Schools are still online here. Music lessons are too. We've learned a lot since March about how to effectively teach and learn online. For some people online instruction will be a permanent solution for music lessons or other enrichment classes. When the technology is optimized with good internet and audio quality, online instruction really works well for the majority of students.
Do some students want to come back to the studio as soon as possible? Yes. But for others, online instruction removes some barriers. It makes scheduling much easier. Kids can take lessons in the after-school hours and leave the evening hours for family time or relaxing. Parents don't have to battle traffic to get home and then turn around and drive back into that same traffic to get their kids to lessons. One positive outcome I've seen is that kids are now active in their learning. Now they are the ones to note down what they need to practice during the week, or make notes in their music. Some of the struggles we first encountered last spring have largely been overcome. I've figured out what audio settings work best on a variety of platforms. Kids and I both are adept with screen share. They can easily send music they want to learn to me during the lesson and I can share video or audio too. We've done several online performances and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I keep them short and fun and kids share their favorite music with others. I had another student audition successfully into the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra this month. I'm really proud of the work she put into it! One thing I am really looking forward to in 2021 is our upcoming studio practice challenge. Each student is going to have the opportunity to earn money for the food bank, by practicing! I've done practice challenges in the past but the prizes have never felt quite right. I see so much generosity and a genuine desire to help in children, but it can be frustrating because they don't feel that they can contribute. I'm really hoping this will motivate kids to practice even more in these winter months when a lot of things are still shut down, while being able to do something positive. Stay tuned for more info coming in the New Year.
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AuthorHi! My name is Mariya, and I teach flute and piano lessons in Redmond, WA and online. Here I share thoughts about learning music and helping others learn how to play an instrument. Archives
December 2023
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