SONG opens up a new world for young minds, Heather Prices believes.
"Music sticks around, especially songs and lyrics, longer than someone telling you something," says the classically trained, professional musician who teaches singing at her home studio and at The Hunter School of Performing Arts. "We remember the emotion we attach to it for life. Songs help us get through tough times, as an emotional release."
With 2020 one of the most difficult years for many, Price has managed to grow the teaching business she launched last year against the odds.
Initially shocked by news of the lockdown, she feared her business was doomed, particularly considering that singing and live music was seen as a high-risk activity for spreading COVID-19.
But Price - the daughter of Newcastle music identities Jennifer Barnes, a retired opera singer, and musician Rod Barnes - moved quickly to switch her teaching to online. With the exception of some adult or elderly students, everyone continued.
"I actually think my business was more valued because people were looking for things to keep them going," reflects Price, who spent hours recording the lessons, complete with piano accompaniments, to make the transition seamless. "The positive was that the students became way more responsible and independent."
A long wait list has prompted her to move to teaching full time and launch a new online Learn to Sing course for primary school children. Comprising a mix of videos with techniques and warm-up exercises on the path to learning two songs, the eight-week course is designed to be done in a school term (allowing flexibility in completion) and can be paid with a Creative Kids voucher.
"This course was borne from my long waiting list and, being a parent, I know the individual cost of [music] lessons and performing arts courses are excruciating compared to sport," she says, saying her course offers a chance for children to experience it before deciding whether to take it further.
Price has recorded a second Learn to Sing module, and an HSC module for 2021.
