Realisation of online musical instrument instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives of music school teachers

Since the COVID-19 pandemic made online classes a necessity throughout the world, Serbia included, the music education system has gone through an extensive transformation, and the teachers faced a number of difficulties and challenges in their work. With this paper, we wanted to provide a clear insight into the teaching practices that were established after the pandemic was declared. The goal was to identify the obstacles that appeared in online classes for musical instruments, but also the advantages that, according to the teachers, may be integrated into traditional classes once the pandemic is over. The research was based on a sample of 220 teachers of elementary music schools, combining a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the obtained data. The results have shown that teachers, younger ones in particular, overcome the obstacles of online teaching without major difficulties. As to the particular difficulties they encountered, the teachers most often mentioned those of a technical nature, and the inability to properly work on the techniques of playing an instrument due to the lack of a direct contact with the students. Almost all of the teachers feel that the students cannot improve their skills through online classes as effectively as in a regular class. However, in their future work, the teachers would continue to make audio and video recordings of themselves and their students playing, and practice online teaching when the students are sick or otherwise unable to attend regular classes. The pedagogical implications of this research are that it is necessary to implement technological solutions that would support all aspects of instrument instruction, but also to intensify technical support for teachers, particularly older ones, regarding competences needed for online classes.