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Reshmi Patel • March 15, 2021
Online Versus In-Person Piano Lessons
As the UK Lockdown restrictions begin to ease over the course of the next few months, we felt it was appropriate to share some of our learnings to support piano teachers and students who may be making a new transition between online and in-person lessons.
Here are our top tips to finding the balance which works best for you and the resources available:
1) Being open to new experiences
Although we miss face-to-face lessons, as a team we’ve worked incredibly hard to create an engaging online experience for our students. We were willing to continue on our mission in whichever medium possible!
Similar to a lot of education providers, we naturally had a handful of students who were reluctant to try online lessons but they gave it a go anyway and have been able to seen the progress and adaptations we have put into place. For this reason, when anyone asks about if they should TRY online lessons, we always recommend they give it a go.
If there are trial classes or periods, we’d recommend giving these a go whether this is in-person or online.
2) Connection
The relationship between student and teacher plays a large role in the trajectory of a child or adults’ success. It’s important for the children to feel safe and be able to express themselves with their teacher, particularly for those participating in creative arts activities. For this reason, whether it’s online or in-person we recommend asking any questions you have and reflecting on your lesson after you have met your teacher. If they are not the correct fit for you, that’s okay, there are plenty of other teachers to choose from.
3) Communication
It may be useful to look at the different forms of communication, both for online and in-person lessons.
It’s important for both student and teacher to have forms of communication outside of their lessons should they require feedback on their playing or have any questions or concerns.
The most important question to ask if you are having an in-person lesson is if the Covid-19 guidelines will be followed (if these are still applicable when you have your lesson) and how to ensure you can best follow these practices before arriving to your lesson. For online lessons the questions may be, which details are required to login to the lesson and what equipment is required before you join the call.
Here’s a brief checklist of what you will need in preparation for an online Piano Lesson with Key Sounds UK: https://www.keysoundsuk.com/our-best-practices-using-zoom-for-online-piano-lessons
Here at Key Sounds UK it’s always been about communication and building empowering relationships with our students.
We are so fortunate to have such cooperative students and tools available to us. Let’s take advantage of them and help spread the joys of learning and listening to music.
Feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly.
To find out more, feel free to get involved in our latest project “The Habits of the Top Performing Piano Players”, fill out our survey: https://bit.ly/2FDs8rf
For your chance to win a Nintendo DS Lite or a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.
If you’re thinking about learning the piano, you might be wondering: should you take lessons online or in person? The good news is that there’s no wrong choice! Both options have their perks, and the best one depends on your learning style, lifestyle, and goals. Let’s break it down! The Perks of Online Piano Lessons Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Access to Top Teachers: You’re not limited by location—you can study with amazing teachers worldwide. Technology & Tools: Many platforms offer interactive features like video feedback, AI-generated practice recommendations, and virtual sheet music. Affordability: Online lessons can sometimes be more budget-friendly than in-person instruction. The Benefits of In-Person Piano Lessons Immediate Feedback: Your teacher can adjust your posture, hand position, and technique instantly. Accountability: Having a set lesson schedule with a teacher can keep you motivated and consistent. Better Engagement: Some students thrive with in-person interaction and find it easier to focus. Which One is Right for You? If you love flexibility and access to global resources, online lessons might be your best bet. If you thrive on real-time interaction and hands-on guidance, in-person lessons could be ideal. Some students even choose a hybrid approach! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact .
Piano practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Adding an element of play can make it an enjoyable part of your day. 1. Turn practice into a game – use a timer and see how many times you can play a section correctly in five minutes, or create a “practice bingo” card with tasks like “play softly,” “practice scales backward,” or “play standing up.” Reward progress – aim to reward students with small treats or privileges to keep motivation high. 2. Add friendly competition to make practice more exciting. If you have siblings or friends who play, hold mini-recitals or compete to memorize a short piece the fastest. 3. Challenge yourself with personal goals – an example of this could be learning a new song in a week or improvising a melody over a chord progression. 4. Record your sessions and watch your progress – it’s inspiring to see how far you’ve come! 5. Use technology to your advantage – apps like Simply Piano or Flowkey offer interactive, gamified lessons, while YouTube tutorials provide endless inspiration. 6. Play songs you genuinely enjoy – mix favourite pop songs, movie themes, or video game music into your routine alongside classical exercises. A balance of fun and structure keeps practice fresh and exciting—because music should always be enjoyable! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
How Do I Know When to Change Piano Teacher? Choosing the right piano teacher can profoundly impact a child’s musical journey, but sometimes, the best path forward involves change. Before considering a switch, it’s important to recognize that every teacher brings unique strengths, and not every bump in the road signals the need for a new instructor. Challenges like a tough piece or frustration over progress are natural parts of learning. However, if a student feels consistently unmotivated or a teacher’s methods clash with their learning style, it might be time to evaluate the situation. Signs that it could be time for a change include stagnation in progress: 1. A lack of connection between teacher and student 2. A shift in the student’s goals that the current teacher isn’t equipped to support - for instance, a student focusing on advanced classical repertoire might need a specialist, while a budding songwriter may thrive with someone versed in improvisation or composition. 3. Logistical issues like scheduling or location are creating unnecessary stress - open communication with the teacher can often address these concerns, but sometimes, switching is the best option to reignite a student’s passion for playing. Switching teachers is not a failure; it’s a thoughtful decision to prioritize what’s best for the student’s growth. Musical journeys are deeply personal, and the teacher-student relationship plays a pivotal role in fostering confidence and creativity. If a switch is necessary, approach it with kindness and gratitude for the teacher’s contributions so far. Remember, finding the right teacher is about aligning with the student’s evolving needs, and making that change can be a powerful step toward nurturing a lifelong love for music. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
