What to Expect from Online Piano Lessons

Online piano lessons have gained significant popularity over the years, particularly among those who wish to learn at their own pace and in their own space. With advancements in technology, learning an instrument like the piano has become more accessible than ever before. But what exactly can you expect when embarking on this musical journey? In this post, we will delve into the various aspects of online piano lessons, giving you a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

Online Piano Lessons: An Overview

Online piano lessons offer flexibility and convenience that traditional methods may lack. You no longer need to commute to a physical location, which saves time and can often lower costs. Additionally, you can choose your learning environment—whether it’s your living room or while traveling.

Piano ready for practice.

Setting Goals for Your Online Piano Journey

Before diving into online piano lessons, it's essential to set clear goals. What do you hope to achieve? Whether it's playing a specific song, mastering a technique, or simply enjoying a new hobby, having a target will keep you motivated.

Start small. If you're a complete beginner, perhaps aim to learn basic chords or simple songs. As you progress, you can adjust your goals. Tracking your progress is equally important. Many online platforms provide progress reports, which can be beneficial in monitoring your improvement.

Ancient vs. Modern: The Teaching Techniques

One notable aspect of online piano lessons is the eclectic mix of teaching techniques. Traditional piano teaching methods often emphasize reading sheet music and classical training. However, many online courses incorporate modern pedagogical techniques, such as interactive apps and video tutorials.

Studies have shown that learning through diverse methods can enhance retention. For instance, utilizing apps such as Kahoot or Quizziz can make learning more engaging. They provide instant feedback and motivation to learn music theory.

Learning piano through a digital application.

Equipment You Will Need

Before starting your online piano lessons, ensure you have the right equipment. A decent piano or keyboard is paramount. It’s often suggested to use a full-sized keyboard with at least 61 keys for a satisfactory experience. If you’re serious about your learning, consider investing in a digital piano with weighted keys, as it can offer a sound experience closer to that of an acoustic piano.

You will also need access to a reliable internet connection and a device (whether it’s a computer or tablet) that supports your chosen online platform. Finally, consider using headphones for better audio quality and to improve your focus while practicing.

The Community Aspect of Online Learning

One of the greatest blessings of online piano lessons is the accessibility to a global community. Many platforms encourage interaction through forums, social media groups, and even live sessions with students worldwide. Engaging with fellow learners can offer support and accountability.

Sharing your progress and celebrating achievements with others can enhance your learning experience. Furthermore, many platforms also provide opportunities to participate in challenges or competitions, fostering a sense of community among students.

Engaging online piano lesson with students participating.

What to Keep in Mind

While online piano lessons are an immensely beneficial resource, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Consistency is key to progress. Schedule practice sessions and stick to your timetable. It is easy to let time slip away when learning online, so accountability is essential.

If you encounter challenges during your lessons, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Remember, everyone faces obstacles—it's a natural part of the learning process.

Final Thoughts on Your Piano Learning Journey

In conclusion, online piano lessons offer a flexible and exciting approach to learning an instrument. Whether you are a novice or advancing your skills, they can cater to your learning style and schedule. Remember to set specific goals, choose suitable equipment, engage with the community, and stay consistent in your practice.

If you're interested in exploring online piano courses, consider checking out platforms that offer free trials, allowing you to find the right fit for your learning style. Check out this link to explore online piano courses.

With dedication and the right resources, you can transform your musical aspiration into reality. Happy playing!

How to Follow a Guided Practice Plan

Below is an example of a Guided Practice Plan I send to all my students after each lesson. They can use this to know what to practice and how to practice before their next lesson. At the top, are their long term goals. They look at these first to remember why they're practicing and what they're working towards. Underneath, it tells them what to practice and how.

The first section is technique. This means how they hold their body and fingers while playing. It is essential that beginners learn good technique right from the start so they don't develop bad habits. If they play without good technique, they can develop pain and tendonitis after a while so technique is important to keep their body healthy. Each technique exercise has a video along with it that they can watch to remember how to hold their body and fingers as they warm up in the most healthy way.

Underneath the Technique warm up is the Current Song they are working on. It shows the song name and what they are focusing on in order to pass the song at the next lesson.

Theory refers to reading music on the staff. It's important that students learn both how to read and write music in addition to learning to play by ear and improvise music. I try to give a balance to each of these activities. However, beginners often need to focus on Music Reading skills in order to remember them well. All students have a Theory book to help them review important reading and writing skills. They can complete it at home before the lesson or during the lesson.

Sightreading is when a student can play a short piece of music at their level with a steady beat, correct rhythm and pitch on the very first try. Many people who have played for a while do not have this skill because it does not always come easily. We focus on Sightreading skills from the very beginning so students can eventually feel confident opening a new piece of music they want to play and figuring out how to play it all by themselves. Autonomy is always a goal of piano lessons. Students are given four steps to "preview" the music before playing it and then they begin to play. Most students can play a new short song they've never seen or heard before correctly the first time after following this method right from the beginning!

The bottom section is the review section. This includes playing songs they've already learned to play correctly. Ending a practice session with review helps build confidence and security and helps students to end on a high note!

Following a Guided Practice Plan makes practice easier and enjoyable! Students are no longer playing the same song over and over with no change or improvement. Instead, they focus only on areas of the song they need to get better on and they switch activities often. Practicing is more interesting when you have a variety of activities to choose from that include both written pages and playing songs. Finally, having a variety of songs they know, don't know and know a little bit makes practicing less frustrating because there are easy parts and challenging parts. When practice is focused, diverse and at their level, students are more excited to keep up their practice habits over time; a win for both parents and students!

Crafting the Ultimate Piano Practice Nest for Your Student: A Symphony of Support

Creating a dedicated space for your students's piano practice isn't just about finding a corner of the room and placing a piano in it. It's about nurturing an environment that fosters growth, inspiration, and a love for music. In this blog post, I'll delve deeper into what it takes to craft the ultimate piano practice nest for your budding musician.

1. Essential Tools within Reach

Stocking the piano practice area with essential tools is crucial for seamless practice sessions. Ensure that your student has their music books, a pencil for note-taking, and their most recent printed practice plan at their piano at all times. Additionally, keep their device charging near the piano and add an easily accessible bookmark to their online practice plan to help them access online resources or sheet music quickly and efficiently.

2. Comfort is Key

If your student uses a footstool or cushion to adjust their height while playing the piano, make sure it's always at the piano. Comfortable seating and proper posture are essential for long practice sessions and can help prevent discomfort or strain.

3. Set a Practice Schedule

A consistent practice schedule is essential for progress and skill development. Place a clock with an alarm near the piano and set it to remind your child to practice at a designated time each day. Establishing a routine helps make piano practice a habit and ensures that your child dedicates regular time to honing their skills.

4. Visualize Progress and Rewards

Motivate your student by visually representing their progress and incentivizing their practice sessions. If you offer rewards for piano practice milestones, place a visual reminder of the reward near the piano, such as a picture on the wall. Seeing the reward can serve as a powerful motivator and remind your student of the benefits of consistent practice.

5. Share the Joy of Music

Encourage your student to share their musical journey with you by playing for you regularly. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable performing, even if the piece isn't perfect or complete. Focus on celebrating their progress and the joy of making music together, rather than correcting mistakes. This not only strengthens your bond but also reinforces their love for music learning.

Crafting the ultimate piano practice nest for your student requires thoughtful consideration and attention to detail. By ensuring essential tools are within reach, prioritizing comfort, establishing a practice schedule, visualizing progress and rewards, and fostering a supportive environment for sharing music, you can create a space where your student's musical talents can flourish. So let the music flow and watch as your student's passion for piano grows in their very own practice nest.