The internet has opened up amazing options for remote learning. Since 2020, I have been experimenting with different ways to use technology to create a modern approach to piano lessons. For decades, the standard practice in piano has been 30-minute lessons once a week. This was born out of convenience. It kept tuition at a reasonable cost and one afternoon a week to travel to lessons was manageable for most families.
For the modern family, this is not as convenient as it once was. Sports schedules are hard to pin down until the last minute, and with parents’ work schedules it can be hard to get kids to a lesson in the afternoon – or more frequently – evening.
Remote lessons eliminate driving
Student’s lessons do not need to be tied to their parents availability to drive them. Students can pop on to zoom, which saves the whole family time on the road (and reduces wear and tear on the family car and fuel needs) and means that siblings don’t have to tag along.
Office hours are more flexible than weekly lessons
Rather than see each student at a set individual time each week, I offer drop in office hours a few times a week over zoom. Families don’t need to stress about fitting the pieces of their extracurricular schedule together; students can attend whichever office hour ends up working for them.
Something comes up last minute? Just attend on a different day that works for you.
Students who still want private lessons can still sign up for that, but most will find that they don’t need them.
Cooperative Learning
When multiple students are attending the same office hour, they will have a chance to listen and learn from each other as well as the teacher. Peer learning helps in developing critical listening skills and motivates students to grow alongside one another.
Using technology to support practicing
In my years of teaching, I have noticed that the hardest thing for families and students is effective practicing at home. I set up an online course that guides students through their daily practice so that they can learn day-by-day how to manage their practice time. Each new concept is explained in a video, which they can re-watch as needed to make sure they are grasping everything.
It used to be common for teachers to expect parents to sit with their children and help them practice. I’ve found that that is not practical for busy families or for parents who aren’t musicians themselves. The course videos bridge this gap. Involved parents don’t need to anything more than check that their children are following the videos and maybe watch one together if the student is struggling with a particular skill.
Clear Expectations
Each term, students have access to a new set of practice videos. Most students complete a module a week, although some go faster or slower. Learning goals are clearly spelled out in each module, so that students know how much material they are expected to cover and have an understanding of how long it will take them to progress as a pianist.
Seeing the goal posts helps students to feel secure in their progress, which boosts confidence and helps them to maintain the motivation to continue. Keeping their “roadmap” in mind helps students stay on track to become lifelong musicians!
Performance Opportunities
I strive to provide remote students with a variety of special classes, workshops, and performance opportunities. When a student signs up for lessons, they are enrolled for the 3-month term and special events usually relate to the theme for that term.
For example: Spring 2022 is jazz themed and students are learning jazz pieces for an online recital.
Examples of workshops and classes include:
- Preparing a Recital – a class on how to plan and give a recital for your family and friends
- Group Class – an opportunity to perform for and discuss music with your peers
- Master Class – an opportunity to perform for your teacher or a guest artist and receive constructive critique.
- Special topics class – a presentation on a special topic of music ex: folk songs, African music, jazz, J.S. Bach, etc.