In order to offer the most number of convenient lesson options, I’ve begun upgrading my studio to allow for regular online lessons, irrespective of a pandemic going on.
This means for students learning locally (in the lower mainland), by distance education, in another time zone who can’t find a teacher at their desired time, or just because of personal preference, online options are available to you all year round!
In order to ensure online options are the most successful, it’s important to keep in mind that the technology both the teacher and student use plays a critical roll in quality of lesson.
On my end, I will be utilizing Zoom or Skype with a laptop microphone, with in-ear bluetooth headphones for sound quality. The instrument I use is a Roland HP704 digital piano. Students are encouraged to use wireless, or plug-in headphones in order to hear the best quality of sound, and if playing with a digital piano should have a full 88-keys with touch sensitivity at their disposition. Trumpet students should have purchased or rented a Bach TR300 or equivalent for their lessons.
Video angles are also a critical component for successful online lessons. Ideally piano students will have a set up whereby their hands are visible as they play (either from top-down view, or 45 degree side-angle view) while trumpet students should have a front-view or side view of their full instrument, hands and face. Theory students have more flexibility, they just need to be sure they can show their work through the computer screen. For all students, the best angle for their lessons will be toggled on the first day or two of lessons. Finally, students should use a tablet or laptop computer for a better view of music demonstrations by the teacher because tablets and laptops have a larger screen than a smart phone.
With these elements set up from the get-go, there’s every reason to expect high quality regular online weekly lessons for nearly every instrument.