A music teacher who lives on a remote property in the Wimmera wants to share her knowledge of online teaching ‘to keep a learning culture alive’ amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Unmani, a musician from Wal Wal, teaches piano, accordion and a range of instruments as part of an Australian-designed program called ‘Simply Music’ which she broadcasts from her remote farm property to students globally.  

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, her lessons, which were already predominantly online-based, have all transitioned online. 

Unmani started online teaching more than 10 years ago and has since mastered the skill of engaging students in that  format. 

She said she wanted to use her experience to start free online skill-sharing sessions, designed to show other teachers how to impart knowledge effectively online. 

“I started this because I was isolated – I had to conquer technology,” she said.

“Because I’ve had so much experience with this, I believe you can teach anything online.  

“I’m just trying to help keep a learning culture alive in these times. Anyone wanting to teach anything, I’m happy to help out.”

Starting with Victoria, every Monday morning, Unmani wants to provide a free, one-hour online skill-sharing session. During the session, for up to 20 people, she will give tips on how to transmit information for any skill.  

Unmani said online teaching could be particularly useful for Wimmera sporting clubs, which were unable to train due to social-distancing measures. 

“There might be a local footy club, that used to go to training at 5pm on a Thursday – they can’t anymore,” she said. 

“The coach could get all the players on Zoom and get them training and sharing their latest personal bests and everything.

“I’m particularly interested in channelling this idea locally – there’s no need to stop any activities.” 

Unmani said she believed it was possible to keep all forms of education alive amid COVID-19 restrictions. 

“People have an innate love of learning new things and this answers that need,” she said. 

“This models that we humans are endlessly inventive, we just need flexible mindsets. 

“I think with the new world order we’re stepping into, this is good practice. It’s never too late to start.”

Unmani is also hosting chord-sharing workshops for her Simply Music students. 

“It’s a brief series of lessons, they don’t even need a keyboard at home,” she said. 

“I’m also offering a social event for my students who are scattered far and wide, where they can share pieces of music with one another, so they can stay connected and not isolated in their music making – all live, all online.” 

– Dylan De Jong

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