Rachel Helton
Bristol Music Academy opened its doors in January and moved to online lessons in March when social distancing restrictions were implemented, and public schools were closed.
Rachel Helton, owner and founder, says, “Of course, I wanted to keep our business ‘open’ and keep our teachers employed. This may be one of the most challenging circumstances any small business owner could go through in our lifetime, and as a new business, it is even more important that we work hard to keep our business going.
“But more importantly, I strongly believe in the power of music as a therapeutic and mood enhancing activity. Given the highly stressful and difficult time we are currently living through, I felt that it was important to continue to provide our students the joy of music but also the routine and connection to their studio mates and teachers that lessons provide.”
Helton is using Zoom to facilitate the academy’s online lessons. They offer lessons in guitar, voice and piano. Formats include private, group and a group/private piano hybrid lesson called “Deluxe Piano,” where students rotate in stations. They also offer a preschool music class online. Helton plans to launch online Glee in June. Their summer camps will be offered in June and July – online if necessary.
“The Zoom software makes it possible for our students and teachers to connect via video. It is available on most devices, which is why I felt it was the best choice for our Academy. It is integrated into our scheduling software, so each student receives an encrypted link to the video lesson and is able to connect securely.
“Our students have adapted so well to this online format. Both parents and students are happy they can continue lessons, and I am so grateful that this technology exists to facilitate distance learning.
“Of course, there is a learning curve. I specifically teach voice, and so much of what I do is based on listening to the tone. Now that the sound is traveling through a computer, I cannot rely on my ear as much, but I’m also learning to listen even closer, hoping to pick up on the details of the sound. I have been focusing on the physical techniques of singing — ensuring the jaw, tongue, etc. are functioning correctly. Funnily enough — I can actually see my singers’ mouths better on video. We miss seeing our students in the studio — but it sure does brighten each day to see them online. I find myself getting very close to the camera wishing I could hug them,” she says.
In April, she organized a virtual talent show for students. Her staff uploaded their videos to YouTube and then opened the voting up to the public. “It was a fun way to encourage healthy competition and celebrate our awesome students,” she says.
They also broadcast a virtual recital in May. Students recorded their recital selection at home, sent them in, and they were compiled into one recital. Helton hosted a live broadcast so students and their families could watch and congratulate each other on their hard work.
Helton holds a Bachelor of Music and a Masters of Music in vocal performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
Her operatic performance credits include, the title role in “Carmen,” Hänsel in “Hänsel und Gretel,” and roles in “Albert Herring,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Magic Flute,” “Così fan tutte,” “The Barber of Seville,” “Susannah” and “Faust.” She has performed with Asheville Lyric Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Central City Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Undercroft Opera and Indiana University Opera Theater. Helton’s concert credits include Verdi’s “Requiem,” Mozart’s “Requiem,” “Messiah,” “A Child of Our Time” by Tippett, Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Duruflé’s “Requiem.”
Helton has been teaching voice and piano for 10 years to beginning and advanced students. Her students have found success locally, nationally and internationally.
In addition to her private students, she is an instructor of voice and Opera Workshop with Emory & Henry College and instructor of voice and Lyric Diction with East Tennessee State University.
For more information or to sign up for lessons or camp, visit www.bristolacademyofmusic.com.
