August 5, 2020

Dear CIM Voice Students:
 
As we near August 10, it is vitally important that everyone is aware of – and strictly follows – certain protocols that are designed for us to make music together as safely as possible. You’ll find those protocols detailed below, and they are also available here as a PDF. Please keep in mind that these restrictions represent our best understanding at this moment, and they are subject to change as we learn more or conditions change.
 
We are pleased to report that the technology in the latency-free rooms described below works beautifully, and it allows us to collaborate in a way we have not been able to do since the start of the pandemic. So, there is much to be excited about, and we look forward to seeing and hearing you!
 
Sincerely,
 
Clifford Billions, voice faculty
François Germain, vocal coach
Dina Kuznetsova, Director, Opera Scenes | voice faculty
Mary Schiller, Head, Voice Department
John Simmons, vocal coach
Dean Southern, Head, Voice & Opera Division | Director, Opera Theater
Safety Protocols for CIM Voice Majors
These protocols are designed to speak to circumstances and situations that apply to the majority of voice students, faculty and coaches. If you need clarification on anything, please speak to your teacher or to Dr. Southern. The protocols may be adjusted to react to changes in the pandemic and in response to additional information. Thank you for remaining considerate and flexible as we begin the fall semester.

Note: The term “masks” means fabric masks, surgical masks or N95 masks (no bandanas) worn securely over the nose and mouth.

Practice Rooms
  • Practice rooms C, D, and E are voice-priority rooms in CIM’s main building.
  • Practice rooms 16 and 21 are voice-priority rooms in 1609 Hazel.
  • No practice session can be longer than 60 minutes.
  • The practice room must be vacated (completely empty) for 60 minutes between practice sessions for adequate air exchange.
  • Remember that all practice rooms must be reserved in EMS.

Rehearsals with pianists
  • Weekly rehearsal times will be assigned in specific rooms. You may trade times with another singer-pianist team if a conflict prevents you from rehearsing during your assigned time.
  • No rehearsal session longer than 30 minutes.
  • The rehearsal room must be vacated (completely empty) for 30 minutes between practice sessions for adequate air exchange.
  • All are responsible for cleaning of music stands, piano keyboards and other surfaces with disinfectant wipes before and after each rehearsal.

Lessons and Coaching
Indoors
  • Three pairs of adjacent studios linked with zero-latency video and audio connection (201-202, 206-207, 214-215) have been equipped for the CIM Voice Department.
  • Faculty and pianist will be in one studio (202, 206, 215), always properly masked, at 6 feet physical distance.
  • Student singer can be unmasked in the adjacent studio (210, 207, 214, respectively). 
  • Lessons must not last longer than 60 minutes.
  • The studio used by an unmasked singer must be vacated (completely empty) for 60 minutes following the lesson to allow for adequate air exchange.
  • All are responsible for cleaning of music stands, piano keyboards and other surfaces with disinfectant wipes before and after each lesson.

Outdoors  
  • Outdoor lessons are possible on the Thomas Commons patio and Mixon patio, weather permitting.
  • A 10x12’ tent will be provided for protection from the sun and rain.
  • An electric piano is available.
  • Masks are not required for outdoor lessons if a minimum of 12 feet physical distance is maintained between singer, pianist and faculty member.
  • Faculty, singer and pianist should be mindful of wind direction when spacing selves.
  • Faculty member must make the request for outdoor spaces and electric piano through roomres@cim.edu.
  • All are responsible for cleaning of music stands and piano keyboards with disinfectant wipes before and after each lesson.

Remote
  • As arranged between student and faculty member.
  • Cleenfeed is an easy-to-use internet-based option which provides higher quality sound than Zoom, Teams and other similar platforms. It can be paired with another platform with the sound mutec for video.
  • Rooms in CIM are available for the student’s use if the teacher is teaching from another location. The faculty member must request the room for lesson through roomres@cim.edu.

Studio classes
Outdoors
  • Studio classes are possible on the Thomas Commons patio and Mixon patio, weather permitting.
  • A 10x12’ tent will be provided for protection from the sun and rain.
  • An electric piano is available.
  • Masks are not required for outdoor studio classes if 12 feet physical distance is maintained. Otherwise, properly worn masks are required with 6 feet physical distancing.
  • Feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket to be comfortable on the lawn!

Remote
  • Individual teachers may opt for remote studio classes when weather becomes unfavorable.
 
Opera rehearsals
Indoors
  • Properly worn masks are required of everyone involved in indoor rehearsals. No exceptions.
  • No more than 10 people are allowed in room 217 for opera rehearsals.
  • Physical distancing of 12 feet must be maintained between singers and anyone else.
  • Physical distance of 6 feet must be maintained between all non-singing participants.
  • Rehearsals must not exceed 60 minutes.
  • The rehearsal room must be vacated for 30 minutes between rehearsals for adequate air exchange.
  • Softer singing creates less aerosol and is recommended for indoor rehearsals. You can still work on details of music, characterization and staging while singing softly.
  • Faculty and students are responsible for cleaning of music stands, piano keyboards and other surfaces with disinfectant wipes before and after each rehearsal.

Outdoors
  • Physical distancing of 6 feet must be maintained while masked.
  • Physical distancing of 12 feet must be maintained while unmasked.