In today’s world our new isolation has resulted in many tasks, activities and hobbies being curtailed by the global situation. Music need not be one of them as online tuition is not only possible, but opens up a world of possibilities.
Who better to guide you than a guitar tutor with nearly a decade of online teaching experience?
The Newset Effective Teaching Method
Recent world developments have resulted in mass isolation which can directly affect us both mentally and physically. While we understand the benefits of exercise and strive to keep up a daily exercise routine, many of us regard music education purely as a hobby.
This would be a mistake.
Music has long been proven to be highly effective for brain development and overall mental health, especially with the right tutor. Playing an instrument rewards both our artistic and logical natures, and develops us socially. It also gives us a new means to express how we feel about our changed circumstances.
And this does not need to change, even in isolation. In fact a recent study of 49,000 people found that learning an instrument helps us to solve problems, promotes creativity and grants us a skill we can use for the rest of our lives.
I have been teaching online in four countries for close to a decade using a variety of platforms using state of the art software and IT solutions.
What do I need?
To learn music online you will need:
- An internet capable device with a screen and microphone (any phone, iPad, laptop or desktop computer will have these built in),
- A broadband internet connection,
- The instrument of your choice.
- Zoom. (Other alternative platforms are also available, Skype, Facebook etc.)
It is also highly beneficial to have:
- A large screen on your device to read scores and see technical displays,
- Good quality headphones,
- A tuner should your instrument need one.
Using these tools it is possible to go from being a complete beginner through to professional level.
What are the benefits to learning online?
When I teach face-to-face I am usually limited to the resources I have at hand, especially if I am teaching in the students own home. However this limitation disappears when I teach online and can use all of the tools and resources of my studio.
I use a multiple camera setup. This allows me to demonstrate techniques and playing methods with a high degree of detail. I also screen share as I write the scores I use so the student can see me transcribe in real time. They can ask any questions as I write the score they will learn from and allows me to explain theoretical concepts in detail.
Every student recieves a link to their resource folder. This contains every resource used in their lessons so far, including audio clips, demonstration videos, exercises, scores and demonstrations to help them practise and learn.
I also have total access to my entire classical and contemporary score library. This includes the complete grade systems for the Registry of Guitar Tutors, the London College of Music, Berklee, AMEB, ABRSM, Royal Conservatory, Rockschool as well as teaching texts by Scott Tennant, Frederick M. Noad, Christopher Parkening. I haven’t even mentioned the 31 files containing 25 years worth of guitar magazine lesson cutouts, theory books, anthologies or even access to other instruments to accompany my students.
When teaching online I can record lessons and forward them to the student in video or audio form. I can scan and annotate any of my materials. I can supplement the lesson with demonstrations of home recording setups using Reason, Cubase, Cakewalk, Samplitude, Logic… the list of possibilities of online teaching is endless.
Ok, I’m interested. Drawbacks?
The main draw back is that I’m limited in how I can play along with a student. Playing along is possible but it’s not possible for me to monitor what the student is playing in the same way as can be done in a face-to-face lesson.
Another drawback is the limited feedback I get from bodylanguage. The window of observation is small and I can miss bodylanguage cues.
Finally, the bandwidth limitations can result in audio drop outs from time to time and these can occur at random intervals. However as the broadband network improves here in Australia this will become less of an issue. It has hugely improved in the 8 years I have been teaching online.
What’s next?
If you are interested in learning from a fully qualified, highly experienced music tutor that has been teaching online in 4 countries for 8 years, then please get in touch with me!
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