Whether it is piano classes for kids or even voice classes for adults, the pandemic makes teaching music a big challenge. Face-to-face instruction always made it a lot easier for music teachers to show what they want to see. Additionally, there was a social component of learning music with friends.
It is easier for people to help each other out in a classroom environment. But distance learning is possible with the tools available today. Combine it with the right approach and your students will get the full experience of music learning.
Learn to Use Video Calling Programs
The most important component is using the latest in video-calling programs. The favorite one right now is Zoom because of the various features that it offers. Learning to use it properly can be a challenge though. For example, you might want to learn how to add extra hosts for your group sessions so that they don’t abruptly end if you get disconnected.
Besides that, you might want to try to record your sessions so that you can upload them later or share them with your student so that they might be able to review them later. You should also learn how to manage your classes via distance learning, which is much different from in a classroom. It is much easier for one-on-one lessons but if you have a group to manage, that can be different.
Make It Simple By Using Graduated Lessons
A good way to ensure that lessons are easier to set up is by using graduated lessons. This means that you are teaching the same song to different people but at different difficulty levels. For example, a simple song can be taught to various ages as long as you focus on the different aspects. The youngest only need to learn the song and how to sing it, while older levels will add more complexity to the lessons like reading notes, rhythm, and pitch.
Learning how to play the song on various instruments can also be useful. You can work on all the various lessons at the same time, which will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Send Resources In Advance
There are a variety of learning resources that your students will need if they are going to get the most from your lessons. There are a variety of file-sharing sites for educational resources out there. You can even simply e-mail it all. But Google Drive is probably your best choice. It is easy to set up and share so you should have no trouble. As for sharing, do it a few days in advance so hardworking students would be able to do advanced work.
Recorded Lessons Can Be Great For Those With Limited Access
Not everyone has great internet. There are places where the coverage is spotty and the student would likely be unable to keep up a consistent stream for an online lesson. A good alternative would be the above resources combined with a recorded lesson. While it does not have the same level of interaction as a normal lesson, it still allows students the chance to learn.
Arrange For a Performance
As a final test, one of the best methods is to have them perform. The difference from a normal recital is that it has to be done online. It can resolve one of the issues that many music students face which is stage fright. Recording a performance and sending it in is easier than a live act. You can then splice together the various performances and post them as a suitable farewell at the end of the season’s lessons.
Music is an excellent way to lift the spirits. With people stuck inside their homes, adding a little music to their lives is always helpful. Assist them in this by providing them with the right lessons no matter where they are.
