As all of us are suffering from the ongoing global pandemic COVID-19, it becomes a challenge to learn new lessons –keeping in view the need to maintain social distancing. The coronavirus has, unfortunately, forced people to stay home. It is thus riskier for those passionate about learning a musical instrument like piano, guitar, etc. because the process typically requires proximity to the teachers.
Lessons are essential for our growth and development; no matter how old are we or what our ability level is. A good instructor knows how to remove obstacles and awkward learning curves from their student’s lessons. However, they are facing unexpected challenges while offering virtual music lessons.
A few simple steps can ensure these virtual music sessions are as beneficial as possible. This guide covers tips for both teachers and students, so let’s dig into the details!
Online Music Lesson Tips for Teachers
As said above, it’s not easy to adjust your format for daily online classes, but many effective strategies can ease your job. The key is to “Use your technology wisely” and teach your students to make the best use of their technology. In short, practice patience.
1. Teach through a computer
Most of us indeed enjoy using our smartphones for Skype meetings but using a computer is a lot more convenient for teaching, as it gives your students a wider view of you and your surroundings. Therefore, to create an engaging and motivating learning environment, provide virtual music lessons via PC.
2. Always check your internet connection
Before you begin teaching, make sure your internet is functioning perfectly. Connectivity issues could be the biggest hurdle in your online music lessons, and checking it in advance will save you and your students a lot of time.
3. Use headphones
To avoid any sound-related issues during virtual music lessons, consider using headphones and also ask the same to your student so that there are no echoes or other sounds.
4. Speak slower
It is easy to speak fast when you’re on a call talking to your best friend. But this method could backfire when you give online music lessons because teaching requires adjustment from both parties. So, you should speak slowly to make sure you are getting your lessons across. Not only will it save your time in the long run but it will also help your students understand your points clearly.
5. Decide the best platform to use
Since the start of COVID-19, Zoom and Skype are the most favorite platforms for teachers and students for their online music lessons–– each has different benefits.
Skype is free, and there are no limits on group classes. Zoom is best for a maximum of ten group lessons, and if you plan to offer more than that, you will need to invest a little. Moreover, zoom allows you to pre-record lessons so that you can share them with your students for their revision purpose or with those who have missed the class. In short, you will need to consider your priorities and budget before deciding on the right platform that matches your needs.
6. Make PayPal or set other digital payments methods
When you decide to give virtual music lessons, it is essential to set up a digital payment account such as PayPal or Zelle — a feature that will attract people across the globe. The more you make ease of payments, the more you will be approached by the students.
Online Music Lesson Tips for Students
1. Don’t hide yourself
Many students feel shy while talking on video calls, and that’s why they make attempts to hide their faces, hands, and instruments. If your teachers are unable to see your face or hands movements while using an instrument, they can’t catch mistakes and to develop new skills it’s important that you receive effective feedback.
Well, if it’s your first time, your teacher will understand your shyness and will try to give you the confidence to talk to them. But first, you should make sure that the teacher sees you clearly while attending lessons over Skype or Zoom.
2. Test your device, camera, and internet connection
Because you’re dependent on technology, so you need to check if everything is working fine before the start of your online music lesson. If there’s any issue with your device or internet connection, just convey it to your teacher to reschedule this meeting later.
3. Check your microphone’s location.
Let’s suppose you’re enrolled for Online Piano Music Lessons so before it begins, don’t forget to test your microphone. You will need to make sure that the microphone isn’t too far away or too close from your instrument, otherwise, you will get distortion throughout the class, and it will prevent your instructor from providing you with valuable feedback.
4. Charge your device before you begin.
It happens to all of us that sometimes we forget to charge our devices and regret it later. But if you opt for virtual music lessons, make charging your first priority before you start.
Doing so will mean you don’t need to worry about the computer shut down––interrupting your time with the instructor. Moreover, it will give each of you peace of mind to focus on learning the instrument rather than wasting time charging the devices.
4 Best Pros of online music lessons
If both students and teachers commit to following the tips mentioned above, there’s no chance that their online classes will not be fruitful. Here we are discussing four top benefits of virtual music classes; however, the list is very long.
Access to professional instructors worldwide
You’re more likely to be successful in music if you find the right teaching style. Virtual coaching allows increased accessibility to the best teachers and the ease of flexible scheduling. Whether you’re looking for private music lessons or group training, utilizing virtual classes by professional music instructors will help you enhance your skills and become a better musician.
Easily Record Lessons
Thanks to Zoom and other webinar platforms which allow the teachers the opportunity to record their sessions. This helps students to revise their lectures at their convenience. Not only can they listen to the recorded lessons, but can also watch their mistakes which would help them work towards perfection.
Convenient for busy schedules
The best part of online music lessons is that you and your teacher can arrange class timings as per mutual understanding. There’s no time limit on Zoom and Skype, and the classes could extend to long hours.
Music acts as a stress reliever
The power of music helps breaks your stress and depression and builds your mind to see positivity. When you listen to music, your brain releases dopamine, which improves cognitive functioning.
The Verdict
Music provides an opportunity to express your thoughts and emotions freely. As the world faces a pandemic –COVID-19 –there’s no best time to learn new music skills or enhance it from the comfort of home. However, you will need to connect with the best instructor who has many years of experience teaching music professionally.
We hope this article inspires you to start your online music lessons from now. If yes, encourage your loved ones to join you.
Thank you for reading!
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