Are Online Piano Lessons Actually Effective?

Are Online Piano Lessons Effective?

You may be thinking “Can my child really learn how to play the piano effectively through online classes with an instructor?”

The answer is yes!

Here are some real reasons why you should consider online learning.

Benefits of Online Piano Learning

1. Save Time and Reduce Stress

We know how busy families are! You’ll be happier not having to pack up the family to drive across town for class. It’s an amazing advantage being able to learn from home with a predictable, consistent schedule.

2. Study with Qualified Instructors Wherever You Are

Having access to more experienced and enthusiastic teachers is another great benefit for online learning. There are regions where there may be no music teacher nearby or the options are quite limited. Therefore, being able to work with a more experienced teacher online is a great advantage.

3. Students Learn Musical Independence

In addition to learning new songs, students learn foundational skills in music. This includes sight-reading, scales and chords, principals of musicality, theory, basics of songwriting, and more. Students will also learn to play a variety of musical styles and how to count aloud rhythms. This leads them to become well-rounded, independent musicians.

4. Living-Room Concerts

Another benefit to online learning is the opportunity to perform in what we call “living room concerts”. This is where students get to share their songs with friends and relatives from anywhere. It’s a wonderful event for families who live in other areas to be able to watch a student perform in an online recital. Also, it’s exciting for students to be able to regularly share their accomplishments with others.

5. Parents Can Observe Classes

Parents can be directly involved in online classes with younger children, and they can observe classes of older children. Being aware of what your child is learning provides helpful insight into how you can support your children at home.

Setting Up Children for Successful Online Learning

You can help your children on the path to success by keeping a few tips in mind:

1. The most important consideration is the quality of the internet connection.

On our side, we use a fiber internet service which enables a great connection with our students. If you do not have fiber internet available in your area, please ensure that you have a strong internet connection. At least 15-20 mbps. Also, please use a laptop computer that is fully charged before class rather than a cellphone if at all possible.

2. Invest in a high-quality keyboard or piano

(we can provide some recommendations)! Also, plan to have classes in a quiet location away from noisy rooms like the kitchen.

3. Help your child develop a consistent time to review music between classes.

Having a consistent schedule makes music part of a regular routine, and helps eliminate nagging about practicing. Also, please keep in mind that it is better for students to review their assignments 2-3 times through rather than focusing on a certain number of minutes to practice. For younger children, even breaking up the repetitions twice/day can be very effective.

4. Practice Short Sections of Music.

Help children to break down their practice into small sections. Just encourage them to play through their songs once or even one part of a song one time. Then, go back to the instrument later and play it again. I cannot begin to tell you how many times some children have a very slow start and then suddenly a year or two later, they are excited and motivated to move forward more quickly. This is why we call it a “musical journey.” Respect your child’s learning style and give them space to grow and learn.

5. Get Involved!

Parents who are involved and have an encouraging positive outlook about a child’s progress will help children to associate music learning with a positive experience.

This holds true for all learning. In fact, according to the National PTA: “The most accurate predictors of student achievement in school are not family income or social status, but the extent to which the family creates a home environment that encourages learning, communicates high yet reasonable expectations for the child’s achievement, and becomes involved in the child’s education at school.”

(National PTA. 2000. Building Successful Partnerships: A Guide for Developing Parent and Family Involvement Programs. Bloomington, Indiana: National Education Service, 11–12.)

What ages and what levels can be taught with an online instructor?

Online lessons can work really well for most levels and ages — just like in-person lessons.

Even Preschoolers Can Learn Online

With the assistance of a parent or an adult, a four-year old is often ready and eager to learn. We have an exciting curriculum that we wrote for this age group (4-6 year olds) that is fun and effective for preschoolers, called, The Music In Me. Also, there are other methods that integrate beautifully with The Music in Me, depending on parental time and involvement.

Online Classes for Intermediate and Advanced Students

We have a number of students who are enrolled in intermediate and advanced-level classes, including adults who have decided to study piano after taking a very long pause from childhood lessons. Learning music can be a fun experience for all ages and we seek to help all of our students achieve their goals.

Celebrate Progress – Nothing is Perfect!

It’s easy to be sidetracked by “all or nothing” thinking in life. Many of us want to quit when we perceive that our efforts seem meaningless and far from perfect. However, by focusing on progress, our mindset can be shifted to celebrating what we have accomplished and learned which can lead to even more success. Sometimes we hear parents complain that their child is not practicing and they are telling their children that they cannot continue in music classes anymore unless they practice. Although seemingly well-intentioned, this approach does not work and it definitely leads to a child being upset and unmotivated to even try. Remember, do not let perfection be the enemy of progress.

Lifelong Journey

Lastly, we know there are many opportunities for students to participate in a wide variety of activities, but please remember that children can easily become overwhelmed with too many activities at one time. With such excitement in wanting to learn new things, it’s easy to go overboard with activities. While many extracurricular activities dwindle over time, music is an activity that can last a lifetime. Enjoy the exciting and fun journey of music with your children!