Skype Piano

 

Busting the myths around Skype lessons If you think skype piano lessons just wouldn’t work for you or your child, you may be holding some fear around the use of technology.  You may be prone to listening to that little negative voice that pops in telling you that you cannot get it.  That you cannot afford it.  Or that you don’t know enough about computers to get it to work. Or that the virtual lesson could not possibly be as good as a lesson in person. I’m going to debunk those myths for you, and show you how to replace them with concepts that will calm your fears and fill you with the confidence to try something new and give skype piano lessons a try. ​Myth #1   I’m not tech savvy enough to take Skype piano lessons It can seem intimidating.  Sure you may not be a computer science graduate.   You’re probably not a specialist in artificial intelligence.  But the good news is, you don’t have to be.  If you are reading this right now, then you’ve proved you’ve got access to a computer, tablet or smart phone and are capable of reading from a computer screen. You’re in a unique position to utilise the power of the internet to learn the piano from the comfort of your own home.  So take advantage of this golden opportunity that technology provides.  So chances are, even if you didn’t get top of the class in computer studies at school (in fact computers may not have been invented yet when you went to school!?), but even if you’re not entirely comfortable with technology, you can make it work.  Or you can find somebody who can help you figure it out.  You cannot be too old for this.  You could even be in your 80’s.  It does not matter your age.  If you can watch videos and follow simple instructions then you are up up and away.Myth #2  Skype piano lessons are only suitable for adults Skype lessons are wonderful for any age. Whether you are 83 years old or 3 years old. In this modern day and age with families scattered throughout the world due to travel and work commitments, it is common now even for small preschoolers to be familiar with using skype as they catch up with their grandparents or aunts, uncles and cousins across the globe. But of course if the student is not able to follow directions and not motivated to learn the piano then naturally skype lessons will not be appropriate.  But in that applies to traditional piano lessons too.  And you are better off saving your money as the student does not appear ready to take lessons. To take skype lessons the student will need to take more ownership of their lessons and more independence of their learning goals for the piano compared to traditional piano lessons. Myth #3  Skype piano lessons are not as good as a traditional lesson You may be thinking that it’s impossible to conduct a lesson in real time over the internet.  Because you are communicating over the internet there is a short delay and therefore it will take more time to cover concepts and pieces so be prepared.  The reason being that there is a small delay.  But it is generally not noticeable so long as you do not both speak at the same time.  You just need to get accustomed to a speaking pattern.  You need to speak in turn and play the piano in turn.  You need to speak only one at a time otherwise you will have problems with the connection.  If one of you wants to interrupt the other person while they are speaking or playing the piano then you can establish a visual code.  For example, you could hold something up to the camera, or simply wave your hand close to the camera. You may be thinking that skype piano lessons cannot possibly compare to a traditional piano lesson.  Skype lessons are just has helpful for developing technique as a traditional lesson.  In fact, having two pianos is a huge advantage.  The teacher can demonstrate passages and finger work that can be seen from an angle not usually possible during traditional lessons. Opportunities exist for a student’s technique to improve Myth #4  The equipment required for skype lessons is too expensive The Skype software is free to use.  And if you already own or have access to a computer, laptop, ipad or smart phone then you already have the means to take the skype call.  You can use the existing camera on your device for the skype call.  If you want to you can position your laptop to record yourself using a small table or a music stand or ontop of cushions on a dining seat.  If you are using a small tablet or smartphone you could use three elastic bands to attach it to the pole of a lamp stand so that it is at the right height and distance to who you and your fingers at the piano.  If you really want superb results you can invest in a small HD web camera, but that is optional.