“I think she is ready to learn piano, but can she start lessons online?” Before the pandemic, I had the opportunity to teach a beginning student who lived out of state. It was my first time teaching online, and I was impressed with the amount of fun she had and her progress. “Could I make the shift in teaching more students online?” I thought to myself.
Months later, the pandemic required me to do so. I took a studio of 21 students and growing, completely online, and the benefits became immediately clear.
Developing life skills. 2020 was a challenging year for all of us, as we were forced to change our daily routines and adapt to a new way of living at home and 6 feet (or more) apart from each other. Yet, it was a testament to children’s ability to be resilient, adapt, and thrive. Continuing music lessons proved to be a therapeutic way to relieve the stress caused by having a shift from normal daily life. And with no gatherings, such as schools, church, and team sports for some, virtual classes fulfilled the need for an outlet and ability to make more human connections.
Not online teaching, yet at-home learning. At home learning happens when students are given the time and space to experience music, play tunes they enjoy, create their own music, or even develop a more diverse set of skills - such as the auditory skills developed in ear training and listening games. With the volume of resources available online, the diversity of musical skills and training is more readily available (I will share some of these resources in future posts). The possibilities are endless, that was not always possible in traditional in-person music lessons.
But will my child progress? Yes! My students have completed method books in less than 4 months, continued music therapy sessions, participated in three virtual recitals and online showcases, and remote examinations facilitated by the Royal Conservatory Program (RCM). Lessons continued, even when students moved away to other states and abroad since geography was no longer a factor.
What does the future look like? Today, children (and adults) learn new languages, code, and even take cooking lessons online. As we remain unsure of what the future holds, the trend for online lessons will no doubt continue. According to a recent article in the New York Times, 2020 saw a decline in concerts, yet an uptick in piano sales for traditional acoustic, as well as more accessible digital pianos. With the history of declining access to arts education for 4 million children in U.S. elementary and secondary schools and more time at home, this is the optimal time to start piano lessons online. Take the next step and book your 15-min trial lesson!
Karyne Bury
Founder and Lead Instructor
Major Scale Music Lessons