Some years ago, I wanted to study with a particular teacher. But there was one tiny obstacle… He was over 16,000 kilometres away. At that time, the choices I had were to give up on the idea, or start planning and save my pennies!
Forward to 2020, and the world is a different place. The weeks of planning and saving for a long-distance trip to study have become an option rather than a necessity. Thanks to technology and applications like Zoom, Skype, Messenger, etc the challenges of distance and travel are fast disappearing. Wherever and whenever, is almost an assumption, and connecting with a teacher over the other side of the world is so easy, we dont even need to put our shoes on.
So how does it work…can I really learn to sing or play piano without being physically present?
Yes, you can. In fact, piano and singing lessons can fit very well with virtual communication (Zoom etc), and there are many scenarios where an online lesson are of real benefit. We seem to have busier or less simple lifestyles than our Grandparents or Great-Grandparents did, and trying to fit it all in with travel to and from can be really challenging. Engaging online is a wonderful opportunity for those wanting to learn how to sing or play piano, but who are otherwise unable to access a teacher. It can work equally well for those whose lifestyle doesn’t allow for the option of taking lessons within the teacher’s studio.
For example, those that live within a regional area and would love to take lessons, oftentimes may not have access to a singing teacher (or any music teacher) at all. In these situations, such singers or those enthusiastic to learn how to sing, often resign themselves to the impossibility and give up the idea completely. Online singing lessons are an alternative to losing out on a whole lot of fun!
Taking lessons online can also benefit in instances where external activities are limited, which can often be the case for caregivers such as sole parents, or if there are young children, or extra care is required for another household member. In these situations, individual creative pursuits such as learning to sing or play piano, are absolutely possible to engage in and enjoy, as connecting online provides the flexibility of being able to stay at home and schedule the lesson when its most convenient.
If youre working from home, an online lesson can also be a great match-up. Its likely that you will already have your device sorted and ready to go, and the lesson could be conveniently taken in a lunch break or even before you start work for the day.
Whatever the choice; whether its online or in person; you and your voice are the focus of every lesson. The same feedback and adjustments suggested in person are also given in your online lesson; just as if we were in the studio together. Whether you’re a complete beginner, and would like to take a singing or piano lesson for the very first time or have had lessons in person and would like to experience a lesson online, all you need is the following:
1 A device
2 Connection to the internet
3 Zoom (other platforms are possible)
4 Built in webcam and microphone (most laptops, tablets etc will have that)
5 OR an external microphone or cam
Hot tips:
- If you have all the above, test run your camera and microphone applicable to whatever device you’re using. There are many how-to guides available on the internet for all the different devices if you have trouble accessing your camera or microphone.
- Test run Zoom and make sure it’s downloaded and working.
- Scan or email your sheet music in PDF to me that you would like to work on during your lesson.
- Log in and be online prior to your lesson time, so you can relax and be ready and not making yourself rush right down to the last minute
If you have any questions about online lessons and/or would like to make an enquiry, send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
