It has been announced that the government has issued new guidance for England that will allow peripatetic music teachers to return to schools as well as enable ensemble rehearsals and performances to resume as long as specific health and safety measures are implemented.

Challenges

The government has said that pupils who have now returned to school should have access to "a quality arts education"- not one that solely focuses on 'core' subjects.

The previous requirement for extended social distancing in relation to brass and wind instruments and singing is no longer applicable if the risk of cumulative aerosol transmission can be minimised.

However, it still states that singing, wind and brass playing should not take place in large groups unless significant space and natural airflow is available for all present, including audiences.

Minimising risks

Peripatetic teachers can move between schools as long as they comply with arrangements for managing and minimising risk.

Ensembles should play and/or sing outdoors if possible, or indoors with ventilation as described in the current HSE guidance, whilst they should also implement strict social distancing measures, positioning pupils back-to-back or side-to-side if possible, and directing the air from wind and brass instruments away from other pupils

Performances should follow the current DCMS performance guidance to minimise risk and contact between individuals should be minimised and physical contact avoided

Musicians' Union

The Musicians' Union has published its own response and understanding of the new guidance — one which also affects individual lessons which are also subject to social distancing and health and safety measures.

Different approaches apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Movement between schools by visiting teachers should be minimised, and that online sessions should be considered as an alternative in Scotland. The resumption of singing, wind and brass should be avoided during the initial return to schools pending further scientific advice.

Peripatetic teachers can move between schools in Wales but gives no further advice on music. No advice as yet has been given for visiting teachers in Northern Ireland.

Welcome

Speaking about the latest news on the Musician's Union website, Diane Widdison, the MU's National Organiser for Education and Training, said: 'We welcome this updated guidance, although the delay in providing it means that many schools will already have planned this term's musical activities based on the previous more restrictive guidance.

This could have a damaging knock-on effect for music services and hubs, which engage many MU members and are already struggling financially after two terms — and now possibly a third — with reduced work.'

The Musicians' Union has published its own response and understanding of the new guidance — one which also affects individual lessons which are also subject to social distancing and health and safety measures4BR

More clarity

She added: 'It is also disappointing to see that the Scottish government has yet to relax its guidance on wind, brass and singing, considering the growing body of scientific evidence that suggests these disciplines can be successfully managed in schools with the correct mitigation procedures.

Likewise, we hope to see further clarity from Wales and Northern Ireland so that more of our members can get back to work and provide vital music education."

To find out more go to: https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/

Image courtesy Lorne Campbell/Guzelian