Distanced learning

Hi all, I hope this blog finds you all well and safe and happy. I am out of my home state for the time being. I am in Florida. A family member of mine has been sick and she passed about two weeks after Thanksgiving. Thank you for your distanced condolences.

At a time when so many of us are isolated, or distanced, or quarantined, my sister's illness has brought me here where I was able to meet my great nephew Harris. He is a delight. My nephews were all together for the first time in years, and my father was able to meet and get to know his great grandchildren. We are all experiencing a time of great sadness but we are heartened by the newfound closeness we have been able to share.

I miss my drums terribly and I miss playing with my band (we are soon to be recording some new music) but I am able to teach remotely and stay connected with my students. Being able to focus on them and their lessons has been extremely helpful and comforting for me. And even though I am not teaching out of my home studio, I have been able to deliver strong lessons for my clients.

I believe that during this highly stressful time a drum lesson can be a comfort to a student who may welcome the routine of a lesson and his or her practice time. So for all the teachers out there, please remember how much the routine, distraction, and focus of a drum lesson may help a student feel that much more normal.

With much love,

Mark Zapata