This is how live video lessons work

• I use Zoom, which allows me to speak directly to the student using my front facing camera, then switch to a camera which shows my hands, and then share my screen in order to discuss the music we are working on.

• I send high quality sound to the student by mixing together the sound of my voice and guitar through a studio condenser microphone, a really nice piano sound, and any recordings we need to hear.

• I have a separate display where I can always see the student and be able to look right at them while we chat.

Why live video lessons make sense

• I started live video lessons during COVID-19 when social distancing was necessary, but discovered that they are a great option in any season. Even though I have begun offering in-person lessons again, the majority of my students continue to use live video lessons. A portion of my students are in far away places yet continue to take lessons from me using live video lessons. I believe this is a testimony to the fact that they work very well and even offer some great perks.

• In many ways Live video lessons work just as well as in-person lessons and in some ways are better.

• In Live video lessons I get to see and hear the student’s instrument, which helps me coach in additional ways.

• Since I already have the camera pointed in the right place, I can just hit record to create a reminder of what we were doing. I can then share that video and the student can use it mid-week.

• Live video lessons use the time more efficiently because students can have their stuff all set up, take time to warm-up, login to zoom ahead of time, and even keep working after our lesson has ended while the things we have addressed in the lesson are fresh in their mind.

• I can switch camera views from a front facing conversation view, an over-head hands view for piano, or close-up hands view for guitar so I can easily demonstrate. I can share my screen to comment on specific parts of the music and mark it up to make my points even clearer. This is often even better than an in-person lesson.

• Since I’m not in the same room as the student, they need to make their own marks on the music, but I have found this is a good thing to teach them how to do it them selves. By sharing my screen, I can show them exactly where to place the appropriate mark on their music.

• Live video lessons save families time since they don’t need to drive students to lessons and life can go on at home during the student’s lesson.

• With live video lessons, you can still use your lesson time if you are in a different town on a trip or if your ride to lessons is not available that day.

• Sometimes you are well enough to have a lesson, but sick enough that you should not go in-person. Live video lessons allow you to still use your lesson time.

• Many people are more comfortable in their own space and on their own piano; live video lessons make this possible. I’ve also been able to get some students to try singing as they play who were too shy too try it when in person.

• As soon as a lesson is finished, I email the notes I have taken during the lesson to help the student know what to focus on.

• With some of my students, I work on composing or recording. Often this means they are using apps on their computer or tablet. Video chat lessons allow me to be able to see their screen and hear their work. This is not even possible with in-person lessons if they can’t bring their computer to my studio.