ONLINE CLASSES – GENERAL INFO

We’re delighted to be able to continue to offer online classes from September 2021. Although schools and some venues will be open in September, we’re not yet able to book all our venues, and social distancing means that classes we can run in person aren’t viable. Because we’re online, things are a little different, so please read this information carefully.

ZOOM
Our classes are using the Zoom conference platform. We have produced information for students on how to use Zoom. Please see below.

Zoom for Absolute Beginners
We are offering pre-term Zoom support sessions for those who haven’t used Zoom before. Please contact the office if you have never used Zoom and need help.

It is possible to join Zoom classes by telephone via an Edinburgh phone number (so you can hear what’s happening but not see it). If you would like to join any class by phone, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE so that we can make sure you have the right information.

BEGINNERS’ CLASSES
We are not initially running online classes for beginners this term. If you are interested in a beginners’ class, please let us know by contacting the office. For some instruments, it may be possible to start a class online if there is enough demand, and we will certainly contact you once we are able to run beginners’ classes again.

USING ZOOM

Those new to Zoom can read our step-by-step guide here. This will tell you how to set up Zoom so that you can join the class. Your tutor will be able to help you with technical questions once you have joined the class.

We have also produced a short guide to the basic features of Zoom, and useful points of Zoom etiquette, so all Zoom users should read it – click here. (updated Jan 2022)

We want to make sure that your online experience is as safe and happy as possible. SMG has produced a Safeguarding Policy which has recommendations about staying safe online for both students and tutors. You can read it here.

ONLINE CLASSES FAQs

HOW WILL THE CLASSES BE RUN?
Our tutors have all developed different ways of working online, so each class will be a different mix of online sessions and extra learning resources. The aim is for all classes to be offering roughly what you would get in a 2-hour class, but this will be delivered in different ways. Each class description will explain how it will work.

WHICH CLASS SHOULD I JOIN?
Continuing fiddle students should move up one level. Please note that your previous tutor may not move up the level with you.
New students should contact the office if they are unsure about which class to join.
If you want to change levels after the first week, please contact your tutor.
Waiting list: if the class you want to join is full, please either book a place on the waiting list or contact the office. If there is enough demand we may be able to add another class.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE ENROLED IN MY CLASS?
You will receive a confirmation email from our automated booking system. NOTE THAT THE CLASS TIMES IN THIS EMAIL MAY NOT BE ACCURATE, as the system isn’t as flexible as it could be in understanding all the different ways in which online classes run. Check the WEBSITE class description page to see exactly how your class will run.

You will receive an email from your tutor inviting you to the first Zoom online class a day or so before your class starts.

PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR ZOOM LINK THE DAY BEFORE YOUR CLASS IS DUE TO START.
Please be aware that the SMG office will only pick up your email between 10am & 5pm Tues – Thurs.

WHY ARE ONLINE CLASSES THE SAME PRICE AS ACTUAL CLASSES?
We are still paying our tutors for two hours a week. Although we’re not paying for venues, SMG still needs to cover staff and office costs and isn’t able to run the usual fundraising events such as our monthly ceilidhs. We would not be able to offer these classes if we dropped the prices, and we are grateful for all your support at this time.