How do online music lessons work?
Virtual music educator explains how online music lessons work, why they can be better than traditional kids' in-person lessons, and how to try them.
A conversation with Outschool music educator Melanie Pauli
Music education can give kids academic and social advantages that last a lifetime, but in-person classes can be hard to come by. Piano teacher Melanie Pauli understands the power of music education—and she believes in making it accessible for kids. That's exactly what Melanie tries to do via her online group piano lessons and 1-on-1 classes.
Our Community Guy, Fernando, recently sat down with Melanie on Outschool Live to talk about how online music lessons work. She shared her own teaching philosophy with us and talked about the pros and cons of different class formats.
Melanie explained that she "[listens] for a living" and loves finding games to engage her students.
Melanie helped us understand how online music lessons work, the pros of studying music virtually, and how to know if they’re right for your child. Keep reading for the recap, or check out the full recording.
Meet Outschool music teacher Melanie Pauli
Outschool piano teacher Melanie Pauli has been sharing her love of piano with students for more than 25 years. She's been teaching since she graduated from California State University Long Beach with her B.A. in Music. Today, she's one of the top-rated music teachers on Outschool, with a five-star rating from more than 400 parent reviews.
Melanie developed a love for music early in life—she was one of the few kids who actually wanted to practice her instrument! Melanie told us about her first piano teacher and how much she loved learning music from him. As a teacher, she uses what she learned from her early music lessons to ensure that her students feel:
Heard
Noticed
Important
Happy
Excited
Melanie isn't just an educator on Outschool. She's also a homeschooling parent whose kids attend online classes. She wants her piano students to be happy and excited because that's what she wants for her own kids. Melanie's passion for teaching is easy to see on screen because she's lively and excited whenever she talks about her learners.
What are the advantages of online music classes?
Taking music classes online might seem strange. Can your kids really pick up a new instrument over a screen? How do they collaborate with their teachers and classmates? There are actually many advantages to online music classes, ranging from greater engagement opportunities to increased schedule flexibility.
Two of the biggest advantages are access and schedule flexibility. Sometimes parents want their kids to take music classes, but there aren't teachers in their area, or they can't work class times into their schedules.
Maybe you live in rural Middle America, and your child keeps asking to take ukulele lessons. That might not be possible in your small community, but you can make it happen with Outschool.
Melanie told us that another big benefit of online piano classes is the ability to choose the best teacher for your kids. As she shared, personality differences and teaching styles affect how well learners do in music classes. You might find a beginning piano teacher on Outschool whose particular style just doesn't match what your child needs.
That's normal! Even the best teachers aren't perfect for every student. When you choose online music instruction, you have the ability to change teachers as needed. Most parents don't have this option when their kids are enrolled in in-person music classes.
Likewise, another benefit to the 1-on-1 lessons is going at the learner's pace. While a benefit of the group class is usually a longer class for a reduced enrollment rate.
How do online music lessons work?
Music classes on Outschool are offered in both group and 1-on-1 formats. The best choice for your child depends on their personality and needs. Try one-time classes or short camps to determine whether your child would do better in a group or private format. Melanie advises parents not to discount group classes as a viable option.
We know it might sound like a chaotic idea—just imagine 10 kids in a Zoom drum class practicing their percussion skills! Melanie shares that the opposite is actually true. Zoom's muting capabilities make it easy for students to hear themselves practicing and for teachers to hear individual students too.
Sure, there are some moments of pure musical chaos in online classes. But on the whole, teachers have more opportunities to assess each learner's skills. Students are able to practice the day's lesson without the distraction of the musicians around them too. These classes allow for plenty of socialization and group play time without the drawbacks of traditional group music classes.
Like many music teachers, Melanie uses a two-camera system so that kids can actually see what her hands are doing on the piano. She shared that it's often helpful for learners to go back and rewatch lessons throughout the week. Of course, practice is absolutely essential. Your child's music teacher can give you tips on devising a practice schedule that works for your family.
It's okay if your child is shy or nervous too. Online music and singing classes offer children the chance to build self-confidence by practicing with their classmates and sharing their solo skills. Kids who are too nervous or shy to excel in in-person classes often enjoy the comfort and familiarity of interacting from home.
Of course, some kids will feel more comfortable in private lessons. Melanie says that 1-on-1 sessions or online music tutoring are great options for new students who don't thrive in a group environment. It's also ideal for advanced students who want to develop their skills.
What do you need for online music lessons?
Melanie understands that parents might be hesitant to sign their kids up for music lessons because they aren't sure what they'll need. In general, a beginner's instrument is sufficient for the first few music lessons on Outschool.
Melanie told us that she's had learners playing on instruments ranging from toy keyboards to old-fashioned home pianos. Just adjust your Zoom settings to "original sound for musicians" to ensure that the teacher can hear your child.
Keep in mind that children will generally need to 'upgrade' their instruments as they grow older and progress in classes. You can buy inexpensive instruments online, look for them in pawn shops, or rent them from music retailers in your community.
Is your child ready for music lessons?
Melanie shares that most children are ready to start learning piano around the age of 6. Of course, all teachers have their own perspectives on when kids should start an instrument. Maybe your child wants to take guitar lessons, but the only teacher in your local area doesn't accept students younger than 8.
Online guitar lessons or violin lessons allow parents to find a teacher who understands their children's developmental level and teaches to it. It's important to remember that teachers set minimum ages for each of their classes for a reason.
The teacher who doesn't work with younger students isn't 'wrong.’ They simply know that their material isn't suited for those age groups.
Recognizing the power of online music lessons
Passionate teachers like Melanie make music lessons accessible for kids no matter where they are. Online music lessons can lead to real-world musical success too. Check out the inspiring story of Canadian Outschooler Maria, who started online ukulele lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lessons helped Maria cope with pandemic-related shutdowns to social activities. They also helped her develop the skills needed to win a music festival in her community. Are you eager to help your kids explore their musical side?
Maybe it's time to check out Outschool's many online music classes!
