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Key Sounds UK • May 15, 2020

OUR BEST PRACTICES USING ZOOM FOR ONLINE PIANO LESSONS

Since a lot of us have moved online due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we’ve been exploring applications which can help suit our style of work.


This blog can be useful for students, teachers and those who are currently or looking to learn online.


Here’s a brief checklist of what you will need in preparation for an online Piano Lesson with Key Sounds UK:


1. Internet connection – using your local/home wifi or mobile data 


2. A device with a camera – our students use iPad, PC or a phone with the Zoom app installed onto their device prior to the call. 


3. Zoom – our preferable software for online lessons is Zoom because when we cover music theory content, we can screen share when analysing sections of the sheet music and guide students through online videos and activities we have created for them. The Zoom app is also free and easy to install on any device. We recommend students to download the app on their mobile phone or tablets via their given app store. For those using computers, they can visit: www.zoom.us/download and click the big blue ‘download’ button at the top of the page. It will be labelled ‘Zoom Client for Meetings.’


4. A place to put your device so that your students can see you and your piano – some of our students use adjustable desks, chairs or tripods.


5. Any lesson notes are sent via Google Drive or email. Students can communicate via email in between lessons too so that we can better support their progress.


6. Good ears, body language and communication skills. Since we cannot see the students directly in front of us, we have to listen carefully to their playing even more so than usual. We also have to be overly communicative as we cannot point to the music as we may do in face-to-face lessons. Finally – smile and have fun! 



So far our audio channels have worked well but for those who are looking to experiment, feel free to check out this video:

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 ask us any questions you may have, we are more than happy to help.

For more tips and tricks follow us on Instagram: @keysoundsuk or Facebook: www.facebook.com/keysoundsuk

How Technology Can Support Piano Lessons

By Reshmi Patel • February 24, 2025
Technology has revolutionised how we learn music! With AI-powered apps, interactive keyboards, and smart practice tools, learning the piano has never been more exciting or effective. But can AI actually help you learn faster? Let’s find out! How AI is Changing Piano Learning Real-Time Feedback: Apps like Simply Piano and Flowkey listen to your playing and give instant feedback. Personalized Learning Paths: AI can analyze your progress and suggest exercises tailored to your skill level. Interactive Accompaniment: Some platforms allow you to play along with virtual bands and orchestras! Motivation & Gamification: AI-powered games and progress tracking keep students engaged and motivated. Should You Use AI for Learning? While AI tools can be a fantastic supplement to your learning, they work best when combined with human instruction. A real teacher provides emotional encouragement, personalized feedback, and deeper musical insights that AI can’t yet replace. Action Tip: Ask your teacher if there is piece of technology or app you can use alongside your piano lessons and use it for extra practice between sessions! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact .

Online and In-Person Piano Lesson Comparison

By Reshmi Patel • February 17, 2025
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 .

How to Turn Piano Practice into Productive yet Playful Practice

By Reshmi Patel • February 3, 2025
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
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