Studio Update – Covid-19 Safety Plan

In compliance with WorkSafeBC we have reinstated our Covid-19 safety plan to ensure the safety and wellness of our students and teachers. Should Covid-19 cases worsen within the community, we reserve the right to suspend in-person lessons and provide online learning. Safety of our community, students and teachers is our number one priority.

Elimination measures in place:

• We will be offering a combination of in-person and online lessons to accommodate individual comfort levels as well as flexibility for those that feel unwell or are showing any symptoms of Covid-19.
• The lobby will be closed until further notice. We ask that students arrive in the lobby no earlier than their scheduled lesson time.
• We will refrain from using piano games until further notice.
• Books have been removed from the lobby.

Protections measures in place:

• As of January 1, 2022, medical masks will be required for all students, teachers, and family members entering the lobby.
• Anyone that has been asked to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms for Covid-19 are not permitted in the studio.
• Plexiglass barriers are in place in each of the lesson rooms to allow for extra protection for both the student and teacher.
• These barriers will be cleaned on a regular basis.
• Each lesson room has been modified to allow for social distancing measures to remain in place.
• The studio will undergo a deep clean by a professional cleaning company each week.

Rules and Guidelines:

• Current students, families and teachers have all been informed of the new models of operation.
• The Covid-19 safety plan will be posted on our website as well as in the lobby at the entrance of our studio.
• Current students, families and teachers have signed and acknowledged that they understand the policy regarding feeling any symptoms regarding Covid-19 and they are prohibited from entering the building if they are feeling unwell.

Cleaning Protocols:

• Extra cleaning breaks have been added throughout teachers’ schedules to clean surfaces with appropriate cleaning products, including piano keys, piano bench, any hard surface, pens/pencils used, plexiglass as well as doorknobs.
• Piano keys, music stands, and any writing utensils will be cleaned in between each student.
• Teachers will be required to wash their hands using soap and water prior to their next lesson.
• Students will be required to arrive with pre-washed hands, as well as use hand sanitizer before entering their lesson.
• The studio will have one deep clean each week, as well as regular cleaning daily to allow for extra cleanliness at the studio.
• We have eliminated unnecessary tools and equipment to simplify the cleaning process.
• We have added extra hand sanitizing stations for students and teachers in each teaching studio.

New Covid-19 Safety Policies:

• Our workplace policy indicates that teachers and others showing symptoms of Covid-19 or have been asked to isolate or monitor for symptoms, are prohibited from entering the studio.
• If a student or teacher begins to feel ill, they will be sent home immediately.
• We have the flexibility for students and teachers that are feeling symptoms of Covid-19 or have been asked to isolate or self monitor for symptoms, to have the option to do their lesson from home as an online lesson if they are feeling unwell.
• Although our cancellation policy requires 24 hours notice to be given your 2 make up lessons throughout the studio year, we will be extra accommodating to those feeling symptoms of Covid-19 and do our best to reschedule these lessons based on teacher availability.

Please feel free to reach out to lessons@forteschoolofmusic.ca if you have any questions at all.