Birr teacher maintains music lessons via online video platforms

The old adage of necessity being the mother of invention has never been more true than during the current crisis we find ourselves in. As everyone attempts to keep some semblance of everyday life going - especially for children - people are finding different ways to learn, connect, and thrive.

One of those is Birr native and Athlone-based music teacher Deborah McKeown, who has been using WhatsApp video, Skype and Zoom to keep up lessons for her pupils, who range in age from just five right up to their 70s.

Working for Athlone School of Music, Deborah, who is a talented singer/songwriter in her own right teaches a wide range of instruments from the piano and guitar to the ukulele, banjo, mandolin and the tin whistle.

So far, the video lessons have been going well for her although she does admit there are advantages and disadvantages.

“An advantage of a video lesson is that I find the students and I are more focused and actually I have found we get more done sometimes, ironically enough,” Deborah said.

“By doing the lessons online it gave me the idea of sending videos to students to help them learn. Before this, I just sent audio clips. The videos are much more effective.

“The feedback has been really good from students and I think they are simply glad they can continue one of their activities. Only one student so far has decided not to continue online lessons as she found it awkward. That's understandable too.”

There are downsides, of course, poor internet being one, although thankfully, this hasn't been a big issue for those who are continuing their lessons via video. Another drawback is the lack of human contact, in that during a regular lesson, Deborah says she could help the student adjust their fingers etc while playing the guitar.

All in all though, lessons have been received really well and she hopes to continue with them in the coming weeks.

She also recommends that students and musicians use the vast amount of resources available online to stay creative during the coronavirus crisis.

Her advice to musicians and budding musicians is to keep practicing and trying to improve, just try and be the best you can be really.

For Deborah, this has meant uploading some of her own songs and music online, the feedback from which has been really good.

“Well, I write a lot of songs regularly anyway but I bought a synth last week so that has really helped me more creatively. There are so many great sounds on it. I feel lucky to have it. I am hoping I'll tap into my artistic creativity soon.

“I did art for my Leaving Certificate. I always loved it too. I've been writing a film script too but not in this last month. Maybe this extra time will inspire me,” she says.

With events and gigs cancelled, artists countrywide have been affected, Deborah's own launch of her new album 'Change' in her hometown of Birr scheduled for April 9 has been deferred. However, she stresses that safety is the most important thing now.

Recorded with Mike O'Dowd in Glasson, the new album is a collection of older songs with a rockier feel, and newer pieces which are more pop-influenced. Other local contributors include Neil Fitzgibbon on violin, Bob Batty on saxophone, and flute, and Johnny Callaghan did the mastering. The track 'Shadows' was recorded with her old band Spokenspirit.

On her inspiration for songs, Deborah says: “I've been writing music since I was a teenager so some themes which inspired me are relationships (aren't they the most important thing), ambition-following your dreams (as a kid I'd two dreams--to be a teacher or a singer, I am doing it, so can you!!), grief - I lost a friend who just turned 30 a few years ago, bullying, and believing in yourself regardless of put-downs and being your own person.”