BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
The World Health Organisation has declared a coronavirus pandemic. And as governments place restrictions on travel and mass gatherings, the arts will be hit very hard.
As an industry that heavily relies on physical presence, the next few months will undoubtedly take its toll on arts organisations and practitioners.
In Australia, the government has generated a coronavirus stimulus package that will provide some businesses with thousands of dollars to help them keep afloat. But how can we judge the long-term benefit or sustainability this will bring to small ensembles – often with informal business structures, and who don’t have employees? Or sole traders who rely on irregular live gigs? Or music tutors who may face shutting their studio doors, or staying away from their school environments?
Across the world, music events are being cancelled – and some are even playing to an empty house. One of the biggest event cancellations in Australia is Dark Mofo – the music and arts festival that holds Tasmania together during the winter, and which provides enormous injections into the economy as it attracts tens of thousands of arts and culture tourists to the state.
As a resident of Hobart, I now look ahead to the darker months being as gloomy and empty as they once were before Mona’s festival literally fired them up. Aside from this shared feeling among fellow audience members, I understand this will now be a difficult season for local businesses who also rely on the incredible benefits that live music and art brings to the state.
It must be stated that it’s not the fault of arts organisations who need to make this tough decision. It’s an undeniably sad and challenging time for the music industry. However, this doesn’t mean you should abandon it altogether, whether you’re a practitioner or – especially – a concertgoer. There may still be ways for us all to come together and continue to engage in what we love, and live, to do.
So here are a few suggestions on how to continue supporting your local music scene during this unique struggle, whether or not you can be present in person. I hope you can expand the list with creative ideas in your own musical journey, too.
Importantly, as you read, remember there are still many live music events in Australia you can support by attending. Do not forget these efforts. They need you, now more than ever.
Update 5pm March 13: The Australian Government has advised against mass gatherings and international travel, and a growing number of arts events have been cancelled, since time of publishing.
1. CDs and streaming
Many of the orchestras and ensembles across Australia have an incredible back-catalogue of recorded music, which you might not even know about. Take the time to visit their websites or look them up on Spotify, and see what you can find. Though you might not be able to attend concerts in person during the following months, you can certainly continue to listen to the hard work of these musicians who have been creating wonderful things for you to enjoy from home – and now’s the time to catch up on what you’ve been missing.
And, if musicians take the time and effort to put on a concert during a pandemic and livestream it for you to watch from home, show your appreciation and be one of their viewers!
2. House concerts
If further large-scale events become cancelled and you are unable to participate in an audience of tens (or hundreds, or thousands) of people, have a think about putting on a house concert.
If your home is a safe space to perform in (no sickness or symptoms, of course), you might like to engage your favourite local artists and hire them to put on a show, just for you. Help support them by creating your own stage and audience – and reminding yourself about the joys of live music.
3. Studies via distance
Universities are shifting to online study options, and outside academia I’ve heard from a number of music tutors who are concerned for the future of their home studios. Whether you teach or are a student, consider setting up study via distance.
You don’t need to stop your practice altogether – and, of course, in music, this is not a desirable thing to do anyway. Options such as Skype or Zoom may provide you with simple resources to continue to teach or learn, even if you’re physically unable to be there together. Certainly, it is not a permanent substitute for in-person lessons. But it’s better than nothing – and it’ll also mean teachers can have a chance at maintaining their income by maintaining their work.
4. Jam (or practice) sessions
If (and while) you are able to come together in person, meet up with your mates and have a jam session. And you can interpret “jam session” however you need – as a way to come together and have fun making live music for yourselves, or as an intense practice session where you achieve plenty of work you need to get done.
Just because there may be gig cancellations that affect you in the near future, it’s not the time to lose hope — or to forget why you’re doing this. So keep playing together, even if it’s only for yourselves!
5. Watch Netflix
Not even joking. Even better, if you’re in Australia, watch ABC iview or Stan. Engage in locally produced television, documentary, short film, and cinema. Why? Because composers and performers are making new music for you every day – and there’s a whole heap of incredible screen music out there, which you can indulge in right now.
Screen Music Australia award-winning composer Antony Partos argued that we shouldn’t skip the intro when watching a TV show, because it undermines a composer’s work. This is a great example of how you can make a subtle change to appreciate and respect what screen composers do for you, all from the comfort of your own home.
6. Have conversations
Don’t stop talking about your favourite ensembles, or reflecting on the recent concerts that have brought you joy. It’s not a time to forget about what performing artists give to you in your life. Talk to your friends and family about the music you love. And, importantly, talk to the artists you admire to check in with them, let them know you’re still there, and see if there’s anything you can do to help support them during this time.
7. Follow music on Facebook
Speaking of conversation, follow your local musicians on Facebook to keep up to date with what they still have on, and read the news of any struggles they’re having. If the physical world is unstable, you can certainly be present for them in the virtual world. Like their posts, share them, and don’t let the community forget that this is their career – every day, pandemic or not.
8. Be cautious, but consider live music
When all is said and done, there may still be arts events you are able to attend. Check in with your local chamber ensembles or other smaller groups, which may not be affected by the mass gathering restrictions.
If you do not have any symptoms yourself, and concert organisers have consulted with authorities (such as the Public Health Department, Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, or equivalent) to consider a live event safe for you to attend, by all means, consider going while you can.
Update: This section was edited at 5pm March 13. It previously included a quote about an orchestra’s program continuing, but this orchestra has now suspended its events in line with the latest news updates about coronavirus and official health advice.
Ultimately, make all decisions mindfully, and with consideration of your personal health needs and those around you.
If you need more information about the coronavirus in Australia, the Department of Health website is updated daily. If you are feeling any symptoms, follow the correct procedures and see your GP.
Do not engage in live arts events if you should be self-isolating.
Disclaimer: CutCommon cannot offer formal medical advice or guidance when it comes to the decision to host or attend concerts. Please consult your GP.
