Studio Info > Online Piano Lessons
Private Piano Lessons via the InternetDid you know? I offer one-on-one piano lessons using videochat services (such as FaceTime/Google/Zoom/Skype). This is a great option for students of any age who cannot, for whatever reason, take in-person lessons. As always, lessons are individually tailored to your musical goals -- whether they be to improve your music reading skills, receive coaching on some new pieces, or learn music theory.
Check out this article from the NY times about the increasing popularity of live piano lessons online being offered by piano teachers to students across the globe. Contact me today via the form below and tell me about your musical goals! |
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SETUP
There are many possible ways to set up for online lessons. And it doesn't have to involve a lot of fancy equipment!
I generally ask students to place their device either...
SETUP #1: At the end of the keyboard (see photos below). This provides a side view of the student at the piano keyboard.
I generally ask students to place their device either...
SETUP #1: At the end of the keyboard (see photos below). This provides a side view of the student at the piano keyboard.
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OR...
SETUP #2: On the music rack (see photo below). I don’t necessarily need to see the student's hands, because I can trust my ears to know what’s going on.
SETUP #2: On the music rack (see photo below). I don’t necessarily need to see the student's hands, because I can trust my ears to know what’s going on.
Either way works!
The experienceLessons in this format are much like in-person lessons. The student plays an assigned piece, and I provide verbal feedback on their work. We spend a few minutes discussing what went well and troubleshooting any problem areas.
The student should keep a pencil handy for circling or making notes in the sheet music. We use measure numbers to verbally refer to particular areas of the piece. As needed, I can "flip" the camera on my end in order to to point things out on the sheet music or demonstrate playing parts of the piece on my piano. Students can either take their own handwritten notes for their assignment sheet, or I can do it for them to text/email after the lesson. Another option is to take advantage of the Tonara practice/assignment app -- I can notate and send assignments that way as well. Students can send a photo of their completed theory worksheet pages before or after the lesson. I'll take a look and notate the photo with any needed corrections. |
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More on Equipment
So, exactly what equipment will you need? It doesn't have to be fancy! There are two main things you need:
And that's it! Of course, if you have fancier equipment and are interested in improving the audio and video quality, feel free! It doesn't hurt to experiment with using a pair of headphones, external speakers, or an external microphone, for example. But these are not requirements.
- A device — It could be your computer (must have a webcam), tablet, or smart phone. You'll also need a reliable internet connection.
- A platform — There are many videoconferencing options, including FaceTime, Zoom, Google Duo, Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, and Skype. My top recommendation is FaceTime (for Apple devices), with Zoom being a close second. Those are the two platforms I have found to be the most reliable, although I use other platforms at times in order to accommodate my students.
And that's it! Of course, if you have fancier equipment and are interested in improving the audio and video quality, feel free! It doesn't hurt to experiment with using a pair of headphones, external speakers, or an external microphone, for example. But these are not requirements.
ADDITIONAL coaching
I love it when my students send practice video/audio recordings! This is a great way to check-in through the week, between lessons. Just send a recording of each assigned piece, and I will respond with feedback in either a written, video recording, or audio recording format. You can use text message, email, Dropbox, Google Drive, or the Tonara app. I've had students make INCREDIBLE progress by doing this regularly! There's no extra charge for this; if you're my student, you have this open channel of communication open to you.
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FAQ
Are online lessons as effective as in-person lessons?
Although this format may not necessarily be the most ideal choice for very young students (at least, not without great parental help and support), it is definitely suitable for most beginners (especially adults) as well as any students who have had lessons before. It all depends on the willingness of both parties to make it work! Students can easily adjust to learning in this format, and tend to become very independent learners. Why not try a free sample lesson, and allow yourself to evaluate the effectiveness of one-on-one lessons online.
What are the rates for online lessons?
I charge the same rates for online lessons as I do for in-person lessons in my studio. Tuition can be paid online via credit card, debit card, Paypal, or Coinhop. Please contact me using the form below to inquire about the current rates. I'd love to hear from you and learn about your musical goals!
What support do you offer students outside of the online piano lessons?
Students are welcome to join the studio facebook page, where students can interact and be inspired by music quotes and videos. In addition, I always encourage students to send me a message (via text, email, or Tonara) during the week if they have questions on their pieces or practicing in general.
How do we get started?
Start by sending me an email using the form below! Please tell me about your musical goals, your instrument, and your location (for scheduling feasibility), and I'll respond to you about setting up a trial lesson/consultation (free of charge). Assuming the audio/video check out and it seems like a good student-teacher fit, we will schedule our first lesson.
Although this format may not necessarily be the most ideal choice for very young students (at least, not without great parental help and support), it is definitely suitable for most beginners (especially adults) as well as any students who have had lessons before. It all depends on the willingness of both parties to make it work! Students can easily adjust to learning in this format, and tend to become very independent learners. Why not try a free sample lesson, and allow yourself to evaluate the effectiveness of one-on-one lessons online.
What are the rates for online lessons?
I charge the same rates for online lessons as I do for in-person lessons in my studio. Tuition can be paid online via credit card, debit card, Paypal, or Coinhop. Please contact me using the form below to inquire about the current rates. I'd love to hear from you and learn about your musical goals!
What support do you offer students outside of the online piano lessons?
Students are welcome to join the studio facebook page, where students can interact and be inspired by music quotes and videos. In addition, I always encourage students to send me a message (via text, email, or Tonara) during the week if they have questions on their pieces or practicing in general.
How do we get started?
Start by sending me an email using the form below! Please tell me about your musical goals, your instrument, and your location (for scheduling feasibility), and I'll respond to you about setting up a trial lesson/consultation (free of charge). Assuming the audio/video check out and it seems like a good student-teacher fit, we will schedule our first lesson.
