A MESSAGE from THE PHOENIX

March 17, 2020

Dear Friends,

I send this greeting in the spirit of care and communion. I need not underline the seriousness of the health crisis we are all facing, in Canada and throughout the world.  Having returned early from my Barbados holiday, I am observing my fourth (of fourteen) day of self-isolation, in compliance with the government’s directive to all travellers returning from abroad.  I am healthy (thus far) and very grateful.

When I started Music without Borders  twelve years ago, I imagined the many advantages online theory teaching could provide both me and my students. What I  could not have imagined is that terms like “pandemic”, “self-isolation”, and “social distancing” would become part of our daily conversations. Yet here we are.  None of us can know the future. What I can promise you is that my many years of online teaching experience will help me continue delivering, without compromise, the highest level of learning experience you have come to expect. I believe that teaching is not merely the transference of information. Any textbook or self-help website can do as much. It is about knowledge and nurture. It is about making the journey as engaging as the end result successful. Finally, teaching is about mentorship. My own teachers cherished these values, and so do I.

Humbly, I invite you to consider my Summer School 2020 Theory Course offerings. Perhaps, moving forward, our joint exploration of music will provide at least one constant element – a compass of sorts – as we navigate uncharted waters.  As musicians, we understand the value of community, collaboration, and sharing. May those values carry us forward as we look after ourselves and each other.

Keep the Faith!

Joe