For Linda Berger, the pandemic doesn't stop the music

Swampscott resident Linda Berger was worried that the pandemic might interfere with her new challenge: taking up the cello and learning to read music. Thankfully, New England Conservatory’s School of Continuing Education (NEC’s SCE) provided a seamless transition to online studies.

“The opportunity to continue my learning online has been a source of motivation and comfort to me during the quarantine,” she says. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how quickly everyone has adapted to online instruction. I’m a musical novice and feel so fortunate to have discovered NEC’s SCE. I truly believe it’s a hidden gem.”

NEC’s SCE offers lessons, classes and ensemble opportunities to adult students of all skill levels, providing opportunities for creative expression, intellectual stimulation and stress relief in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The school’s diverse student body, from essential workers to parents to working professionals, pursue their studies while juggling everyday lives and careers.

Berger, a finance executive, wouldn’t have it any other way. Before the pandemic, she went into Boston several times a week for music lessons, French language studies and cultural events. When the quarantine began, she soon felt cut off from the world outside her neighborhood. Her husband, a commercial airline pilot, was also spending more time at home. “Both changes have affected my music studies,” she says, “the former being initially disruptive and a change I had to adapt to, and the second being more positive in that it allowed me to strengthen our connection through music.”

Berger’s new normal includes most of the activities she did pre-pandemic, now online. “I hadn’t even heard of Zoom,” she says. “Now I spend at least a couple of hours each day connected to others through Zoom.” She also goes running with her husband, walks their two bulldogs, reads and does fiber arts.

“Music plays an even more important role in our house than it did pre-pandemic,” she says. “My husband is also a musician, and his support of my music studies is invaluable. Being able to play music together keeps both of us centered during these unusual times, and I have a new appreciation for how precious the opportunity to play with other musicians is. I will never again assume that this opportunity will always be there.”

The ability to continue studying at NEC’s SCE has been an anchor for Berger in a tumultuous time. “Keeping my activities and daily routines going has provided a sense of groundedness to my daily life,” she says, noting that the benefits of pursuing music spill over into other aspects of her life. “The additional time I can dedicate to playing music is assisting me with my foreign language studies,” she says. “I believe the increased reliance on my ears and sense of hearing is making it easier for me to hear subtleties in language which I previously missed.”

This fall, Berger is looking forward to continuing her weekly lessons and learning the art of performance in online workshops. “My hope is that in-person instruction and gatherings will resume before too long,” she says, “but I’ll keep at it online as long as it takes to keep us all healthy and safe.” She’s happy to be able to do just that at NEC’s SCE. “The faculty are world-class and the environment is very inclusive and supportive,” she says. “I would encourage any adult considering learning music to look into the SCE.”

For more information about New England Conservatory's School of Continuing Education, visit https://necmusic.edu/ce.