Latest Covid guide on making music in public spaces

Latest Covid guide on making music in public spaces

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norman lebrecht

July 22, 2020

The Incorporated Society of Musicians has produced an online guide to risk management for coronavirus in performance and teaching spaces.

The purpose… is to provide an overview of current scientific knowledge concerning COVID-19 transmission and to detail examples of guidance being followed by music ensembles who have resumed (albeit largely limited) rehearsal and performance activities.

It’s coherent, comprehensible, comprehensive and up-to-the-minute.

Above all, it is sensible.

In regards to playing woodwind and brass instruments and singing, recent studies have shown that, despite the minimal amount of air movement in the vicinity of the instrument and mouth, aerosols are emitted. Room ventilation is an important way to help minimise the risk of transmission. Studies have shown that better ventilation of spaces substantially reduces the airborne time of respiratory droplets and aerosols. Further research on the aerosol production on different instruments and singers is currently being undertaken, and this information will help to answer questions about the safe resumption of work for musicians and those working in the music industry.

You can read the report here first.

Comments

  • Vocal Realities says:

    ‘It’s coherent, comprehensible, comprehensive and up-to-the-minute.

    Above all, it is sensible.’??

    SOURCED DIRECTLY FROM THE REPORT:
    “Recent studies showed that air is only set in motion in the immediate vicinity of the mouth when singing (Käher &
    Hain 2020, p. 2), and that fewer droplets were expelled
    during singing than during talking (Loudon & Roberts 1968).”

    REALLY?!?!

    Ever watch Anna Netrebko or Jonas Kaufman??

    Spit guards are advisable on a good day to say nothing of how other singers and staff interact during rehearsals and shows. The poor players in the pit drown every performance as well. Ugh!

  • Bill says:

    “Dr. Underhill” has a PhD in musical participation and school diversity. No credentials listed for either author. But a music journalist says it is comprehensive and up-to-the-minute, so I’m sure it is fully the equal of anything in the Lancet, NEJM, or Science.

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