Music Lessons in the Time of Corona

Last March, when it became clear that we would have to take serious measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, I immediately made the decision to transition all my music students to online lessons. I personally had some reservations around how the online format would affect students' learning. Would it be less engaging? Would it be harder to correct physical aspects of playing, such as posture and bow hold? Would children be able to follow instructions easily? These were just a few of the many questions that regularly preoccupied my mind and heart in those uncertain first days of shelter in place.

Eight months into the pandemic, few would have guessed that we would still be meeting online for our lessons. To my (and my students' parents!) relief, online lessons have proven to be not only engaging, effective and fun, but a source of weekly consistency and creative expression for the many children who continue to make excellent progress in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Here are just a few of the unexpected benefits of online lessons:

Online lessons retain a strong level of personal connection. Unlike remote classrooms where 20 or more students vye for a single teacher’s attention, one-on-one online lessons grant the child uninterrupted attention from the teacher. The teacher-student relationship I had with my students prior to COVID has only strengthened as we continue diving ever more deeply into the beautiful world of music in this often destabilizing and confusing time for children.

Online lessons boost independence and accountability. When students take online lessons, they learn to take more control over their own learning. Whether they browse through digital notes of what to practice, review videos and audio recordings of difficult passages that their teacher made, or simply learn to show up on their own for a zoom appointment (that’s right parents--no more driving your kids around for after-school activities!), they feel an enhanced sense of independence as they easily access digital tools and resources to thrive musically. And with the advent of ever-improving technology, I was relieved that I could still see and hear everything I needed to help my students with things related to posture and position.

Online lessons are convenient in more ways than one. Besides saving parents commute time and gas money, online lessons allow students to take lessons from wherever they have a good internet connection and their instrument. I’ve had some very committed students take their keyboards and violins to vacation rentals where they would not only continue their lessons with me, but also keep up their strong level of practice.

Online lessons are fun and dynamic. From making music for GIF animations, to sharing improvisations and videos, at Nurture Music School we make sure to balance the fundamentals with your child’s unique musical voice. When children express themselves in this way, they are more motivated to apply their skills and aim even higher.

Sign up for a lesson today and get a free 15 minute zoom consultation to help you get your device and child positioned properly to get the most out of online lessons.