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Virtual Music Lessons - You Can Do It!

8/24/2021

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As a piano teacher, I provide virtual lessons regularly for students who live at a distance and occasionally when my local students are sick. Since 2020, the majority of music instructors have gained some level of experience with virtual instruction!

When I first began teaching virtually, I believed it would be more difficult than in-person instruction. What I discovered, however, is there are many pros to virtual lessons and it's much easier than I anticipated.

>>>> We've discussed some pros in the blog post "The Perks of Virtual Instruction."

In this post I have shared information regarding 1) platforms, 2) teaching considerations specific to virtual lessons, and 3) games / resources. I hope these tips will make virtual lessons a breeze! If you have any additional thoughts or resources to share, please add them in the comments section. It's always great to learn from one another! 

Platforms

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Photo Credit: david-taylor.org
Zoom: $0 - $14.99 (Free for 40 minute sessions) - this is what I most often use!
  • This platform works across many PC, Apple, and Android devices! 
  • You can record video calls so you can give your student a recording of their lesson (receive their permission first).
  • Zoom's screen share is a great option (I use this often for referring to a PDF of music, sharing a YouTube video, or drawing on a digital whiteboard)

FaceTime: Free!
  • FaceTime is available for all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad or computer). It's a great, easy-to-use free resource; however, if you want to teach through it, your student must have an Apple device too. The fact it is pre-installed is helpful though, nothing has to be downloaded!

Skype: Free!
  • It works on PCs and Macs (Your students will need to have downloaded and installed it too, and create a Skype account.)
  • You can record sessions and screen share, too!
  • You can schedule calls in advance within the software.

Google Meet: $0 - $7.99 / month
  • I haven't tried this platform yet; however, David Taylor has great advice about this within this article.

Rock Out Loud: $0 - $13.95 / month
  • Created specifically for music teachers with built in teaching resources!
  • Audio quality is higher with less lag time; however, both the instructor and student must wear headphones during the session in order to not experience feedback.

Teaching Considerations

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Your Device: I've found teaching from a computer provides the best experience for my students. Many platforms offer more capabilities when being accessed from a computer.

Camera Angle: If you only have one camera (as most of us do), I recommend placing your computer at a height that is eye-level and allows the student to see all of your instrument. I've gotten pretty creative with a stool and stack of books ☺

Access to Student's Music: When teaching virtually, it's best to have a copy of the students music. If I already own the book, great! If not, I either purchase a copy or ask the student to email me photos / scans the music they are currently studying. In a pinch, I ask the student to hold their music in front of their camera and I can take a screenshot of the music to refer to! 

Communication: Be cognizant of the rate of your speech. When teaching virtually, I try to speak slightly slower than I do in person. 

Distractions: Students can be easily distracted (and more so in a virtual learning setting!) Try to eliminate all potential distractions and teach in a well-lit, tidy space. 

Games & Resources

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There are many online resources and blog posts for virtual instruction. Here are some of my favorites!
​
  • Ashley Danyew: 22 Creative Ideas for Teaching Music Online
  • Private Music Studio: 10 Tips to Make Virtual Learning FUN!
  • National Piano Foundation: Games Make Learning Fun
  • Lessons In Your Home: 10 Things You Can Do Today In Your Online Music Lesson (<- Practical ways to structure the time!)

I also screen-share and use the online free game of "Name That Note"!

You Can Do It!

As a perfectionist I don't want to begin something unless I know how to do everything exactly "right." I've learned that it's more than okay to start with a simple approach and improve little by little over time. It's likely both you and your student are new to virtual lessons so you'll be able to learn together! :)

Happy teaching and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

​Holly Slice
Owner, SC Music Lessons

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The Perks of Virtual Instruction

6/7/2021

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​We have entered a new era of communication! More can be done in less time, communication is quicker and more efficient, and tasks can be completed from home. SC Music Lessons gives the option for students to be virtual and because of that, the opportunities to learn the arts are endless!

With virtual lessons, neither you nor the instructor needs to consider travel time. Additionally, if you have children, you will not need childcare while you do your lessons. Going virtual allows more time flexibility and enables you to having an engaging lesson from the comfort of your home. 

A lesson that required you to block an hour and a half of your day now only requires 30 minutes of productive effort!
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Teaching Virtually!

9/12/2020

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Blog Post Cover Photo: Holly Slice, Author of

"Adaptability and flexibility

have become must have qualities in order to thrive during 2020. Before the 'coronavirus season' most instructors had not explored teaching virtually. Now, virtual lessons have become the norm for many instructors, including myself!

In this video (filmed March 2020), I interviewed Emilee (professional musician with Lowcountry Pianist & Company LLC and private music instructor) to learn more about using Zoom Video Conferencing to teach private lessons. Emilee gives an overview of the app plus features of the app that are specifically helpful for music teachers!

Learn more about Zoom...

  • Why is Zoom specifically helpful for music educators over other video conferencing platforms?
  • Which features of Zoom are the best to use within teaching?
  • How can Zoom be adapted based on the needs and age of your students?
  • What are the limitations of Zoom for teaching music lessons and how do you combat them?
  • And more!
(Video Filmed with the Zoom App Recording Feature)

​I am glad that Zoom (and virtual learning resources) have allowed instructors to continue to do what we love and expand our reach to serve more clients! If you have additional resources to share that would be helpful for others, please comment below ↓

Thank you!
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