The shift to online instruction as a result of the COVID- 19 pandemic presented a unique challenge for piano students in the UofM’s Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. While most other music students can make the transition by simply using their equipment at home, those studying piano don’t have the same luxury.

“It’s pretty common that piano majors really rely on the school to be able to practice,” said Dr. Artina McCain, UofM coordinator of piano studies. “With the switch to virtual instruction, they weren’t going to be able to practice, and that’s obviously a major impediment to earning your degree.”

In March, when it became apparent campus instruction would no longer be available, McCain met with Scheidt School of Music director Kevin Sanders and fellow piano professor Jonathan Tsay to find a solution. A partnership with Circle Music Center, a local store the School of Music works with extensively, was formed to bring a piano into the homes of 12 students in need.

Delivery was coordinated between piano tech Danny Honnold, business officer Theresa Winkelmann, the students and Circle Music Center. Within one week, each student had been loaned a piano rented by the UofM and was able to resume learning virtually.

“We really didn’t miss a beat from the first conversation to getting students a piano, which was awesome to see,” said McCain. “We were able to make the lessons work via Zoom. I’m so glad the University had purchased those Zoom licenses or it would have been so much more difficult. It worked the best it could under the circumstances.”

Though the lessons were able to be conducted via live online meetings, that was not the best option for students needing to submit audio recordings. Those were pre-recorded and exchanged in order to avoid dealing with potential internet connection issues and provide the best audio quality possible.

“I was very excited to practice on such a beautiful instrument, and it all happened so quickly and seamlessly,” said piano performance major Lucas Smith. “It served as a type of therapy for me while we were all adjusting to being so isolated. It also helped me improve on my technical abilities, and gave me a chance to share my music on social media.”

Graduate student Angelica Rendek was less than two months away from performing a degree recital when in-person instruction was suspended. The piano delivery helped alleviate her initial preparation concerns. Her May 6 recital — a one-hour performance in front of an empty Harris Concert Hall at the UofM — was streamed via Facebook Live.

“Switching to a home environment took some serious discipline,” Rendek said. “It was particularly difficult to prepare for a recital. Often, musicians rely on performing for others periodically leading up to a big program to test things out. I didn't have that privilege besides the occasional live streaming. 

“To receive a piano from the University meant a lot because it was one less thing that I had to worry about, one less element of uncertainty during an unsettling time. I knew that at least I would still be free to create art while helping out society and staying at home.”

McCain noticed some students were even practicing more than normal, refining their skills and striving for improvement during a time in which there wasn’t much else to do.

“They weren’t having to travel anywhere to practice, and they largely weren’t able to do the social things that they typically do,” McCain said. “So while it obviously wasn’t an ideal situation, it was really nice to see some of them investing so much time practicing. Just like a lot of us, the students would rather have live interaction, but they were making the best of a challenging time.

“I’m just really thankful Kevin Sanders and our School of Music were so supportive and able to efficiently get the instruments out to our students to make sure they could continue their education at the highest level possible.”