10 Tips For Setting Up Online Piano Lessons (2023)

 Are you a professional pianist and want to sell your skills online?

These 10 tips will guide you through all the important technicalities to keep in mind as well as piano-related suggestions that will help you set up a professional online piano class. (In case you need a new piano: Top 20 Best Digital Pianos 2021)

So let’s dive into the 10 points.

10 Tips For Setting Up Online Piano Lessons

• TECH-CHECK

The first and the foremost thing that you need to make sure of is that you have a stable connection. Without this facility, you can never think of any online class. Next, look for the available platforms on which you can conduct the sessions like Skype, zoom, google meet, Microsoft teams, etc. Choose the one which is easy for you to handle because you don’t want to waste any time sorting out the glitches while conducting the sessions. So try those applications out, and learn about them beforehand. If you’re planning to record the lessons and not going to go live, uploading your videos on YouTube is the best option for you.

Read: 5 Remarkable Health Benefits of Playing the Piano

• CAMERA

Should you invest in a DSLR? Is it even worth it? Honestly, No. It is not worth buying a high-resolution camera for teaching purposes, it does not make any wholesome changes. You can use your smartphone’s camera with the help of a tripod, it works out pretty well. But if you have enough budgets to invest in a camera; go for it. 

• MICROPHONE

This is a necessity. Investing in a microphone is useful.  A good quality microphone will allow you to communicate properly with your students. Normal earphones are not recommended by any means for professional communication. A microphone will allow the students to hear you clearly and thus will help in a better understanding of the concepts.

• SYLLABUS

Plan a syllabus that you are going to teach. Breaking the learning objectives down into a monthly basis will guide you to the pace of teaching that you need to keep. Also, revealing the monthly goals to students will give them a direction to follow. It is more advisable to further break down the goals every week. While planning a syllabus, keep in mind to allot the right expense of time to the right concept. You can also categorize the lessons in terms of the activity. For example – theory lessons, practice lessons, song lessons, etc. 

• BATCHES

Do not try to pack in all the students in one single batch. This will create a complete mess and can be very irritating. Divide students into a batch of 5-10 for easy, smooth, and interactive sessions. If there are fewer people in the sessions, it becomes easy to pay personal attention to each student and communicate properly. You think ending the lecture in one go would minimize the effort of teaching and that’s right but it would be much annoying and the students won’t be satisfied at all. All in all, if you want to sustain your students and class for the long term, spend some more effort and time and teach into separate batches.

• QUERIES

Ask out for any queries and opinions. This is the best way to connect better with your students. It is pretty obvious it will take some time for the class to get along and there would some awkwardness but try to keep the environment friendly as much as possible so that your students feel free to ask out anything. In this kind of atmosphere students would be eager to learn from you whereas if you ignore the questions and curiosities, the lessons would be more like a boring lecture.

• SIMPLICITY

Always remember that you are a professional musician and have mastered the instrument in its entirety, not the students. Sometimes you may start uttering out the concepts that are alien to the students and they might take some time to understand them. Be a little considerate for students as they are just starting it out. Make lesser use of technical/musical terms that are involved in teaching. In case it’s inevitable, gradually make the students aware of the terms and then try to connect the pieces because the whole point of teaching is to ease out the learning and that’s exactly why the students take up the class.

Read: How Learning the Piano Can Change Your Life?

• LIKINGS

Before picking up the instrument, every other beginner fantasizes about the songs that he/she wants to play. Nobody wants to get forced to play certain songs that they don’t like.

This is true for everyone. When someone knows that they’d be able to play their favorite song, they are more determined and hardworking to achieve that feat. 

Tap those preferences out and teach them the musical pieces of their liking. This is the best way to keep the students motivated. 

• HOMEWORK

Just learning the concepts and theories never helps in learning a piano. The more you practice, the quicker you learn any instrument. So after each lesson, provide some practice material to do. Then ask for students to perform the given exercises or musical pieces in the next session. For making the students practice more in their leisure time, don’t force them to continue to do the practice. Instead, explain the benefits of practice and share the role of practice in your learning experience. This will make the students realize the importance of doing practice and eventually they will also start doing it.

• NOTES

Ask your students to keep a pen and paper ready before starting the lesson. Ask them to write the points that they think are important and also the points that you mention. Ask them to write the concepts in detail in which they are weak. But running notes are not enough as they are very casual and might create the problem of subjective interpretations. Prepare your official notes covering all the integral parts of the syllabus. Make sure each student gets access to these notes. 

Follow this 10 points guide to give your students a worthwhile learning experience.

Related:

• How to Clean Piano Keys and Keyboards?
• Top 5 Best Digital Pianos for Advanced Pianist

How long does it take to learn piano online? 

Online piano lessons are becoming popular, and learning the piano is a rewarding experience in the era of technology. People can now learn piano from the comfort of their homes, at their own pace, and without the need for a live instructor thanks to the development of online lessons and digital piano apps. The time it takes to study the piano online, however, might vary based on several factors. 

First off, a person’s level of dedication and commitment to learning the piano is a major factor in how quickly they may pick it up. Within a few months, anyone can master the fundamentals of the piano if they diligently practice and stick to a well-organized learning schedule. Conversely, if a person is less dedicated to or consistent with their practice regimen, they might take longer to advance. 

Second, a big part will be played by the experience and expertise of the person learning the piano online. It may take several months for complete beginners to acquire the fundamental finger strength, dexterity, and coordination needed to play simple pieces. It may, however, take significantly less time to master new compositions or techniques for a pianist who has some prior expertise. 

Lastly, the quality of the online learning tools will also play a vital role in determining how long it takes to learn the piano. When learning the piano, there are many online resources and apps accessible, but not all of them are equal. While some resources might offer a more organized and thorough approach, others might be less well-organized and less efficient. It is crucial to pick a top-notch resource that offers a structured and interesting learning environment.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that mastering the piano might need years of devoted practice and study. Learning the piano is a lifelong endeavor. The fundamentals of the piano can be learned online in a few months, but it takes years of constant practice and devotion to become a master pianist. 

In conclusion, those who are interested in learning the piano and have a passion for music may consider taking lessons online. The length of time needed to study the piano online will depend on the student’s level of dedication, experience, and skill as well as the caliber of the learning materials. While learning the fundamentals of the piano can be accomplished in a short period of time, becoming a master pianist takes years of devoted practice and study. As a result, anyone who wants to learn how to play the piano should be ready for a protracted and gratifying path that is full of obstacles and opportunities, but most importantly, an unwavering passion for music. 

Challenges faced by students in learning piano online. 

Although online piano lessons are increasingly common and practical, there are still some difficulties that students could encounter. The following are some typical difficulties students have when learning the piano online:

• Absence of interaction with a live instructor: The absence of a live instructor is one of the biggest obstacles to studying piano online. While online resources might offer virtual teaching or lesson videos, they might not always be as useful as having a live instructor who can give immediate feedback, correct mistakes, and answer questions. 

• It can be difficult for beginners to comprehend and put appropriate techniques into practice without the proper instruction. Piano playing involves proper technique and shape. Internet resources might not always give clear directions on how to position your hands and fingers or how to stand, which can result in inappropriate technique and possibly cause strain or damage.

• Restricted options for ensemble performing: In an ensemble or orchestra, piano performance is frequently supported by other instruments. Online learning materials, however, might not always give students a chance to play together with other instruments, which might be a drawback for those trying to improve their ensemble playing abilities.

• Restricted access to practice instruments: Despite the prevalence of virtual pianos in online resources, it might be difficult for students to practice on a real piano if they do not have access to one. This may make it more difficult for the student to practice and acquire new material, especially when it comes to building up their finger muscle strength and memory.

• Staying motivated might be challenging because learning an instrument needs devotion and constant practice. However, it can be difficult for students to maintain the motivation to practice frequently and advance in their learning process without the responsibility and support of a physical instructor or peers in a physical class.

In summation, mastering the piano online can be a successful method, but it has a unique set of difficulties. Among other issues, students may struggle to maintain motivation, access physical instruments, and develop proper techniques. In order to succeed in their piano learning journey, overcoming these obstacles demands commitment, discipline, and a willingness to look for help and support.

How long does it take to learn piano offline (face-to-face classes)? 

Offline piano instruction, or learning the instrument in person with a real teacher or in a real class, can be a very successful method. A number of distinct variables can affect how long it takes to study piano offline. The following are some elements that may affect how quickly you learn the piano offline:

• Lesson frequency: How often you take piano lessons can affect how long it takes you to master the instrument. For instance, a learner may advance more quickly if they attend weekly lessons as opposed to biweekly or monthly courses.
• Amount of skill and experience: A person’s level of experience and skill when they begin learning piano offline can affect how quickly they pick up the instrument. For instance, a musician with prior expertise might advance more quickly than a total novice.

• Time spent practicing: How much time a person spends honing their piano skills outside of classes can have a big impact on how quickly they learn the instrument. Someone who practices consistently and frequently might advance more quickly than someone who just practices sometimes. 

• Learning preferences: Because everyone has a unique learning method, some people may pick up the piano more quickly in a group setting than others. How long it takes a student to study piano offline might be influenced by their learning preferences.

• The level of complexity of the music being learned will have an impact on how long it takes to study piano offline. It could take longer to master more difficult pieces than easier ones.

Mastering the offline piano can take a number of years. Yet while it might take some people a few months to pick up the fundamentals and play simple pieces, it might take others longer. Regardless of your ability level, learning the piano is a lifetime endeavor, and there is always more to discover and learn. 

Challenges faced by students in learning piano offline 

Learning piano offline, in-person with a physical instructor, or attending a physical class, can be an effective way to learn the instrument. However, there are also some challenges that students may face in this approach. Here are some of the common challenges faced by students in learning piano offline:

• Finding the right instructor: One of the main challenges in learning piano offline is finding the right instructor. Not all instructors are a good fit for every student, and it can take some time to find an instructor who can effectively teach and communicate with the student.
• Scheduling conflicts: Piano lessons may need to be scheduled around the student’s other commitments, such as work or school. This can be a challenge if the student’s schedule is already full, or if they have difficulty finding a consistent lesson time that works for them and their instructor.
• Lack of flexibility: In-person lessons may not always be as flexible as online resources, which can limit the student’s ability to learn at their own pace or switch up their learning approach. This can be particularly challenging for students who learn better through a more self-guided approach.
• Difficulty in practicing regularly: Learning any instrument requires regular practice, but students may find it challenging to make time to practice piano regularly, particularly if they have other commitments or distractions in their life.
• Limited access to practice instruments: Students who do not have a piano at home may need to rely on practicing in a music studio or public space. This can limit their access to an instrument, which can make it difficult for them to practice effectively.

Learning piano offline has its own set of challenges, including finding the right instructor, scheduling conflicts, and limited access to practice instruments. Overcoming these challenges requires a commitment to regular practice, a willingness to seek out resources and support, and an open mind to try different approaches to learning the instrument.

Time is taken to learn piano grade or level-wise. 

The time it takes to learn piano grade or level-wise can vary widely depending on several factors, including the student’s prior musical experience, the amount of time they can devote to practice, their natural aptitude for the instrument, and the quality of their instruction. However, here is a rough estimate of the time it may take to progress through each level of piano learning:

• Beginner Level (Grade 1-2): It generally takes around 6-12 months to progress through the beginner level, assuming consistent practice and instruction.
• Intermediate Level (Grade 3-5): The intermediate level typically takes around 1-2 years to complete.
• Advanced Level (Grade 6-8): The advanced level can take anywhere from 2-4 years to complete.
• Diploma Level (Post Grade 8): The diploma level is the highest level of piano playing and can take several years of dedicated study to achieve.

It is important to note that these estimates are very rough and can vary greatly depending on the individual student and their specific circumstances. Progression through each level of piano learning can also depend on the specific requirements and expectations of the institution or organization offering the grading system. In addition, it is important to remember that learning piano is a lifelong journey and that the level of proficiency one can achieve is not limited to grades or levels. Piano players can continue to improve and progress throughout their entire lives, regardless of their level or experience.

Conclusion 

The method that best suits each learner is ultimately the most effective technique to learn the piano. Others may thrive in a more self-directed online learning environment, while some students may prefer the structure and accountability of in-person courses. Students should consider their personal learning preferences, objectives, and availability while selecting the best teaching strategy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

How long does it take to learn piano?

The amount of time it takes to learn piano depends on the individual’s level of commitment, practice, and skill. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years to become proficient at the piano.

Do I need a piano to learn piano?

Having access to a piano or keyboard is essential to learning piano. However, there are online resources available that can help students learn the basics of piano playing without access to a piano.

Can I take piano lessons online with a real instructor?

Yes, there are many online platforms available that offer one-on-one lessons with a real instructor. These lessons can be conducted via video conferencing software, allowing for real-time instruction and feedback.

Can I take piano exams online?

Yes, some piano exams can be taken online. However, the requirements and procedures for online exams may vary depending on the institution or organization offering the exams.

Is it possible to teach piano online?

Yes, it is possible to teach piano online. There are many qualified instructors who offer online piano lessons, and many online platforms that allow for one-on-one or group instruction.