COVID-19

Return to Study 2020/2021 - a statement from RIAM Director

RIAM, like education institutions all over Ireland, has been reflecting on the best way to continue to deliver exceptional music education for our Junior and Tertiary students while living with the health and safety challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We plan for our students to make real progress this year and are excited about finding new ways to ensure this. It is also important to state that our staff welfare is key, and our plans will adjust according to public health guidelines.

 To prepare for all outcomes, in April RIAM established a Digital working group with 12 sub-groups; reviewed international research; sought faculty input through faculty meetings and smaller group meetings; ran surveys; and held meetings with students. This process of reflection was also supplemented by discussions and webinars on best practice with our international colleagues in the Association of European Conservatoires and the New World Symphony (USA). We have considered each learning scenario individually and have done our best to match the best international standards of the delivery of music education in both a live and digital environment

At the heart of our planning for 2020/2021, we want to arrive at a student-centred and safe solution for all stakeholders that will also continue to deliver an exceptional music education. RIAM has reopened its campus within the national public health guidelines and we will give our students the best possible on-campus and blended learning experience so that they can continue with their musical progression and engage with RIAM staff. 

Music performance has an advantage in that the one-to-one lesson is compatible with most social distancing scenarios short of full lockdown. On that basis, one-to-one lessons and small group classes will be held in-person, with musicianship theory and academic classes held online. Our students and staff have received health and safety guidelines and the building has been prepared to meet health and safety requirements. It is wonderful to hear music in the building again following months of silence, and I look forward to welcoming our students back for a busy and productive year ahead.

Deborah Kelleher
Director, RIAM

Important Information about Covid-19

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, is to use proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
 

Hand hygiene:

Wash your hands regularly. You should wash your hands:

• after coughing or sneezing
• before and after using all pianos and other instruments at the RIAM
• before, during and after you prepare food
• before eating
• after using the toilet

Wash your hands with soap and running water when hands are visibly dirty. If your hands are not visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Respiratory hygiene:

Cover your mouth and nose with a clean tissue when you cough and sneeze and then promptly dispose of the tissue in a bin and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow instead, not into your hands.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• loss or change to your sense of smell or taste 

Public Health Advice from HSE

IF WITHIN THE LAST 14 DAYS;-

• You have been to an affected area where COVID-19 is circulating OR
• You have been in contact with a person diagnosed with novel coronavirus OR
• You have attended a healthcare facility in another country where patients with novel coronavirus are being treated AND
• You are well

you are asked to visit the HSE website and phone the HSE helpline for further advice: Callsave 1850 24 1850 Phone 041 6850300

IF WITHIN THE LAST 14 DAYS;-

• You have been to an affected area where COVID-19 is circulating OR
• You have been in contact with a person diagnosed with novel coronavirus OR
• You have attended a healthcare facility where patients with novel coronavirus are being treated AND
• You are unwell with fever, cough, shortness of breath

follow this advice:

• Stay at home
• Do not go out to public places
• Do not go to crèche or school
• Please phone your GP for medical advice, rather than turning up in person
• Make sure that, when you phone, you mention your recent travel or exposure. The health services will arrange for you to get medical help.

You can find the latest updated information from the HSE, including detailed Frequently Asked Questions at https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/