Abstract
This lecture recital essay discusses the uses and applications of virtual and augmented reality technologies in the areas of string instrumental performance and music education. It serves as the written expansion of a virtual viola recital that was performed within the game VRChat on October 31st, 2022, and a virtual lecture recital given on Zoom on November 1st, 2022. The primary content areas of the essay include the current strengths and limitations of multiple modalities associated with distance learning and the exploration, evaluation, and implementation of technologies and programs that currently exist to aid educators and students. The discussion of educational equality amongst different learning styles over distance and the use of VR/AR technologies to aid neurodivergent students, those with disabilities, or the elderly is also discussed. Solutions to the issues academics are currently facing in distance education are explored at the local, national, and international levels in addition to suggestions about where these technologies could be headed in the future based on current trends. The method section analyses the virtual recital itself, followed by the results and conclusions gathered throughout this process. The materials presented during the Lecture Recital can be found in the Appendices.