It’s a new world. Many things have changed. But some of the deepest and most trustworthy things - like music - are still alive and kicking.

Joy Vandergrift has taught people to play piano for more than 20 years. For her, it was always very personal.

She would sit with a student for hours every week, training them to hone their skills and enjoy the music.

Now, as people stay socially distant, she continues her lessons in a different form. Vandergrift has been meeting virtually with her 25 students through the Zoom app. Pupil and teacher see each other on the screens of their phones. Vandergrift will play a melody on the keys and the student plays it back to her. Vandergrift said it’s not that different from the way she usually teaches.

“It’s just a virtual piano lesson,” she said. “We are having a great time and it works well for us.”

After she was forced to stop meeting with students face-to-face, she heard that instructors were continuing their lessons remotely. She attended several webinars on the subject before setting up her new system. She didn’t want her students to miss out on their passion because of the pandemic.

“With so many things changing and being canceled, I felt piano lessons could at least be one thing for them to look forward to.”

Vandergrift said music is essential, especially given the current state of the world.

“Music is perfect for this time because you can put your feelings into your playing. You might not be able to express those feelings in other ways if you’re isolated from your friends.”

Vandergrift has played piano herself since she was 5. She began teaching others when she was in high school. She went on to earn several degrees before teaching at various schools including Lawton Elementary. She then taught at Rose Witcher from 2010 to 2018.

Currently, she teaches private lessons for ages varying from kindergarten to college.

Her students can play for fun without competing. But if they wish, they can participate in district and state auditions through the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association. District auditions are usually held during spring, and the state auditions are then held in May at the University of Oklahoma. Recitals are held in December.

Because of COVID-19, it is unknown how or when this year’s auditions and recitals will take place.

Parents can sign their kids up for lessons by calling or texting Vandergrift at 405-761-2340. She can also be contacted through Facebook. A remote interview will be set up through Zoom.

This semester ends in May, followed by summer lessons. The next semester starts in August.