School of Music COVID-19 Updates
The following policies pertain to in-person music rehearsals, performances, lessons, and practice. The policies are grounded in guidance from federal, state, and University sources, but may vary from the specific recommendations of these sources in order to suit our institution. School of Music policies are not intended to contradict government or University mandates, but may exceed their requirements in some cases.
The Minnesota Department of Health has also issued guidance for musical activities, available here.
General Guidelines
No student is required to attend classes, lessons, or rehearsals in-person. No one should be pressured to do in-person activities if they do not feel safe doing so. The details of any in-person activity and the safety precautions that will be used must be disclosed to all participants in advance.
In-person group activities should be limited to the smallest groups possible, and the duration of in-person activity should be minimized to the greatest extent possible.
The School of Music only approves activities and rehearsals directly related to the curriculum. Personal and extracurricular group activities and rehearsals are not allowed. If an activity can be done remotely or at home, it must be. Extracurricular solo musical practice is allowed.
Non-University guests are not allowed in the building without prior written permission from the School of Music leadership. If granted written permission to bring a Non-University guest to Ferguson or Ted Mann Concert Hall, you are responsible for letting the guest into and out of the facility.
Sanitization supplies are provided in each teaching space. Use these supplies to sanitize the surfaces you touch before and after you use them. Email music@umn.edu with the room number if supplies are running low.
Classroom equipment has been pre-set to accommodate social distancing. If you move chairs or other items to make space for a rehearsal, you must move them back to their designated place when you are finished. Similarly, some rooms have been outfitted with additional technology to accommodate distance learning. If you modify these setups in order to connect to your own equipment, you must return them to their original state when you are finished.
In-Person
Students are not required to come to campus for instruction and can not be required to use on-campus resources for instruction. For example, the zero-latency studios may not be used for distanced instruction or lessons, as it would require students to come to campus.
Activities that don’t involve any wind instruments or singing must follow the University of Minnesota’s guidelines for in-person instruction:
- Masks must be worn at all times.
- 6-foot or greater social distancing is required.
- Groups may not exceed 50 people, including instructors.
For activities that do involve wind instruments or singing, refer to "Curricular Activity and Protocol" requirements below.
Recitals
Students who wish to use Ultan Recital Hall for their recital performance and dress rehearsals may continue to do so, but no student is required to come to campus to perform their recital. On-campus recitals must be voluntary, and the consent of all parties involved must be made explicit. Students should discuss their recital options with their instructors.
Practice Rooms
The practice rooms will remain available. More information is available below in "Ferguson Hall Access and Protocol" and on the School of Music Intranet.
Studios and Office Access
Instructors and employees will continue to have access to their studios and offices. However, all work that can be done remotely must be done remotely. Don’t come to campus unless it’s necessary for your work.
Any exceptions to these policies require prior written permission from the director, Michael Kim.
Curricular Delivery and Protocol
Ferguson Hall Access and Protocol
It has truly been a challenging time on numerous fronts, but I continue to be moved and greatly heartened by how resilient our community has been in the face of this uncertainty and adversity. Your creativity, heart, talent, and dedication has given me more confidence than ever in our collective ability to overcome the challenges we are facing, and to take the School of Music to even greater heights of prominence and accomplishment.
It is critical that we collectively commit as a community to the School of Music, University, and state mandates and guidelines. It is not only about consideration for the health and welfare of our colleagues in the School of Music—but also about protecting our loved ones at home, and the more vulnerable members of our society. You are all required to abide by these guidelines, which will be strictly enforced at all times in Ferguson Hall and Ted Mann Concert Hall. Any violation of these mandated guidelines may result in the revoking of Ferguson Hall access privileges, and other disciplinary action as warranted.
I know the above is a lot of information to digest. My aim is to keep you informed to the greatest extent possible given the shifting landscape, and as always, the health and safety of our awesome SoM community will always be the primary guiding principle. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. I am truly looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the School of Music this fall, and you have my complete commitment, and the full commitment of SoM faculty and staff to continue providing the best possible educational experience and service we can come this Fall and beyond. It continues to be my privilege to serve all of you, and many thanks for your continued patience and grace.
Sincerely,
Michael Kim, DMA
Director & Professor