This past week marks the conclusion of the first phase of the Music Academy Remote Learning Institute (MARLI). While there is much more to come during the Creative Extension, the regular instruction portion of the Remote Learning Institute has officially come to an end. The seminars, lessons, coachings, and studio classes will give way during the next two weeks to individual projects, the London Symphony Orchestra Keston MAX auditions, and the MARLI Digital Challenge, among other things.
You will have the chance over the coming weeks to read all about these various activities. Now, though, seems the perfect time to reflect on the four weeks of MARLI. And who better to reflect on this bold new endeavor than the faculty who have been on the front lines of MARLI’s innovative curriculum? Below some of the Music Academy’s faculty members look back on the highlights and the challenges of this experience. Drawing attention to the difficulties as much as the victories is crucial. Like so many aspects of the “new normal” we’re all dealing with, there are no perfect solutions. It is incredibly important that we acknowledge this, and that we look back—and move forward—with grace, with humility, and with hope.
The celebration of victories both big and small. The acknowledgement of difficulties and challenges, the creativity and flexibility to confront them. Drive and passion, and a sense of hope in the future. These are the important threads that weave together these answers and MARLI as a whole. And this is what MARLI will be remember for.
On the subject of this year’s fellows, Nils Neubert added this: