How to teach music online

Teaching music online is beneficial as it can broaden your student list and earn you more by teaching international students, you can teach from anywhere, and you can save on studio fees and gas by teaching in the comfort of your home.

In recent years, virtual music lessons have grown in popularity. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, music teachers had to find other means of continuing their music classes while following the pandemic restrictions and regulations, this in turn led to the adoption of virtual music lessons. Although they were in the face of adversity, music teachers embraced the challenges and paved the way for a new era of music education, and it’s here to say.

Now, the question asked by music teachers is “How do I teach music online?”  In this article, we provide some insights to help you get started.

How to teach music virtually

If you’re interested in starting online lessons
or transitioning from in-person to virtual,
we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you make a smooth transition.

1.Choose a video-calling app

Many video calling apps have free versions that include a variety of useful features that can enhance your virtual teaching methods. Zoom is free to use for up to 45 minutes and most people are already familiar with it. Other than its good quality and sound, Zoom is great for music teachers as it allows you to share your screen, so you and your student can read off the same score, record lessons, turn on the original sound to improve sound quality, have multiple students for group lessons, and set up different cameras.

Other popular video-calling apps are Microsoft Teams and Google Meet.

2. Ensure you have a stable internet connection

With in-person lessons, we are usually not concerned with having a stable internet connection, but for virtual lessons, it is crucial for ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience. Before every lesson, it is ideal to check the stability and speed of your internet to avoid lagging or wasting time during a video call.

3. Have multiple camera set-ups

For virtual teaching, having multiple camera angles is advantageous, especially for larger instruments like the piano. While you can simply tilt your webcam to capture specific angles, an external camera will allow for a “bird eye view” of the instrument so students can see both hands equally. In addition, video call apps, like Zoom, allow you to connect external cameras and toggle between them when needed.

4. Use an external microphone or headphones

The built-in microphone on your laptop or computer may not provide the best sound for playing music on a video call. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to improve audio quality, such as an external USB microphone, a clip-on instrument microphone, and a headset with a built-in microphone.

5. Make sure there is good lighting

Teaching in a well-lit room is necessary for the student to see your hands when you play and how you perform. For optimal lighting, it is recommended to position yourself facing the window. This way, the natural light will not create unflattering or distracting shadows, ensuring a more favourable appearance.

6. Keep Students Engaged

Virtual lessons can increase distractions among students with a shorter attention span, therefore, it is important to keep students engaged to ensure their focus and active participation.

You can keep your students engaged by:

  • Incorporating interactive activities, such as games and exercises.
  • Use music applications, like Music Theory and Flat.
  • Use visuals to guide your lessons.

7. Let your positive attitude shine through

Maintaining a positive attitude will help foster a supportive and engaging learning environment. Online lessons can sometimes make students feel disconnected, your enthusiasm and positivity will help students feel engaged, supported, eager to learn, and excited for their next lesson.

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