Blackpool Music School's online lessons are a success for students

A music school in Blackpool is continuing to thrive despite lockdown restrictions.
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Blackpool Music School, based on Waterloo Road, has been able to continue throughout the pandemic thanks to a brainwave from chairman and founder John Shaw.

John said: "When the lock down came in earlier this year, the school had 24 hours, to put a plan together so the school could continue teaching people.

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"Several years ago my sister, who lives near York, was teaching people in India using Skype. The Blackpool Music School was asked did they want to teach music in India using the internet but at the time we declined the offer due to the lack of experience.

Blackpool Music School has been succesful despite the pandemic (Picture is from before coronavirus)Blackpool Music School has been succesful despite the pandemic (Picture is from before coronavirus)
Blackpool Music School has been succesful despite the pandemic (Picture is from before coronavirus)

"Remembering this conversation when the lockdown restrictions took place in March I asked my sister if she would assist us in setting up internet video lessons, my sister agreed to help.

"After a meeting with the trustees, directors and tutors it was decided that Skype and Zoom lessons were the way forward at this present moment in time and received 100 per cent backing from everyone."

John said the school managed to retain around 70 per cent of students following the move to online and he deemed it 'an overall success.'

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The school has even invested in equipment to make it the 'best experience possible' using the latest technology.

John ShawJohn Shaw
John Shaw

John said: "As some students are continuing with internet lessons, the school has purchased a wide angled camera that allows students at home to take part in group lessons and see the majority of people attending.

"With the use of special microphones and cameras in the class, people at home are involved with the class as if they attended the school. This is great as it allows social distancing but also for people to make friends.

"With the Covid- 9 restrictions still in place and Blackpool in Tier 3 regulations, we will continue to teach people either at the school or over the internet, the choice is up to those who wish to take part but we also follow the strict guidelines of social distancing."

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As the winter months approach, John said the school is trialling a new activity for groups of people to take up an instrument.

He said: "We are offering a activity for all of the family during the winter months so people could think about all learning together as a group. This could be done either at the school or via zoom or skype at home. If people have friends in different locations you could all learn together and we can probably cater for most situations."

For more information about the classes available call 01253 695398 or go to www.blackpoolmusicschool.org

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