Safely maintaining distance while singing together: Developing synchronous and asynchronous solutions for an amateur choir under the time of social distancing

Abstract

The social distancing reinforcement under COVID-19 seriously limited the opportunities of practising and performing for arts and music performers. While many activities can be transferred online with minimal effort, the latency obstacle in using live streaming audio software negatively affects the musicians and singers in performing or practising online. The researchers sought to integrate both asynchronous and synchronous solutions to mitigate the demand of rehearsal practices. This action research applied and examined the viability of both low audio latency technology and mobile learning applications with amateur choir members. The researchers and participants field-tested and improved the choir’s online practice by using the JackTrip Audio Device (an audio low-latency device), Sight Singing Studio and Practice Bird (two mobile apps). Using current technology, we found that amateur choir singers have opportunities to keep learning and performing ‘together’ while staying healthy from virus threats.