Many musicians supplement their performing income with teaching work – but just as the concert halls and theatres are closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with social distancing measures in force and students staying home from school, music lessons are also being put on hold. Suddenly, music teachers around the country are having to adapt to a new world in which online lessons are the only way to continue making a living. Meanwhile, performing artists facing down the prospect of months without any of their regular income streams are finding ways to make ends meet by offering online teaching and consultation. We speak to Australian musicians working around the world about how they are responding to the challenges.

Soprano Siobhan Stagg

Siobhan StaggSoprano Siobhan Stagg. Photo © Todd Rosenberg

Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg, whose recent triumphs included Requiem at the Adelaide Festival – and whose recent COVID-19 cancellations include engagements with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as well as performances in the UK, Germany and Poland – is now offering singing lessons and consultations online.

Stagg has offered teaching and consultations in person in the past, and has worked with online platforms...