What if you don't live in my town?
If you can’t come to my studio, you can still benefit from my approach to teaching music. Using audio clips, video clips, skype and other technologies students can get instruction, feedback and coaching regarding technique, musicality, improvisation, arranging, composition, and creative expression.
Of course, the key challenge in this approach is communicating through technology. If students have the capability to set up a computer and video camera near the piano or keyboard and are comfortable using skype or other computer-based video tools, online lessons can be very rewarding. There are three basic options, which are explained below. Using Skype Skype lessons are the closest thing to a traditional "live lesson", allowing the student to play for the teacher and the teacher to play for the student in real time. Conversation and demonstrations are no problem! See how this works in the sidebar to the right. Using Video This option also requires the use of a video camera and computer. The difference is that there is no appointment, no need to use Skype, and no need to be able to record and watch video at the same time. If students prefer, they can record themselves playing songs or scales and send the video to the teacher. They can request specific or just general feedback. The teacher reviews the video, provides feedback via video, and recommends activities to improve performance. Using Audio This option requires students to make an audio recording of themselves and then forward the clip to the teacher. Although sound alone offers many teaching and learning possibilities, there are disadvantages to this approach. Primarily, the teacher cannot watch the student perform and so cannot give feedback on technique. Also, without video feedback the student is not be able to benefit from watching the teacher demonstrate. One possible solution to this challenge: If the student does not have the capacity to create a video but can easily watch a video on the computer, the teacher can provide feedback via video even if the student sends only an audio file. For additional details on how video and audio file sharing works, see the side bar to the right. |
Skype Lessons: How it works
Video and Audio Lessons: How it works
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What happens during lessons?
Just like traditional lesson, online lessons can include a range of instructional styles and tools:
Assessments and questionnaires help me get to know you, your goals and musical preferences. Then I collaborate with you on creating a unique plan to achieve your musical dreams.
Extension activities can extend the learning as well. See lab time for more details.
- Direct Instruction
- Coaching
- Targeted Drills
- Projects, like writing or arranging a song
- Games that reinforce musical concepts
- Improvisation
- Composition
- Electronic keyboards, drum beats and inspiring sounds
- Computer software
- Workbooks
Assessments and questionnaires help me get to know you, your goals and musical preferences. Then I collaborate with you on creating a unique plan to achieve your musical dreams.
Extension activities can extend the learning as well. See lab time for more details.