

In addition to following Virginia and CDC guidelines, Shenandoah Conservatory continues to carefully review the most recent research and findings from industry-specific associations, to keep a safe environment for all faculty, staff and students. Each of our performance divisions (music, theatre and dance) have unique considerations regarding how safety measures may impact classes, rehearsals, applied lessons and performances.
We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all of our students while providing exceptional opportunities aligned with preparation for 21st century careers in the arts. As the arts industry responds to our current reality — modifying rehearsal practices, strengthening virtual performance platforms and redefining the arts experience — Shenandoah Conservatory will also adapt to the most recent industry standards, while maintaining our commitment to innovation and collaboration. We recognize that the fall holds uncertainties for all of us as performers, designers, composers and technicians. Below is a list of new policies, procedures and considerations specific to learning, performing and thriving at Shenandoah Conservatory during these rapidly changing times. We will continue to adapt our safety measures and procedures as we consult with state and federal agencies, university leadership and industry professionals. Please check this page regularly for the most recent information and resources.
For the most up-to-date university-wide Coronavirus information, FAQs and additional resources, visit www.su.edu/coronavirus.
General Conservatory Information
At this point, all regularly scheduled indoor spring performances will be closed to the general public, however, we will be video recording as many recitals and performances as possible for archival and streaming purposes. We will continue to re-evaluate and assess this policy throughout the semester and adapt as resources and circumstances allow. Following the lead of so many arts organizations, much of our 2020/21 season we will be designed with digital delivery in mind. In order to support these efforts and the creative endeavors of our students and guest artists, we will continue to utilize Conservatory Performs for You (CP4U), the new Conservatory Performs digital streaming platform. CP4U enables audiences to purchase digital subscription packages and single “tickets” to access recorded performances by our instrumental ensembles and dance and theatre divisions. Pending guidance from local, state and federal agencies, we are also planning several outdoor performances in the spring.
Safety Measures for Outdoor Performances
Unlike indoor venues, outdoor performances provide artists and audiences with adequate air circulation and room to safely socially distance. Special safety measures will be required for all outdoor performances at Shenandoah University, including:
- Masks required for all artists, crew, staff and audiences
- A minimum of 6 feet social distancing required for all artists, crew, staff and audiences (please note additional safety measures below for singers and wind/brass musicians)
- No direct interaction between performers and audience before, during or after performances (including backstage and post-performance meet and greets)
Singing and the playing of brass and wind instruments is considered a high risk activity. For outdoor performances involving singing or the use of brass/wind instruments, the following safety measures must be followed, in addition to the mask requirement (masks for wind/brass musicians may have a small opening for the musician’s mouth):
- A minimum of 10 feet distancing required between performers
- A minimum of 20 feet is required between performers and the first row of the audience
- Bell covers required for all wind/brass instruments
Safety Measures for Conservatory Performances Off Campus
- Masks required for all artists, crew, staff and audiences
- A minimum of 6 feet social distancing required for all artists, crew, staff and audiences (please note additional safety measures below for singers and wind/brass musicians)
- No direct interaction between performers and audience before, during or after performances (including backstage and post-performance meet-and-greets)
- Singing, acting and the playing of brass and wind instruments is considered a high risk activity. For outdoor performances involving singing, acting or the use of brass/wind instruments, the following safety measures must be followed, in addition to the mask requirement (masks for wind/brass musicians may have a small opening for the musician’s mouth):
- A minimum of 10 feet distancing required between performers
- A minimum of 20 feet is required between performers and the first row of the audience
- Bell covers required for all wind/brass instruments
Considering low risk experiences and provided that students and faculty adhere to proper safety protocols, piano, organ, percussion, guitar, composition and string lessons may occur in person depending on the willingness and consent of both the student and faculty member. Both teachers and students will wear masks and accommodate social distancing of at least 6 feet. Lessons will be no more than 50 minutes.
Voice lessons will be provided remotely. Moving our voice lessons online aligns with current research about singing face-to-face in smaller studio spaces. Studio classes, designed to address repertoire selection, vocal health and advanced musicianship, held online or in large spaces (or outdoor spaces) will also allow for greater in-person experiences.
For wind instruments, lessons will be provided remotely. We are working to accommodate in-person experiences for these lessons in large spaces or outdoor spaces, though this is dependent on the willingness and consent of both the student and faculty member. Studio classes held in large spaces or outdoor spaces will also allow for greater in-person experiences as well. If it is possible to accommodate in-person wind lessons, students and faculty must wear a mask for the duration of the lesson (wind students are required to wear a face mask with a small opening for their mouth and are required to use bell cover). Wind students will also be required to accommodate social distancing of at least 12 feet. Lessons will be no more than 50 minutes with a 30-minute room vacancy between each lesson to allow for adequate air exchange.
Please understand we have some music faculty in high-risk groups and we have some students in high-risk groups. In such cases, we will support remote applied instruction on Zoom or via other approved video-conferencing platforms to ensure that we are providing the right accommodation for those with such needs.
Students will be limited to specific practice spaces at specific hours. In order to allow time for sufficient air circulation and disinfecting, there will be a one hour block in between each available reservation. Only one person may use a practice room at a time. The specific hours of operation and scheduling process will be communicated to students one week prior to classes started.
The Steinway Piano Suites will be available exclusively to piano students through reservation only. Students will likely be limited to specific hours. In order to allow time for sufficient air circulation and disinfecting, there will be a one hour block in between each available reservation. Only one person may use a practice room at a time. Due to safety concerns, accompanists are not permitted to work with vocalists in these spaces. The specific hours of operation and scheduling process will be communicated to students one week prior to classes starting.
A strict one person at a time per room policy is in effect. Rooms must remain empty for the full rest period. Practice room doors must remain closed at all times.
Practice Room Etiquette
- Wash your hands before & after practice, or use alcohol based sanitizer on hands until dry.
- Disinfect surfaces — chairs, stands, benches and pianos (per COVID-19 Piano Care instructions posted by each piano) — before and after use.
- Do not use hand sanitizer on pianos, mouthpieces or instruments.
- No snacking/eating.
Practice Room Cleaning & Sanitizing
- NON-BLEACH, NON-CITRUS products only. NO AEROSOL cleaning products, please!
- Semi damp wipe on music stand, piano keys, bench knobs until dry. IMPORTANT: Refer to “Piano Care & Disinfecting Procedures” below for specific instructions on how to care for the pianos.
- If using a spray or liquid bottle, always spray the disinfectant on a towel first. Do not spray directly on surfaces.
- Dispose of wipes and towels in the garbage bin. Be aware of allergies to harsh chemicals, and wash hands after contact with cleaning products and supplies.
Questions?
Email practicerooms@su.edu for more information.
The initial deadline to register for a practice room has passed. If you have not registered, and you need to, please submit a Practice Room Registration Form as soon as possible and we will accommodate your request as soon as we have completed the assignments for those students who have already registered.
What are the most effective ways to keep my piano clean?
- Wash your hands before and after playing the piano, or use an alcohol based sanitizer on hands and rub until dry.
- Do not eat and drink at the piano.
- Clean spittle from keys and case as needed.
- Avoid playing your instrument seated at the piano or standing over the keyboard.
What products are recommended?
- DO use non-bleach, non-citrus wipes on the keys.
- DO use a disinfectant solution sprayed on a disposable towel.
- DO NOT use furniture polish, bleach or citrus formula products.
- DO NOT use hand sanitizer to clean the piano. Liquid Ethyl Alcohol (hand sanitizer) will discolor keys. Methyl Alcohol is toxic.
How do I safely clean the piano?
- Using a semi-wet cloth or wipe, gently wipe keys from back to front.
- Use wipes on piano keys and bench knobs.
- If using a spray or liquid bottle, put the disinfectant on a towel first and not on the piano.
- Prevent excess liquid from dripping between keys or drying on surfaces.
- Follow up with a dry cloth as needed.
Dispose of wipes and towels in the garbage bin. Be aware of allergies to harsh chemicals and wash hands after contact with cleaning products and supplies.
During the livestream recital, only necessary faculty, staff and students will be permitted in the recital venue. Performers, adjudicating faculty and stage crew must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask. Post-concert receptions are not permitted on campus, but we encourage students to set up their own virtual watch parties for friends and family.
Students who are unable to perform a recital on campus, due to 100% online learning status or health and safety concerns, may elect to complete a Personal Musicianship Project (PMP). Please note: Students permitted to complete a PMP at an off-campus location must observe all ShenCo Rising safety protocols.
Recital Safety Measures for String, Guitar, Percussion & Keyboard
- Masks required for all artists, crew, staff and faculty adjudicators.
- A minimum of 6 feet of social distancing required for all artists, crew, staff and faculty adjudicators.
Recital Safety Measures for Wind Players & Vocalists
- Masks required for all artists, crew, staff and faculty adjudicators.
- A minimum of 10 feet of social distancing required for all artists, crew, staff and faculty adjudicators.
- Wind players and vocalists may perform with an accompanist as long as both are masked and observe the 10-foot social distancing requirement.
Personal Musicianship Project (PMP)
- Self recorded
- Typically in one’s home
- Recorded accompaniment
- May be unmasked if no one else is in the room
Auditions, Rehearsals & Performances
Auditions/Placements
Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.
Auditions/Placements
Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.
Auditions/Placements
Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.
In-person instrumental studio ensembles will be accommodated in larger venues as possible in order to accommodate social distancing. Students and faculty must observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face mask for the duration of their rehearsal, class, coaching session or performance. Additionally, wind musicians are required to wear a face mask with a small opening for their mouth; use a bell cover; and may be subject to increased social distancing. Students and faculty who cannot attend in person will be accommodated via live stream and Zoom, to be coordinated by the faculty member.
Auditions/Placements
Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.
Live performances may not be possible. This is one of the most challenging aspects to predict. Of course, the possibility of live performance is preferred, and we are continually looking for ways to make them happen. We will need to see how the pandemic progresses or regresses before being able to make those determinations.
There will be a mixture of rehearsal/performance and choral musicianship training. We are finding opportunities for everyone to perform (be it live, virtual, recorded, etc.), and we are finding ways to increase your choral/ensemble musicianship skills in new, more dedicated ways. There is nothing like making music with other people. Whether it be groups of 4, 8, 12 (or more if permitted), we are creating ways for you to make music with your colleagues — and not just with other singers, but with instrumentalists, dancers and actors too!
Auditions/Placements
Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.
Live opera performances may not be possible. This is one of the most challenging aspects to predict. Of course, the possibility of live performance is preferred, and we are continually looking for ways to make them happen. We will need to see how the pandemic progresses or regresses before being able to make those determinations.
There will be a mixture of rehearsal/performance and operatic training. We are finding opportunities for everyone to perform (be it live, virtual, recorded, etc.), and we are carefully following new industry trends and practices, identifying ways for our students to gain opera experiences that are both innovative and relevant. Please stay tuned for more details and programming information.
Auditions/Placements
Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.
Live theatre performances may not be possible. This is one of the most challenging aspects to predict. Of course, the possibility of live performance is preferred, and we are continually looking for ways to make them happen. We will need to see how the pandemic progresses or regresses before being able to make those determinations.
As always, the semester will feature a mixture of rehearsal/performance and theatrical training, and we are exploring many ways to utilize technology to enhance and expand our skills. We are finding opportunities for many to perform this semester (be it live, virtual, recorded, etc.), and we are carefully following new industry trends and practices, identifying ways to provide experiences that are both innovative and relevant. Please stay tuned for more details and programming information.
Auditions/Placements
Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.
Live dance performances may not be possible. This is one of the most challenging aspects to predict. Of course, the possibility of live performance is preferred, and we are continually looking for ways to make them happen. We will need to see how the pandemic progresses or regresses before being able to make those determinations.
As always, the semester will feature a mixture of rehearsal/performance and dance training, and we are exploring many ways to utilize technology to enhance and expand our skills. We are finding opportunities for many to perform this semester (be it live, virtual, recorded, etc.), and we are carefully following new industry trends and practices, identifying ways to provide experiences that are both innovative and relevant. Please stay tuned for more details and programming information.
Auditions/Placements
Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for complete details on the audition process and requirements.
Practica & Internships
Special Considerations
- At this time, it appears that if players wear surgical style masks with a slit for mouthpiece AND bell covers, aerosol emission is reduced. Flute players can put the headjoint between their mouth and mask and use a “flute sock” attached to the foot.
- Double- and triple-layer masks with a performance slit for wind players are available at TMF Tours and Travel.
- Bell covers should be used at all times and made of a double-layer, polyester/spandex fabric. The cover stretches over the bell and does not inhibit sound production. Just like with face masks, multiple layers are more effective at blocking small particles than single layers. Two layers of fabric creates a denier rating of 140+, well in excess of the 70 denier nylon fabrics tested. Bell covers are available for purchase at McCormicks and Bandmans. Bell covers for french horn and flute covers are available for purchase at TMF Tours and Travel.
- Students should collect water from their instruments responsibly and cleanly in a Lysol-soaked cloth stored in a plastic bag. No water will be expelled onto floors or common surfaces.
- CDC guidelines for social distancing of 6×6 feet, with 9×6 for trombone players.
- Indoor rehearsals should last for 30 to 45 minutes followed by clearing the room for 30 minutes for the HVAC system to change the air indoors with outside air and to allow aerosols and droplets to disperse or settle. All players should be seated to the front and play in the same direction (no arced seating).
Wind musicians will not be permitted to play their instrument in any classroom or venue with others while not wearing a mask.
Sources
- Singing/acting in individual spaces with remote coaching/interaction
- Singing/acting with masks only outside with students 12 feet apart
- Singing/acting in large spaces (Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall) with masks while students social distance at 10 to 12 feet apart for a limited amount of time (30 minutes to 45 minutes) followed by clearing the room for 30 minutes for the HVAC system to change the air indoors with outside air and to allow aerosols and droplets to disperse or settle. All singers should face house front and sing in the same direction (no arced seating).
Students will not be permitted to sing or act in a classroom with others while not wearing a mask.
Rehearsal/Performance Guidelines
- Singing/acting with masks only outside with students 12 feet apart.
- Singing/acting in large spaces (Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall) with masks while students social distance at 10 to 12 feet apart for a limited amount of time (30 minutes to 45 minutes) followed by clearing the room for 30 minutes for the HVAC system to change the air indoors with outside air and to allow aerosols and droplets to disperse or settle. All singers should face house front and sing in the same direction (no arced seating). Groups of singers should be limited to 8 or fewer, and the conductor should be positioned on the side of the group.
- Students will not be permitted to sing or act in a classroom with others while not wearing a mask.
- When video recording for public sharing, a performer may sing or act without a mask ONLY if they are the only person in the room and the room air rest for 30 minutes after completion. No other singers, instrumentalists, photographer, videographer, sound technician, faculty member, etc. may be in the room at the time of mask-free singing or enter the room until the air rest time has completed.
- When using sound equipment such as microphones, this equipment must be completely sanitized as instructed by experts between uses.
Sources & More Information
- A mask will make it harder to breathe during exercise initially and dancers should self-monitor for symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, numbness or tingling and shortness of breath.
- Monitor the intensity of your class/workout as you get used to wearing a mask during exercise. Your body will adapt over a few weeks to wearing a mask.
- If you start to feel dizzy, imbalanced or over fatigued stop your activity and rest.
- Dancers may require multiple masks to get through the day.
- If your mask becomes saturated with moisture from breathing or sweat you need to change into a dry mask. A wet mask is less efficient at filtering bacteria and viruses.
- Masks should only be worn once and then replaced with a fresh mask.
- All reusable masks should be cleaned ideally in a washer with hot water and soap and then dried in a dryer prior to next use. Ironing on the highest setting can also disinfect after washing and drying.
Sources & More Information
Industry-Specific Performing Arts COVID-19 Resources
- Actor’s Equity Association: COVID-19 Safety Resources for Products
- COVID-19 FAQ for Dancer & Dance Companies (Dance USA)
- Performing Arts Aerosol Study: Preliminary Results for Clarinet, Flute, Horn, Soprano Singer, Trumpet (NFHS)
- Reducing Bioaerosol Emissions & Exposures in the Performing Arts (Colorado State)
- Journal of Voice: Safer Singing During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
- Wind Musicians’ Risk Assessment in the Time of COVID-1 (University of Iowa)
- SAG-AFTRA COVID-19 Safety Tips
- Characterization of Aerosols from Musical Performance & Risk Mitigation Related to COVID-19 Pandemic
- Performing Arts Aerosol Study Preliminary Results 2
Shenandoah University COVID-19 Updates & Resources
- Shenandoah University Reopening Plan for Fall 2020
- COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Social Distancing and Mask Information
- Daily Symptom Checker for Students, Employees and Visitors
- Request to Study All Online During Fall 2020
- Shenandoah Go Daily Symptom Tracking App
Visit www.su.edu/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information, FAQs, additional resources and more. Shenandoah University is regularly adding to and updating the list of COVID-19 FAQs. If you have questions that are not answered, please email omc@su.edu.