During the pandemic, I was completely left with nothing to do and always had a desire to rekindle my old piano skills and play some popular songs.
But the problem I had was no one could meet anywhere, but you know what was available? Online courses.
But obviously, the question I had was, are online piano lessons effective?
In general, piano lessons are effective. They do require more diligence on the student’s part as a lot of the learning and practice depends on them. Without having a person right there with you, you will have to be self-motivated.
So, in this article, I want to list a few reasons why it can and cannot work based on your circumstances. I will even dive into the main differences I see with both since I have used both in the past.
What are the differences of Learning Piano Online vs an In-Person Teacher?
First off, outside of the plenty of other piano tips and guides we talk about on this site, let’s talk about accessibility.
If you live far from any music schools or piano teachers, online lessons can be a lifesaver.
Just set up your keyboard or digital piano at home, log onto your computer, and you’re good to go. Plus, there are numerous platforms offering virtual lessons these days—so many choices are right at our fingertips!
Secondly is the factor of pace. Traditional face-to-face classes generally follow a structured curriculum with fixed schedules. While it ensures consistency and discipline (which ain’t bad things!), it might not work well for everyone.
On the flip side, online lessons often allow self-pacing—you learn when you want and at speeds comfortable for you.
Cost is another biggie!
Typically in-person lessons come with heftier price tags compared to their digital counterparts—not just course fees but also travel expenses add up quickly!
However—and here’s where I put my realist hat on—the cost-effectiveness doesn’t always mean better quality instruction.
Now let’s touch upon personal interaction (or lack thereof).
The one-on-one tuition process provides instant feedback—an invaluable asset when mastering a musical instrument like the piano! But don’t write off virtual tutors just yet; many use video calls to provide real-time guidance, as well.
Lastly, consider convenience and flexibility—two words synonymous with digital learning nowadays: late-night practice sessions or impromptu weekend tutorials? Yes, please!
Yet traditional lessons offer something unique—a sense of community among fellow learners which may enhance motivation levels!
Ultimately, the decision boils down to what fits best for you. You know your learning style and situation, so lean into it.
How do online piano lessons typically operate?
Ever wondered how the magic of online piano lessons happens? Does it work for just kids? Or adults as well? What previous musical knowledge do you need?
Well, let me break it down for ya.
First off, you need some basic equipment. A piano or keyboard is a must (you probably saw that one coming!). You’ll also need a device with internet capability like a computer, tablet or even your smartphone. And don’t forget about a solid internet connection! Nothing kills the groove faster than buffering videos.
Technology
Now here’s where it gets really interesting. Most online piano lessons are done through video instruction. But we’re not talking boring lectures here—these are interactive sessions where you can see and hear exactly what the instructor is doing on their own keyboard. Some platforms even offer multi-camera angles so you can catch every detail.
- Computer
- Internet Connection
- Piano/Keyboard
One other cool feature that many online platforms offer is the ability to slow down or speed up the video playback. Can’t keep up with Chopin’s speedy fingers? Slow him down! Think Beethoven’s taking his sweet time? Speed him up!
Another key component in the world of virtual learning is direct communication with your online piano teacher. Many platforms provide options for students to ask questions or get feedback from their instructors via chat functions or email correspondence.
But what about sheet music?
Most online courses include digital sheet music as part of their packages, allowing you to print out pieces at your leisure.
Here’s an ultra-simple breakdown:
- Get yourself set-up with basic hardware.
- Tune into interactive video instructions.
- Take advantage of adjustable playback speeds.
- Reach out directly to your instructor when needed.
- Print off digital sheet music and play away!
What are the Benefits of Learning Piano Online?
Let me break it down for you.
Online piano lessons are more affordable
First off and as mentioned before, it’s affordable. Traditional in-person piano lessons can be quite pricey. Between teacher fees, travel costs, and sometimes even recital participation fees – you’re looking at a pretty penny!
But with online lessons? It’s like finding a discount rack full of designer clothes – high quality without the hefty price tag! Most platforms offer monthly subscriptions that cost less than one traditional lesson. They also often include access to an entire library of songs and exercises – talk about bang for your buck!
Consider this: on average, in-person lessons range from $30-$60 per hour*. But when you go digital, memberships usually run between $10-$40 per month*.
That’s not just one lesson folks; we’re talking unlimited access all month long!
| Pricing | In-Person Lesson (per hour) | Online Lesson (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost* | $30 – $60 | $10 – $40 |
(*These prices are approximate averages as of the time of writing.)
Convenience And Scheduling and Styles
Now let’s tackle convenience. Imagine trying to squeeze piano lessons into your already jam-packed schedule. The drive there and back are annoying enough…
Online learning eliminates that hassle completely. You can learn at your own pace whenever and wherever suits you best — whether it’s during breakfast or in the middle of the night when insomnia strikes.
No need to fret over canceled appointments or rescheduled sessions either! With virtual classes, your lesson is always ready when you are.
And if you’re anything like me who hates being late for anything… well online classes mean no rushing out the door forgetting half my sheet music only to arrive panting and disheveled five minutes past start time!
What are the disadvantages of learning piano online?
Buckle up, folks! It’s time we talk about something that might be a bit hard to swallow. Yes, you guessed it right. We’re going to delve into the drawbacks of learning piano online. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for leveraging technology and making learning accessible, but it’s important to have a balanced view.
One can easily become distracted during online lessons.
One common issue with online lessons is that they can be incredibly easy to get distracted from. Picture this: You’re in the middle of a tough scale exercise when suddenly your phone pings with an Instagram notification. Before you know it, you’ve spent 15 minutes scrolling aimlessly and completely lost focus on your practice.
This isn’t just my imagination running wild here – there’s science behind this, too!
A study found that students who took notes on laptops performed worse on conceptual questions than those who wrote notes by hand. There’s something about digital devices that makes us more susceptible to distractions.
And let’s not even start talking about how easy it is to click away from your lesson window and get lost in the rabbit hole of YouTube cat videos! I can neither confirm nor deny this happening to me.
Mistakes Can Often be Corrected More Easily in Person.
Another significant drawback I’ve noticed is correcting mistakes promptly.
When you’re sitting next to a real-life teacher during physical lessons, they can immediately point out when you hit an incorrect note or use improper technique.
With online lessons though? You might be practicing incorrectly for weeks before realizing it or getting feedback in a delayed fashion which may have already led your hands into developing bad habits.
The absence of immediate correction means these little errors can snowball quickly if left unchecked.
Are Online Piano Lessons Worth Your Time?
So, here’s the big question. Are online piano lessons worth it? Well, I’ve got to tell you – it’s not a straightforward yes or no answer.
First off, let’s talk accessibility.
With online lessons, you’re not limited by location or time constraints. You can learn from the comfort of your own home at any time that suits you best!
No more stressing about traffic jams or rearranging schedules just to fit in a lesson. On top of that, many platforms offer various pricing plans which are often cheaper than traditional face-to-face lessons.
However, there is something to be said for hands-on instruction. Having a teacher physically present can make correcting mistakes and getting instant feedback easier. And let’s not forget the social aspect of learning an instrument – it can be pretty fun!
Here are some points to consider:
- Access: Online piano lessons give you access to numerous resources and teachers worldwide.
- Flexibility: Learn at your own pace and on your schedule.
- Cost-effective: Usually cheaper than traditional piano lessons.
But also weigh these against:
- Lack of immediate feedback: Because instructors aren’t physically present, there may be delays in receiving corrections.
- Limited social interaction: The experience isn’t quite as engaging without other students around.
In my opinion? It really boils down to personal preference and lifestyle choices.
If convenience and cost-effectiveness win out for you, then online piano lessons could very well be worth it!
But if hands-on instruction and social interaction top your list – maybe stick with traditional classes instead.
