It was always only a matter of time before online music lessons became fashionable. And a global pandemic was the perfect reason to start exploring the idea for either yourself or your children. But, just because something has become fashionable or convenient doesn’t always mean that it’s the best option. Maybe you’ve found a few teachers or programs near you who also offer online lessons. In fact, you’ve probably noticed a bit of an explosion when it comes to online lessons. Specifically in the variety of options for studying music online – like video chats, or learning without a live teacher at all by watching a series of videos. So, for the sake of simplicity, today we will only be discussing the pros and cons of “live” music lessons done with a remote instructor (via an app like Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom), vs. traditional in-person lessons in the teacher’s music room.
Online vs In-Person Lessons: The Breakdown
Access to Teachers
Looking for a teacher in your area can be a challenge. Not only do you need to find a quality teacher with the necessary knowledge, you’ve also got to find one that is compatible with your or your child’s personality.
Online lessons hold the advantage in this category. This is thanks to the simple reason that you’ll almost certainly be able to find someone that fits all your needs. In fact, online lessons with a superior instructor are likely to be more valuable than in-person lessons with a mediocre teacher.
Online lessons wins round 1.
Accompaniments
Most method books include some kind of accompaniment for teachers and students to play together. Duets are an invaluable opportunity for students to gain experience playing with a more experienced and better musician.
The nature of online lessons means there will be some video or audio delays from time to time. These delays, even if only milliseconds, mean that playing duets can be very difficult; and if you don’t have a good internet connection, downright impossible. This can be mitigated somewhat by playing with a prerecorded accompaniment. However, some of the important qualities of a live duet are lost.
That’s a point for in-person lessons.
Distractions
When you’re able to go to a music studio or school for your lessons, there are fewer distractions. This is simply because you are away from everything and in a place that is specifically for learning and making music. That said, if you’re taking online lessons from your bedroom or living room, distractions might interrupt your learning.
Of course, this can be kept to a minimum if you ask other members of your household for privacy.
In-person lessons win this round, but only barely.
Instruments
If the sheer size of some instrument – like the piano – means you can’t bring it along to in-person lessons. What’s more, you might feel some frustration when it comes to playing a different instrument than the one you use at home. Online lessons, on the other hand, allow you to experience the comfort and security of playing your own instrument for your teacher.
Of course, there are a few downsides to this as well: you’ll never be able to use the excuse, “I can play it better at home, on my own instrument!” On a more serious note, your teacher’s instrument might be of higher quality than yours, and you might miss the opportunity to play on it.
We can call this one a draw.
Recording
Thanks to the very nature of online lessons, they offer a fantastic benefit built in: the ability to record your lessons. You can save the recording for later, replay parts, or even go through the entire lesson again and take notes.
Of course, recording an in-person lesson isn’t terribly difficult, but have you ever actually done it before?
That’s another point for online lessons, but keep in mind that if you ever do decide to record in-person lessons, that recording may have better fidelity – without the delays or lags that sometimes occur during online lessons.
Travel
Of course, the most obvious benefit to studying music online is that no travel is necessary (unless you count the commute to the computer!). That said, the size of this benefit depends on your needs and your location. If you live in a small town with a good teacher who lives a few blocks away, it might be worth it to walk. On the other hand, if you live in a big city, especially one like Toronto with famously bad traffic, online lessons might be perfect.
Depending on your circumstances, this round most likely goes to online lessons.
Technology
Due to their familiarity with technology, online teachers are somewhat more likely to use tech than in-person teachers. This could include supplementary videos, smartphone apps, online games, computer software, and more.
Of course, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Many in-person teachers do like to use state-of-the-art technology and/or apps in their studios and lessons.
This one is more of a tie, the winner really depends on the level of technology you prefer using as a part of your learning journey.
Technique
One of the biggest advantages of in-person lessons is that most good teachers like to be able to physically adjust your arms, hands, and technique, just like a sports coach will physically correct posture and technique. To get the same benefit from online lesson you’ll need to pay extreme attention and follow your teacher’s instructions precisely.
Another point for in-person lessons.
Final Thoughts on Online vs In-Person Lessons
As you can clearly see, both online and in-person lessons have their benefits and their drawbacks. Which is right for you will depend entirely on you and the best environment in which you are comfortable learning. Considering and weighing the factors we’ve discussed here – as well as a few others that are important to you – will help you decide whether you’re more suited for traditional or online learning!
If you’re looking for online lessons taught by passionate professionals, look no further than The Music Studio! Check out all our programs and get in touch today!
