Singing & COVID-19

Last updated: 17 September 2020

As the country returns to work and a new kind of normality, we are now being asked frequently when and how we are returning to face to face lessons and classes. We thought it would be easier to provide our current update here and will continue to update this page as the situation evolves.

There has been a lot of talk in the press about the risks associated with singing and the transmission of COVID-19. This stems from the early reports of clusters of the virus over in the US, that were traced back to a number of community choirs. Ever since, there has been a theory that singing and the playing of woodwind and brass instruments pose an increased threat of transmission. Singing has been banned in all settings, the West End remains closed and much of the performing arts are still not allowed back to business as usual.

We have been following the guidance from The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM). Throughout the return to work period, their guidance had said not to provide face-to-face singing tuition until further notice. However, this changed week commencing 14th August: In line with this weeks government update specifically on singing, we can now plan to return with certain restrictions in place: this includes how singing coaching must take place in a ventilated room - most of our in-person settings are studios with no access to the outside so we have undergone a major rethink! There is a new plan in motion, which will make an announcement about as soon as we are able (very soon!)

The UK government’s groundbreaking research to examine the risks of COVID-19 from singing and wind/brass playing has now been published (Click here to read more). The project is called PERFORM and includes a number of Universities, NHS Trusts and Agencies, plus has been commissioned by Public Health England. This study, along with several groups lobbying on behalf of musicians and performers is providing some guidance for a safe return to indoor live music and theatre and therefore, singing within music education: we are watching the progress of this research very closely.

We are also very encouraged by news that parts of the West End are now planning on returning before the year is out and many of our musician colleagues are getting back to live music, in this strange new version of our reality!