In the face of COVID-19, private music lesson teachers have persevered and continued to teach virtually. There are a total of 11 private lesson teachers: four piano teachers, one voice teacher, a violin, viola, cello and double bass teacher, a woodwinds teacher and a harp teacher. Mona Rejino, one of the four piano teachers, has 25 students. Though it seemed foreign and scary at first, Rejino has now adjusted to virtual lessons. Rejino’s daily schedule varies greatly because she does not follow the same block schedule as other teachers. Here is a rough outline of her daily routine:

Night Before:

Rejino sets out copies of each student’s music, makes sure the white board is clean and gathers flash cards or other teaching aids. If a student is planning on using Zoom instead of FaceTime, Rejino sets up the meeting and sends out the invitation.

6:15 – 7:30 a.m. 

Depending on when the lessons begin for the day, Rejino wakes up some time during this period. 

8:00 a.m.

Most mornings, Rejino eats breakfast around 8:00 a.m. before her lessons start.

Early Morning

Rejino has a few adult students, and their lessons take place sometime in the early morning or evening. Each day Rejino has between three and eight Hockaday lessons. The times vary for each day, but all take place during this time period or later in the afternoon. 

10:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Rejino’s lunch could happen anytime during this period depending on the lesson schedule for that day. Whatever Hockaday lessons Rejino did not have in the morning are scheduled during this time period. 

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Most days Rejino finishes teaching her Hockaday students around this time. 

Evening

Rejino has a few adult students and their lessons take place sometime in the evening or early morning. 

7:00 p.m.

Rejino typically eats dinner with her husband around 7:00 p.m. every night.

11:00 p.m.

Rejino tries to sleep no later than 11:00 p.m. most nights.

Story by Olivia Garcia, Staff Writer

Photos provided by Mona Rejino and Google Images