Welcome to the Brave New World – Online Music Lessons!

Actually, it’s not so new… “Skype music lessons” have been around for years and many teachers have been very successful in delivering live lessons over the Internet. But there remain many questions surrounding this vast uncharted territory: “How do I find new online students?  I’ve never done this—how does it work?   What are the benefits?  Is it effective?  How do I get started?”… 

When I started teaching online college courses in 2002, I was viewed as either a heretic or a quirky pioneer, and online teaching and learning was considered merely a pragmatic or novel delivery method. This has changed dramatically, with most colleges and universities across the world now having a solid roster of online offerings.  Enterprises such as edX, Udacity and Coursera are launching with regularity, making online learning a hot and growing field. 

Live online interactive learning is still the exception—most online models are asynchronous. In the area of live music lessons (and language and coaching) however, many teachers have moved to the Internet, some converting their entire traditional studio practices to online. Some music teachers look askance at these music-teaching heretics, others simply recognize that it’s not for them. But a significant number are curious if not intensely interested.  

The benefits for both the teaching studio and for the learning outcomes are numerous. As I talk with teachers around the country, many are clearly recognizing and capitalizing on the opportunities that online lessons offer. 

I look forward to sharing my experiences, best practices, equipment and software recommendations, and stories of successful online teaching and learning that I gather from my interaction with great music teachers around the country.