Online Lessons
Online lessons (also called virtual or remote lessons) are a relatively new format choice for music education. Both the speed and quality of connectivity options has improved leaps and bounds during the past decade; and almost everyone is already familiar with both the concept of “remote learning” and the various associated software, thanks to the advent of smartphones and tablets with built-in options like Facetime, Google Hangouts, Zoom Meetings, and Skype.
If you’ve used one of the above services or similar others - whether it was for connecting with family, or for work meetings - then transitioning to the use of video conferencing software for music lessons will be quite easy for you - so easy, in fact, that you may even wonder why anyone would choose the slightly less convenient option of attending lessons in person!
As it turns out, there are still some drawbacks. But if you don’t have a better option for whatever reason (distance, health, or schedule conflicts), virtual lessons can still outpace self-guided, tutorial-style courses like those offered on sites like Udemy, Lynda, and YouTube.
Want to know more? Dive in to one of the topics below to get started, or…
Pros and Cons
Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of online lessons. What are the actual differences between attending a class online vs attending IRL (in real life)?
Equipment, Setup, and Technical Info
The setup for piano lessons requires a slightly different approach than more basic video conferencing or other instruments, when taught online. I’ll show you how to overcome this hurdle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have other questions or issues you need to address? Check out this page for an ongoing list of answers and solutions to the most common problems students face when attending lessons online.
Equipment, Setup, & Technical Info
How to set up for online piano lessons
Virtual Piano Lessons doesn’t require an entire suite of tools to get going. In fact, you probably already have everything you need!
Your instrument
This can be either an acoustic or digital piano. If you are using a keyboard, it should have external speakers of some kind, rather than just headphones.
Click below for more help on selecting an appropriate keyboard or piano.
A Laptop Computer or Tablet with a built-in webcam
Brand and OS do not matter (Mac, PC, Android, iOS, Windows) as long as your OS is up to date and you have the Google Chrome Browser
Place your device next to you during the lesson (see examples below) . For younger children, I recommend that the parent be present for the duration of the lesson to supervise the camera placement and controls.
Click below to learn more about setting up your device for online lessons.
NOTE: While smartphones can also work okay, I do not recommend these as your primary device unless you have no other option.
A stable,high-speed, internet connection.
If you’re normally able to stream movies in HD from services like Disney+ and Netflix, then you should be fine. Similarly, a large portion of Simply Music Student Home Materials are delivered via streamed video segments. If those are working for you just fine when you’re at your instrument, then you probably will not have any problems.
If you’re unsure about your connection stability or speed, you can find out your actual internet connection speed by clicking the button below.
Device Setup Instructions & Details
Watch This First!
Watch my tutorial series (four short videos), or CLICK HERE to view on YouTube
Laptops & Larger Tablets
Place your device on a surface such as a high chair,table, music stand, or tripod (see recommended Resources below) to the left or right side of the keyboard at an angle.
Position the device so that the webcam is about eye level with the height of a sitting adult. Picture how a teacher would normally sit next to a student during the lesson. The camera should be able to see an "over the shoulder" view of BOTH the keyboard and the student. Test different views ahead of time to achieve desired angle and lighting.
For more detailed instructions, be sure to watch my tutorial videos above, or CLICK HERE to view the playlist on YouTube.
Examples
Keep the webcam at eye level with the height of a sitting adult.
Device on either side of the keyboard, with the light BEHIND the camera.
Student can turn to see the action on screen.
Smaller Tablets & Smartphones
While I highly recommend using a laptop if possible (video quality and ease of use will generally be better), you can also use a smaller tablet or smartphone to attend online lessons.
The main differences will be:
the controls,
the smaller screen,
Instead of placing device to the side of the keyboard, you may place it directly in front of you on the music stand
You will need get used to switching the camera from front-facing "selfie view" to the rear (main camera) to show me what your hands are doing on the keyboard. Usually this will require a second party to act as a "camera operator," and I suggest that parents or other nearby family members commit to filling this role. As an alternative, you can mount your device to a tripod similar to the instructions for the laptop and larger tablets above (see Resources section below for some tripod recommendations).
For more detailed instructions, be sure to watch my tutorial videos above, or CLICK HERE to view the playlist on YouTube.
Other Setup Considerations
LIGHTING
Background lighting must be adequate for clear viewing. It may be necessary to close blinds and diffuse the lighting to reduce glare. One way this can be accomplished is by pointing a lamp towards a wall or the ceiling rather than directly at the keyboard. Avoid having the camera point directly toward any light source (lamp or window).
SOUND
To keep background noise at a minimum, students should try to make sure other family members, pets, cleaning personnel, etc. are kept OUT of the room you are using for your duration of the online lesson. If you are having trouble hearing the lesson on your device's speakers (or if I am having trouble hearing you), it might help to use a pair of earbuds or headphones with a built in microphone (see Resources below for recommendations).
For more detailed instructions, be sure to watch my tutorial videos above, or CLICK HERE to view the playlist on YouTube.
Support Resources
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Laptop & Tablet Stands
Earbuds & Headphones
Headphones and earbuds can help you hear the lesson better by blocking out other noises and giving you the ability to turn the volume up higher than typical device speakers (especially smartphones). If your device does not have a great microphone, sometimes, a good pair of earbuds or headphones can also help capture your voice and/or the sound of your piano better. Using headphones even without a mic can also reduce the “echo” that can sometimes happen when you’re device picks up the sound of your instrument being played and then plays it back through the speakers of your laptop or mobile device.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND wireless headphones for online lessons because the technology can introduce a greater delay (latency) in the sound, and will sometimes lead to the sound not matching the picture.
For Computers
Pair these headphones with this USB mic for excellent quality sound during your lesson!
Note: These headphones do not have a microphone.