In-person lessons are off-limits for now, but it's great to be able to keep doing music! Video-conferencing platforms (like Zoom and Skype) allow students locally and around the world to keep making progress on their instruments. In fact some of my students are progressing even faster than usual because they have more time to practice and fewer distractions in their daily schedules.
Online lessons are not much different from in-person lessons. As a music instructor I have to be more descriptive and precise with my language when making comments about a student’s posture, embouchure, fingerings, or when telling them where to start in the music. Otherwise I continue to listen, demonstrate, and design customized curriculum for every student I teach according to their age, level, learning style, and goals.
I also keep a detailed journal of all assignments and progress notes for each student and follow up each weekly lesson with a personal e-mail recapping what was covered in lesson and describing exactly what I would like the student to focus on during their practice time that week.
Lesson materials can be easily purchased online— and/or downloaded or scanned. High-quality professional performances can be accessed digitally for enrichment. Students report that they are enjoying their online lessons immensely. Parents and adult students also mention that they appreciate the time-saving convenience of not having to drive to the studio.
Creative outlets like music are essential to being able to thrive during these challenging times. Why not give online lessons a try?