhaps you can go to in person lessons? depends on your area and the comfort level of all involved). Self-study theory in preparation for audition tests and/or conservatory placement exams.
I am not unsympathetic. I have outlined our plans made with the kid still at home. That kid is in the same boat as yours.
My older ones are out of the house and self-supporting (or were before Covid-19. I don’t discuss finances with them at their ages. ). They all have some private students that they are teaching via FaceTime and Skype. One of my kids lives in an area that has not been highly impacted (with documented cases) so is teaching some adult and older students in person with social distancing and disinfectant wipes in tow. I don’t know if that might be an option for your D and her teacher.
The concerto and quartet performances are certainly a loss for your D. As well as the disappointment with the summer program. Vent away - we all deserve to acknowledge our hurts/disappointments/frustrations/anger even though we know these are “small problems in the grand scheme”. Our feelings are still valid and no less real for being caused by “small problems”!
@stringbird , I feel the same way you do about “not having much right to complain.” My son is home, safe, well, and–aside from understandable bouts of serious frustration and fear about the future–adjusting to attending his remaining classes online. Although disappointed, he totally understands that to try to attend a music festival or anything similar until things become a lot more clear would absolutely not be worth the risk. Our refrigerator is full. We have no worries about money, unlike so many others who must wake up terrified every single day about losing everything.
Yet–I’m not exactly depressed, but lately I find myself just really angry (which, of course, can be a symptom of depression) for much of every day. I’m not even sure why, except that it feels that we’re all out to sea in our own individual oarless boats, with nothing to guide us. Or that there are so many people who seem to care little about the welfare of those who are most at risk for getting seriously ill (I actually quietly snapped at a young woman who walked past me this morning as I was walking my dog, staring at her phone, mouth wide open with no mask to cover it, and didn’t even think to try to move aside even a little bit to create some distance between us).
I’m not usually angry–I generally feel blessed about just about everything in my life. But I do look at my son and wonder what kind of world he’s going to attempt to become an adult in, and whether conditions will ever be right again for him to pursue what he’s dreamed about for so long, now that it all seems to be slipping out of reach. I’m angry that he is afraid enough about things to have said to me yesterday, “What if this is the end?” and when I asked him, “End of what?” he replied, “Everything.”
We are all so very blessed to have children with musical talent and the will to use it to create beauty in the world. Their chances of “success”–however one defines that–are normally pretty shaky. But to see so much of what they’ve worked for for so long just seeming to get washed away in a matter of months is just painful.
I’m sorry for venting so much, but I do appreciate (as I always have) this forum. I just don’t know what to do with my anger.
Every morning I wake up with just one moment to think this Coronavirus mess could be a dream…It is just less than a few seconds though…So, I have been ups and downs everyday. I find comfort in this thread. Thank you ALL!
Our musicians are so brave. In this very uncertain time with everything in blank page / calendar, they still don’t lose passions toward to music.
@stringbird Completely agree with the sentiments expressed above. Hang in there and continue being positive. From a practical point of view, all of those missed performances and opportunities should still go on your student’s resume.
