By Alesha Capone
A Point Cook piano teacher is using technology to reach students during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kurt Spiteri, 18, said he began playing the piano at the age of five. He is now studying a Bachelor of Music at university.
Mr Spiteri said he started teaching the piano last year, to people who want to learn for leisure or to take Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) exams.
While he usually teaches students in person, Mr Spiteri said he had to think outside the box when the coronavirus pandemic travel regulations were introduced.
He began offering piano tutoring, via the internet video conferencing tool Zoom, around a month ago.
“The idea came about because a lot of students are still eager to learn, and I’m thinking of their safety and how to maintain social distancing at the same time,” Mr Spiteri said.
He said that since launching online lessons, he has gained some new pupils, mostly from the Wyndham area.
Mr Spiteri said that after graduating from university, he wanted to teach music in schools.
“My idea is to spread what I have learned about music to others, that I would have liked to have known when I was at school,” he said.
Mr Spiteri said that when he was a school student, he usually played and practiced the piano by himself, but that he would encourage young people to play together.
“It’s good to play with other students at school, it’s social and it’s fun, and it’s a great way to attain team-building and collaboration skills,” he said.
Contact Mr Spiteri on 04110 53340 for details.
