Manitoba music teachers' stress, concerns about future highlighted in research

Music teachers in Manitoba are hoping for an uplifting finale toMusic Monthas they battle stress and fatigue whileconstantly adapting toever-changing provincial guidelines.

"More than half [of teachers] aren't in theirhomeroom," said Jordan Laidlaw, a music teacher and doctoral studentin Winnipeg who is carrying out research on the welfare of music teachers this year.

"Some have had to innovate to music lessons on a travelling cartwith different instruments, sanitizing them in between, trying to be punctual while still providing rich learning experiences for children."

He is collaborating with Shellagh Chadwick, an associate professor of music education at Brandon University. The pair are gathering information onteaching during the pandemicincluding teachers'well-beingand their concerns forthe future. As part of the research, they sent an online survey to music teachers.

They said 84 per cent of teachers surveyed feltfatigued from work, and almost halfconsidered early retirement or a change in their careerallbecause of changes and disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Just over half of music teachers who responded said they'vehad to teach in new subject areas, and many more said they didn't receive any professional development in their new area.

"All of this creates stress, and constantly having to pivot. About a third who responded said they are self-medicating, with an increased use of cannabis and alcohol," said Laidlaw. Many felt their confidence as a teacher haddecreased.

The survey, which took place between mid-Februaryand April 5, was answered by 218 music teachers throughout the province.It's estimated there are about 500 such specialized educators in Manitoba.

The results are being discussed at the same time asMay has been declared Music Month by the minister of education.

'Constant change': association director

Chelsey Hiebert,the executive director of the Manitoba Band Association, isn'tsurprised by any of the findings.

"It's sad. All the feedback we have been getting across the board is how it is recreating the wheel," Hiebert said.

"Regardless if they have one year experience or 30in the field, they all feel like first-year teachers again because ofthe constant change, and learning to do things in new ways is overwhelming."

Music teachers have faced ever-changingchoir and ensemble restrictions, teachingindoors and even moving outside, thencoming up with a hybrid of in-person and online optionsall in an effort to keep students engaged and connected during the pandemic.

The bonus, says Hiebert, is that all those working as music educators have learned new skills, which most of the teachers surveyed confirmed. Just what those new skills are is part of a questionnaire included inthe research, and that information is still being compiled.

"The amount of change and innovation has been incredible pivoting on a dime, and learningthe new technology that goes with it. There is no live interaction on Zoom,"said Hiebert.

"All teachers and performers are now learning audio engineeringhow to combine tracks and video, and producing incredible projects. That would normally take a whole team and teachers are doing it individually."

On another positive note, a majority of teachers surveyed believe students are still engaged in music. But both Hiebert and Laidlaw say they are concerned about declining enrolments.

"That's because a kid thatmaybe signed up for choir or band, and then finds out, 'I joined choir but I can't sing because of restrictions.' They say, 'Forget this, I am droppingout,'"said Laidlaw.

"That directly impacts music teachers'programs and their numbers. They are very concerned for the future, post-pandemic."

Hiebert says enrolment is the No. 1 issue going forward. A drop innumbersthis year likely means a drop in enrolment next year.

"Thenatural mentorshipthat happens in band communitieswon't happen this year because bands aren't playing. Ithinkit is importantto remember band is more thanjust a subject for most students, it's a real social hub. Now that they have lost that, there is going to be a hit on the community for a few years," said Hiebert.

The research also involves a questionnaire which will give Laidlaw and Hiebert more specifics. They are also hoping to start up focus groups later this month to look at the music educators' experience with COVID-19 and whether they feel safe at work.

It's all information,Laidlaw says, that shouldn't be taken lightly and should be supported by government and administration.

"Music education is important for so many kids across Manitoba. It can be such an outlet, especially for disadvantaged children. It can even be a form of therapy," said Laidlaw.