I have even heard complaints that these valiant song leaders are supposed to teach music SILENTLY. (What is that exactly?!!!)
I suppose that some wards are beginning to have in-person Primary Music Time, but are not yet allowed to sing. I guess the only choices have been to play rhythmic games or to teach sign language to the songs on video. NOT REALLY SINGING TIME, is it.
My experience tells me, though, that only a small percentage of children actually gain the ability to LISTEN and MATCH PITCHES without learning from someone who will give them FEEDBACK. Usually, parents are the first and best teachers. But when the parents don't or won't sing, the children lose out on their earliest instruction. I admit that some children are just born with musical ears, but most need close-up and personal training.
As a voice teacher, I have had first hand experience trying to help struggling singers overcome issues begun in their youth.
Primary Song Leaders get it. They want desperately to sing in person with the children. They want to help them learn the melodies and words properly. Most of all they want to inspire the children to feel the Spirit by internalizing the simple Gospel truths taught in the Primary Songs.
In-Person Primary Music Time can't come soon enough for me!