Yale School of Music Office of the Dean

Dear YSM students, faculty, and staff,

I am delighted to share the welcome news that the University has granted the following expanded permissions, effective today, Tuesday, Feb. 15:

Voice degree students who had permission for unmasked voice lessons in the fall may return to unmasked voice lessons.

The teacher and collaborative pianist must remain masked and must be distanced from the singer.
Unmasked voice lessons must take place in the Orchestra Room, Band Room, Glee Club Room, Great Hall, or Tangeman Common Room with a HEPA filter.
Students who are not in the voice degree program may not unmask during lessons because those lessons take place in smaller spaces.

Unmasking during degree recital or required recital

Solo works: the recitalist may perform unmasked and without a bell cover.
Works for two musicians: the recitalist may perform unmasked and without a bell cover, but the other musician must remain masked. Distancing is not required. Examples: unmasked singer with masked pianist, unmasked violinist with masked cellist, etc.
Works with three or more musicians: everyone must be masked. Example: piano trio, woodwind quintet, etc.
The recitalist must wear a mask whenever they are not onstage.

Limited unmasking during concerts for New Music New Haven, Yale Percussion Group, Lunchtime Chamber Music, Vista, and Yale Cellos

Solo works: the musician may perform unmasked and without a bell cover.
Works for two musicians: one musician may perform unmasked and without a bell cover, but the other musician must remain masked. Distancing is not required. Examples: unmasked singer with masked pianist, unmasked violinist with masked cellist, etc.
Works with three or more musicians: everyone must be masked. Example: piano trio, woodwind quintet, etc.

Outside musicians who fulfill the following requirements may perform on degree recitals:

Must wear an ASTM or N95-equivalent mask at all times; wind and brass players must wear slit masks and use bell covers. Distancing is not required.
Must provide proof of being up to date on vaccination. Up to date means that an individual has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.
Must provide proof of having received two negative PCR tests in the week prior to any rehearsal or concert. For example, for a Friday recital, the visitor should test Sunday and Tuesday or Monday and Wednesday. Outside musicians are allowed to rehearse on campus.
As soon as the recitalist knows they would like to invite a guest performer, the recitalist must email yalemusic.info@yale.edu. The recitalist must procure a copy of their guest performer’s vaccination card and PCR test results. The recitalist is solely responsible for submitting this documentation to yalemusic.info@mailman.edu no later than 24 hours prior to the rehearsal or recital. Failure to comply with this deadline will result in postponement of the recital.

Outside musicians may perform with large ensembles such as Schola, Camerata, or Philharmonia upon fulfillment of these requirements:

Must wear an ASTM or N95-equivalent mask at all times; wind and brass players must wear slit masks and use bell covers.
Must provide proof of being up to date on vaccinations.
Must provide proof of testing twice weekly from the week before the engagement begins through completion of the engagement.
Staff (ensemble managers) will verify vaccination and testing status for outside musicians.

If you have any questions about these updates, please contact Krista Johnson, the YSM Health and Safety Leader.

Thank you all for your continued diligence. It is my hope that the expansion of these permissions signals a turn toward a more fulfilling music-making experience for the entire YSM community.

Warmest regards,