7 Tips for Teaching Virtual Music Lessons

You can teach private lessons from wherever you are- even across time zones! 

Since 2020, I’ve been teaching the majority of my cello and voice lessons virtually. Even when I moved across the country, I kept my former students instead of having to start my studio from scratch. I also live in an area where there are not many cellists, so keeping my virtual students and even expanding my studio from a different state has been perfect for our situation.

I have found that my students (and parents) love virtual lessons for their convenience. Parents don’t have to drive anywhere, and lessons are easily adjusted if needed. That being said, virtual lessons may not be a good fit for every student. As a teacher, I regularly evaluate whether a student is succeeding with virtual lessons to make sure they are staying motivated and are progressing. 

I had a bit of a learning curve adjusting to virtual lessons, so I thought I would save you some time and share some tips.

1. Choose a video chat medium. I love Google Meet (was Google Duo) because it can be used on Android and Apple devices and computers. It can be set up using an email or a phone number. I also like that I can call my students instead of having to enter a meeting room. Calling is helpful when that occasional brain slip happens leading to a forgotten appointment. ☺️ But luckily, with virtual lessons, a student can quickly get situated and begin their lesson within moments. 

2. Set up a proper camera angle for your instrument. This can make all the difference in evaluating a student’s positioning and posture. Here are some tips for setting up you and your student’s cameras:

An iPad, tablet, or computer with a selfie camera works best, as you can both see your student well and be filmed at the same time. 

Try for a straight- on angle 

Set the camera a good distance away so you can see all that’s needed (ideally head to toe for proper positioning)

You (and your student) may need to purchase a separate music stand or tripod to get the right angle and distance (check out my favorite adjustable music stand HERE). You’ll want your music closer to you, but your camera far enough away for a good angle. Teachers may be able to hold their music, depending on the instrument.

3. Have access to the student’s music on both ends. This seems obvious, but it stumped me at first, so I thought I would mention it. It takes a bit of planning ahead to have your music ready on both ends. You and your student will both need to purchase your books of choice. For other music, try using IMSLP or have students send photos digitally (I have my students send me photos of their orchestra music).

4. Number your measures. While I’m guilty of having used the “5 lines down, second measure in” method, numbering measures definitely cuts time and confusion.

5. Learn how to work with the delay. This is one of the trickiest parts of virtual lessons, but there are ways to work around it! Here are some things to remember:

• You can’t play or sing at the same time. I suggest demonstrating a section and then having your student repeat it. For vocal warm-ups, sing with your student until they are familiar with the exercise (you’ll hear a delay but they won’t, so just keep singing). Once they are comfortable on their own, simply play the piano chord and pause to listen while they sing.
•  Mute yourself so you can hear your student. Sometimes your audio input may block your ability to hear the student, so try muting yourself so you can hear them more clearly.
• You won’t be able to accompany your student live. That being said, students can sing or play with pre recorded tracks. I’ve found many quality accompaniment tracks on YouTube for to classical and pop pieces. I’ll talk more below about ideas for performing with a live pianist. 
• If your student is using a track to sing or play with, have them play with the track from their end so they are in time with the track. They will need a separate device for playing the track. In order to hear the student well, try having them place the device behind them and adjust the volume as needed.

6. Consider traveling for occasional in-person lessons and recitals. There are clearly important parts of in- person interaction. For this reason, about twice a year, I travel to Utah to have my students rehearse with a pianist and hold in- person recitals. This way they get to learn how to perform with a pianist as well as interact with other performers. I’ve found that live recitals are the greatest setting for motivating students.

7. Host virtual recitals. Virtual recitals can be great, too! I’ve hosted virtual recitals over Zoom so students can have ample opportunities to perform, even in the midst of a pandemic. Here are some tips for hosting a virtual recital:

• Schedule the recital on Zoom in advance, so students and their families are prepared with the link ahead of time. If the recital will be more than Zoom’s free call length, you’ll want to create and pay for an account with unlimited call time.
• Send out the program so students know when they will be performing.
• Make sure your students have their cameras set up at an adequate angle for performing, ideally full-body.
• Ask everyone besides the performer to mute themselves (or mute them if you are the host), so the performer can be heard. This is essential!
• When it’s their turn to perform, have the student unmute themselves and introduce their piece.
• Encourage audience members to unmute themselves to clap for the performers, then make sure they are muted again when the next performance begins.
• Consider having students give each other positive feedback at the end of the recital if you want to use it as a master-class type of experience. 

Happy virtual- teaching!