Here’s a slightly edited version of a recent email I sent to my students. Perhaps it may be of use to you and/or your students.

If you are currently quarantining because of a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure, here are some things you can do to help fill the time.

Be sure to follow all directives from your health-care provider, before doing any of the following.

Assuming you are feeling well enough…

Self-Care/Well Being

• Take a 15-minute walk outside every day, making sure you observe all health and safety protocols.
• Read a book.
• Sit outside and read a book/take a short nap.
• Call/Zoom/Skype/Facetime an old friend or family member.
• Binge watch a new series.
• Play an online game with friends.
• Meditate/Do Breathing Exercises (Try Insight Timer)

Music/Horn-Related: Pick ONE thing to start, and go from there. It’s not about accomplishing lots of things. Do only what you CAN do, and forget about the things you can’t.

• Rethink/revise your daily routine. Caruso studies, transposition, scales, long tones, etc. Dig in and find something you like to practice, even if you watch TV or something else while doing it.
• Work on your ear training/theory knowledge (Download Perfect Ear)
• Record a virtual duet with a friend/colleague. Use an app or figure out how to sync up the videos yourself using free software like iMovie or DaVinci Resolve.
• Listen to this Horn Solo playlist on YouTube. Then create your own! In addition to the standard works, try to find pieces by under-represented composers. Find the music and buy it!

• Clean/oil your horn and mouthpiece.
• Pick a random etude book/solo you’ve never heard of on IMSLP and work on it! https://imslp.org./wiki/List_of_Compositions_Featuring_the_Horn.
• Listen to an entire opera/symphony/string quartet, etc….doesn’t matter which one!
• Start a journal/blog about your musical journey.
• Read up online! Start with HornMatters and Hornsociety.org. Check out my website too if you like!
• Join the International Horn Society and read The Horn Call!

Above all, take care of yourself and seek help if you feel overwhelmed.