Online Lessons

One positive result of the pandemic is the increased ability for people to meet virtually online. Online lessons are a great tool teaching students when they move away and also still provide lessons when a student or parent is sick and shouldn’t attend lessons in-person.

You can ensure that you get the most out of your online violin lesson by preparing just a little bit beforehand. After teaching online lessons for several years, I’ve discovered four areas that slow down lesson progress.

1) Internet problems 2) camera set-up 3) violin set-up, and 4) searching for music or supplies.

FaceTime: For my house and internet connection, FaceTime has been the most successful. This is only available on Apple products. iPad, phone, or apple computer. Zoom is an option that I am willing to explore if needed. Since I don’t use Zoom nor have a “waiting room.” I will call YOU when I am ready for your lesson. Please set up and be prepared by the time your lesson is supposed to start. If I don’t call within 5 minutes of your lesson time, please send me a text.

The larger the screen the better. Computers are best if you can get a good angle. iPads are second best. Phones are doable, but the smaller screen makes it hard to pay attention to details of the lesson.

Set up the screen horizontally so that I can see the whole student from the waste up – I need to be able to see the full bow arm and scroll. It is best if your stand is set up to the left of the camera so I can see your body while you’re looking at music.

Have all items ready and easily accessible. Keep a pencil and metronome handy as well as all your music.

Young children need the parent with them through the entire lesson to help be my eyes and hands with either correcting posture or pointing to music.

Online lessons require a student to be able to find places on the music quickly using measure numbers so please number all measures.

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