Are Online Piano Lessons for Me?

If you’ve ever thought about whether online piano lessons were possible for you, you can be sure that it’s a question that parents, students, and teachers alike, have wondered about ever since the idea of “telecommuting” was invented. Dictionary.com defines “telecommuting” as (noun): “Working at home by using a computer terminal electronically linked to one’s place of employment.” With advances in computer equipment and internet, online piano lessons are possible and becoming more popular.

PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE PIANO LESSONS

Some of those in favour of online piano lessons list these as positives:

• no travel time or commute – great for people who live in rural areas and also great for people who have to deal with inclement weather (hey, I love Canada, but some winter storms make you want to hibernate!)
• the student can practice right away after the lesson–reinforcing the new ideas that the teacher has presented
• you can record your lessons using simple software
• if you “forget” about your lesson, a quick phone-call reminder can have your lesson up and running in minutes
• easier scheduling since you no longer have to consider travel time
• you get to play on your own instrument–for those students who always tell me: “It sounded better at home!!”
• you can have access to a great teacher because distance is no obstacle!

Some concerns that have been raised by those who are thinking about online piano lessons:

• it seems complicated to set up — do I need special equipment or a super internet speed? Do I need to know much about technology before I try it?
• it takes longer to explain something verbally–you can’t reach through the computer and re-position a student’s hands when they are in the wrong place
• both teacher and student need to have a copy of the same music
• how do you mark your scores
• call quality is dependent on software, internet, and hardware and any number of things that could be out of your control

ONLINE PIANO LESSONS – SOFTWARE

In Mario Ajero’s YouTube video entitled: “Online Piano Lessons: Facetime vs. Skype vs. Google Hangout“, Mr. Ajero explores the different options available for Online Piano Lessons. His informal video tests three main options for online piano lesson software. Of course, individual results will vary–it depends on the equipment you are using and the internet speed for both the student and the teacher. ***Spoiler alert*** In his configuration, Facetime wins, with Skype being a viable option.

Not all of us have Apple devices, so Facetime is not the universal winner though.  And I don’t think they’ll ever come up with an option where Facetime can connect to Skype, or vice versa. However, with such ready access to smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers, it’s become easier to have a viable online piano lesson.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ONLINE PIANO STUDENT

When I offer Skype lessons to students, here is what I look for:

• The student has to be Intermediate – Advanced level. (Beginners do better with a hands on, face to face approach).
• The student (or parent) has to be comfortable with technology–be able to use Skype, position their electronic device properly, use a camera, e-mail, and scanner.
• The lessons need to be paid through a Pay-Pal account or e-mail money transfer. (This is personal preference–other online teachers may have other options). Note that Pay-Pal does accept major credit cards.
• The student needs to be old enough to hear and follow directions, and sit for the entire lesson.
• The student needs to have a good instrument to perform on. (Read my articles about Digital vs. Acoustic Pianos, and Shopping for a Piano).
• The student needs a quiet time and place to broadcast their lessons to me.
• The student should be well-organized – able to do their Skype lessons weekly at pre-arranged times, be able to take their own notes, and make notations in the score.

Personally, I prefer teaching in person, face to face at my studio. However, Skype is a great option if we are dealing with bad weather, if a student lives really far away, or if a student is sick but functioning. (In fact, I would prefer to do a Skype lesson at this point since any piano teacher will tell you “I need to stay healthy!”)

The only other time I offer Skype lessons is for a “personal masterclass”.  This is done with any piano student preparing for a recital or exam, who would like to have a “fresh set of eyes and ears” give a detailed critique of their pieces. The written critique points out problem areas and includes some specific goals to achieve in order to give your best possible performance.

Here’s the process if you are interested:

1. 1. The student prepares a video or audio recording of their pieces (up to four).
   2. Upload your video and share it with me.  You can do this through Google Drive or Dropbox. Get a free Dropbox account here. (Dropbox is an online home for all your photos, docs, videos, and files).
   3. Also include a scanned copy of your printed music — the copies will be destroyed by me after the critique has been sent.
   4. Pay me through Paypal.
   5. You will receive a detailed critique of your recording along with recommendations for improvement within seven (7) business days.

If you would like more information about this option or would like to take online Skype lessons with me, please click the contact me button on the menu at the top of the page.

Return to top of Are Online Piano Lessons For Me?

Return to home page of the-piano-studio.com.