The technology in our everyday lives has reshaped the way we learn, teach, and communicate. Whether it's out of convenience or necessity, the use of video lessons is increasingly becoming a part of music education. In this guide we will explain how to get started if you're a student, parent, or teacher as well as some useful tips to ensure success through online music lessons!
Getting Started
The first consideration for online lessons is what app or website to use. There are so many free options out there, Skype, FaceTime (only works with Apple devices), Google Duo, Facebook Messenger, and many more. Be sure to communicate with your teacher before deciding which app to use - remember, both you and your teacher must be using the same program. Most teachers have used Skype before and have had success using it for online lessons.
Video chatting requires a good internet connection as well so try to make sure you have sufficient bandwidth dedicated to your video chat device. Being positioned far away from your router or having too many devices accessing your wireless internet can cause a slow/glitchy conversation.
Finally, consider what device you want to use for video chatting: a desktop, laptop, tablet, or cell phone will work fine. Lesson video chats may work better on a computer or tablet so you can use a cell phone to quickly pull up listening examples, metronomes, or backing tracks. Having an extra device handy will be extremely useful for most types of lessons.
Setting Up Your Space
Regardless of your instrument, it's important to find a secluded, quiet area to set up. One of the biggest hurdles to online lessons is keeping the focus, do everything you can to minimize distractions in your environment. Headphones may significantly improve your ability to focus. Headphones with a built-in microphone can also make your voice sound much clearer to the person on the other end. No matter the instrument, be prepared with a notebook, your method book, pen/pencil, a device to play backing tracks, metronomes, etc. Depending on what instrument you're focusing on for online lessons, your set up may differ, so we will break down setup considerations by instrument:
Piano Lessons
If you're playing on an acoustic piano, you won't have as much flexibility in where you set up. Just try to ensure privacy as best you can. If you're working on a smaller keyboard, you can probably move to a private area for your online lesson. Position your video chat device either on the piano or on a piece of furniture next to the piano bench. The camera should be aimed at your hands, the keys, and a bit of your body as well.
Guitar/Bass/Uke Lessons
Moving around with a string instrument is very easy, so setting up somewhere private should be simple. It's important to have a music stand or desk nearby to keep your notebook/method book or any other devices needed. If you play an electric instrument, don't forget the amp! Position the camera so it is easy to see both hands while playing.
Voice Lessons
For online singing lessons, all you need is some privacy, a place to keep your books/music, and a place to keep your device nearby. You should remain standing as you would during an in-person lesson and have the camera focusing on you upper body, mainly your head, face, chest, and shoulders.
Drum Lessons
Drummers may have less freedom to move their setup around if they are on a full drum kit. For drummers working on a kit, set up a table or music stand near your kit to keep your books, device, and writing utensils. For students who only work with 1 drum or practice pad, you can set up somewhere private with music stand or table nearby just as previously mentioned. Set up the camera so most of your body is visible, if that's difficult, focus on the upper body.
Wind/Brass Lessons
Trumpets, trombones, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, and other wind instruments are very mobile, just remember to bring your music stand wherever you choose to set up. Position the camera so your fingers, face, and upper body are visible. For reference, see the setup for either voice or guitar, the camera angle should be similar.
Pre-Lesson Checklist
Online lessons require preparation just as in-person lessons do. So in order to have online lessons work smoothly, be sure to go through the checklist below before your lesson time:
- Familiarize yourself with the video chat program you and your teacher decide to use.
- Set up your space with all necessary materials (notebooks, method books, pencil, cell phone/devices, instrument, music stand, etc.).
- Set up your camera, angled in the appropriate way.
- Have a 2nd device nearby to play backing tracks, warm-ups, songs, or a metronome.
- If a student is working through a method book, take a picture of the page(s) they're working on, as well as the next few pages, and send copies to your teacher in case your teacher doesn't have a copy of the book you use.
When the time of your lesson comes, let your teacher initiate the video call. If there is a delay to your lesson start time (5 min. or more), feel free to contact your teacher or the CSound office to find out what's going on.
A Note For Parents
Online lessons may take some adjustment so if you have a younger child (10 or younger), you will not only need to help setup but you should stay in the room or nearby to help make sure your child stays on task and is able to follow along with the lesson. Your child's teacher may need you to help in some ways, especially keeping the focus.
In Conclusion...
Online lessons are an excellent alternative to in-person lessons when distance, illness, weather, or other factors prevent us from meeting in-person. If you are accustomed to in-person lessons and are trying online lessons, have patience and remember that it can be an adjustment for students and teachers, alike. Be prepared by using the checklist outlined above and if you have any questions about online lessons or would like to sign up, please contact us.