New Zealand vocal coach Andrew Crooks is in self-isolation on Waiheke Island following a flight from the United States. With increasing restrictions on international travel, Andrew made the decision fly home from his job in Wisconsin and be closer to family.
Andrew Crooks Photo: Andrew Crooks
"I did not want to be stuck in the United States, unable to be with my mother in Dunedin and my sister and her family in Christchurch. My father, Emeritus Prof Terry Crooks passed away this past October, and these sorts of things help make one's priorities clearer."
Andrew is Assistant Professor of Vocal Coaching and Musical Director of Opera at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music. The students there have just begun spring break, which will be extended and the spring term will be taught via "distance learning". What this means in practice for a music conservatory is still being worked out. Many faculty members are taking workshops to learn more about digital and online technologies such as Zoom, Skype and Slack, and many academics are sharing ideas in Facebook groups.
He anticipates being in New Zealand for at least a month - everything else remains to be seen. Andrew is looking forward to working from his childhood piano at his mother's place in Dunedin, accompanied by the morning chorus of bellbirds and tuis.
Fortunately, Andrew should be able to do aspects of his job from anywhere with internet. Andrew has been looking on the bright side.
" I try to see silver linings. Singers, for instance, have so many things that they need to know to be a singer that don't involve actually singing. Opera singers need skills in multiple languages. Ideally, they should love literature: poetry and drama. Opera singers also might decide to learn skills such as web design, and photography, and CV-writing, and biography editing. Many performers and students are learning a lot about the possibilities of live-streaming."
The vocal coach is acutely aware that many arts professionals are facing a very uncertain future.
"Some freelancers are facing a complete loss of all planned income over the foreseeable future. It is absolutely devastating. Let's say you were going to be singing a major role in Wagner's Ring Cycle at a major US opera house over the coming months. For one, you were already rehearsing. For two, you may well have been preparing the role for a better part of a year or more. For three, you've booked accommodation for the duration of the engagement. And, worst of all - you are only paid for completed performances. Why? Force majeure."
Artist Relief Tree team Photo: Andrew Crooks
Force majeure is a common clause in contracts that essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties prevents one or both parties from fulfilling their obligations under the contract.
Knowing that so many of his friends and colleagues would be hurting, Andrew has set up Artist Relief Tree in the United States with a team of volunteers. Anyone US resident who is an artist (of any kind) has been able to request funds. They plan to respond to every request with a flat US$250 on a first-come-first-serve basis. Within four days Artist Relief Tree received approximately 3,500 requests and at this point have only raised just over US$100,000.
Andrew points out that Artist Relief Tree is just one option. You might like to support an individual artist or arts organization (especially one that relies primarily on ticket sales), donate to an educational institution, engage with online opportunities such as livestreams or buy recordings directly from artists. And when the time comes, go to live performances.
In New Zealand, Music Helps has created a webpage with the latest advice on COVID-19 as well as details on how they may be able to support NZ musicians during the weeks and months ahead, including a Well Being Service and Benevolent Fund.
