Do Online Music Lessons Work?
When the world was launched into a global pandemic and in-person teaching screeched to a halt, students and educators alike were forced to face the question: do online lessons actually work?
It is completely reasonable to have concerns about online teaching. Some of the drawbacks involved are internet lag, the potential for technical difficulties (or worse, technical failures), and, what I find most important, missing out on in-person contact. However, since starting my online teaching journey, I have found that there is actually a lot of benefit to online lessons.
My Journey into Online Music Lessons
I was apprehensive when I first started teaching music lessons online: some things did have to change. The biggest adjustments were modifying the way I lead warmup exercises to account for lag, and switching from accompanying students myself to using apps and recorded accompaniment. At first, these changes felt like compromises, but once I found efficient ways to adapt, I realized that the benefits far outweighed the downsides. Music lessons online carried on much in the same way as they did in person. Thanks to video calls, I am still able to see the fingers of my piano players, monitor the posture of my singers, and offer real-time feedback on technique and interpretation.
Even aspects of teaching that I initially assumed would be lost—like using a whiteboard for music theory, playing call-and-response exercises, and tracking student progress—turned out to be surprisingly easy to implement in the digital space. Online whiteboards, screen sharing, and interactive digital tools actually enhanced my ability to provide clear and engaging instruction.
Most importantly, my students are still progressing with every lesson. Whether they are beginners or advanced musicians, they continue to build their skills, achieve their goals, and, most importantly, find joy in learning music. This realization has changed my perspective on online music education entirely.
The Surprising Benefits of Online Music Lessons
While I initially saw online lessons as a necessary adjustment during uncertain times, I quickly discovered unique advantages that make virtual learning a fantastic option—not just in emergencies, but as a long-term approach to music education. Here are some key benefits I’ve noticed:
1. Convenience and Accessibility
One of the most significant advantages of online lessons is the ability for students to attend from anywhere. This eliminates the stress and hassle of commuting, allowing students to focus entirely on their music. No more worrying about flat tires, bad weather, or last-minute babysitter cancellations—students can take their lessons in the comfort of their own homes, making attendance much easier and more consistent.
Additionally, online lessons make music education accessible to students who might not have opportunities otherwise. Those living in rural areas, places with limited access to music teachers, or even different countries can now take lessons from highly qualified teachers who might be geographically distant but virtually accessible.
2. Flexible Scheduling
With online lessons, both teachers and students enjoy greater flexibility when scheduling. Traditional in-person lessons often require careful coordination to fit into everyone’s schedules, accounting for travel time and availability of a physical location. Online lessons remove these obstacles, making it easier to accommodate different time zones, varied work schedules, and personal commitments.
This flexibility is particularly helpful for students with unpredictable schedules, such as adults with full-time jobs, students juggling schoolwork and extracurricular activities, and families with multiple children enrolled in lessons.
3. Access to a Wider Range of Instructors
Before the rise of online learning, students were typically limited to the music teachers available in their local area. However, with virtual lessons, students can study with the best teachers regardless of location. If a student is passionate about a particular style or instrument that isn’t widely taught in their area, they can find a specialized teacher online who can help them reach their goals.
For me as an educator, this has also been a rewarding aspect of online teaching. I now have students from multiple continents, all studying music from wherever they are. It’s incredible to see how technology connects us across cultures and distances, creating a truly global learning experience.
4. Better Organization and Resource Management
Keeping track of sheet music, lesson notes, and practice materials can be a challenge with traditional lessons. Online teaching eliminates these organizational struggles by allowing everything to be stored digitally. Students no longer have to worry about losing their music books or forgetting their notes—everything can be saved in a shared folder, easily accessible whenever needed.
Additionally, I can provide students with instant access to digital tools, interactive theory exercises, and instructional videos to supplement their learning. This creates a more structured and efficient learning environment, with materials that can be revisited anytime for reinforcement.
5. Recorded Lessons for Review
One of the most underrated advantages of online lessons is the ability to record sessions. Unlike in-person lessons, where students must rely on memory and written notes, online students can review recorded lessons to reinforce their learning. This is particularly helpful for complex musical concepts, technical corrections, or when preparing for performances.
Many students find that watching their own lesson playback helps them recognize areas for improvement and track their progress over time. This self-reflection enhances their ability to retain and apply what they learn.
6. Increased Comfort and Focus
For some students, especially those who experience anxiety or shyness, online lessons provide a more comfortable and less intimidating learning environment. Being in their own space allows them to feel more at ease, which often leads to better focus and confidence.
Students who struggle with stage fright may find that learning from home helps them open up and take risks in their playing or singing without fear of judgment. This creates a safe space for exploration and growth, ultimately leading to better overall progress.
Overcoming Challenges of Online Music Lessons
Of course, no method of teaching is without challenges. Online lessons do require a stable internet connection and a reliable device, and technical difficulties can sometimes arise. However, in my experience, these obstacles are manageable with a bit of preparation.
Here are a few ways I help my students overcome common challenges:
Lag and audio delays: I structure exercises and interactions to minimize disruption, ensuring that the lesson flows smoothly despite occasional delays.
Audio quality: Using external microphones and optimizing computer audio settings can greatly improve sound clarity.
Engagement: I incorporate interactive elements, visuals, and supplementary videos to keep students engaged and motivated.
Is Online Music Learning Right for You?
Ultimately, whether online music lessons are the right fit depends on the student’s individual needs, learning style, and goals. However, with the flexibility, accessibility, and benefits they offer, online lessons are an excellent option for many students, from beginners to advanced musicians.
If you are wondering if online lessons will work for you, please feel free to reach out to me at megandalen@gmail.com, or book a no-commitment, no-risk, free 30-minute trial lesson today! Let’s make music learning more accessible, flexible, and rewarding together.
