Breaking Down the Basics: What to Expect in Online Piano Classes
Online piano lessons are taught via a video conferencing platform. It can be a smartphone, tablet, iPad, or laptop. During their first lesson, students must ensure that their device is set up with a camera where the teacher can see their hands and finger posture.
Access to Music
There are many different types of online piano classes. Free resources tend to be more scattered or sparse regarding music library and accuracy feedback, while paid options gamify the learning process with rewards and level-ups.
Some apps work with MIDI-compatible keyboards (or acoustic pianos via USB) and can tell when you are playing the right or wrong note by displaying your progress in real-time: Green means correct, and red means incorrect. The video game approach helps make the lessons fun, and competing against friends motivates students. It also helps to keep students focused on learning songs rather than music theory, making it a great choice for children who may find the latter more boring.
Access to a Teacher
A big benefit of having online piano lessons is that students get 1-on-1 time with a teacher. It means students can receive directed feedback, new ideas and tips, and encouragement during their lessons. Nevertheless, this is also a disadvantage of taking piano lessons online: it can be simple to stay motivated when you have a teacher to help you through each lesson. If this is a concern, consider searching for techniques that offer additional features and video lesson notes to keep you interested.
With the greatest instructors and staff, Forbes Music Company cultivates the love, appreciation, and enjoyment of music through online and in-home music lessons that advance happiness, skill development, and self-assurance. With the help of our amazing teachers, who will inspire passion, creativity, and a deeper understanding of music beyond the notes on the page, students can develop their love of music in both our group classes and private instruction. Discounts and packages are offered.
Access to Feedback
A key part of online piano learning is having access to feedback and guidance. It can only be easy with face-to-face interaction. Still, many tools can help ensure that students can ask questions, get feedback on their practice and performance recordings, and receive encouragement and support from their teachers. One tool is to offer periodic musical evaluations or examinations, which allow students to gauge their progress and set goals. Creating a space where students can celebrate their musical accomplishments is also crucial, as it can boost their confidence and motivation.
Finally, students will need a reliable internet connection and a device (computer, iPad, or tablet) that can stream video, has a high enough processing power for a smooth audio/video connection, and can display the keyboard clearly so their teacher can see their hands. They will also need a headphone and microphone. Test the audio and camera setup before the first lesson to ensure it works well!
Access to a Piano
You don’t need a full piano to take online lessons. Many methods use a musical MIDI keyboard that connects to your computer or iPad. You play on the MIDI keyboard while a program tracks your progress online. It gives you feedback on how accurately and quickly you’re playing.
New learning platforms also provide a more video game-like experience. They’re more fun and can be a good way to introduce children to the idea of taking piano lessons. These programs can tell when you’re playing correctly and incorrectly and grade your performance accordingly.
Some approaches take a more conventional approach to teaching music and call for an acoustic or digital piano with a headphone jack. They often include a practice-along feature that allows you to listen to different piano sounds. Some also let you submit your practice sessions to teachers for feedback.
