{"id":83209,"date":"2022-04-04T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-04T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=83209"},"modified":"2022-04-04T14:51:38","modified_gmt":"2022-04-04T13:51:38","slug":"top-tips-for-online-music-lessons-in-lockdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/top-tips-for-online-music-lessons-in-lockdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Top tips for online music lessons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are the benefits of online music lessons? Read our guide for students learning remotely with online music teachers. <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Is it possible to learn music online? Yes<\/strong>! If you need a bit of direction, taking music lessons at home with an online teacher is a great idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During lockdowns in the pandemic, many people filled in the extra time during isolation by learning to play a musical instrument<\/a>. Some flourished with a DIY self-taught approach,<\/a> but others preferred to be guided by an expert. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social distancing measures forced music educators online. Luckily for students teachers took to it like ducks to water, and have even found that in some ways it has improved the lesson experience; as RouteNote learnt in our interview with music teachers Denis Scully and Jonny Enser<\/a> of afro-jazz band Nubiyan Twist<\/a>, now back touring again in 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though restrictions may have been lifted, you might be unable to travel to see a teacher in person. Maybe you\u2019d like to take a few lessons to get you started with the basics or you\u2019d like to learn more about music theory. You might be picking up an instrument <\/a>you bought on a whim years ago, or on a quest to become a multi-instrumentalist to make your compositions<\/a> really sing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever your reasons for finding a music teacher, first read our tips of how to get the best from taking online music lessons at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Preparing for your music lesson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First make sure your instrument is in a good working condition. Then have everything you need ready for your lesson ten minutes beforehand \u2013 instrument set up, any sheet music you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check your microphone and video. Know which platform your teacher uses \u2013 Zoom, Google Meets, Skype, Facebook <\/a>\u2013 and have it loaded up and unmuted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Check your internet is behaving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since the pandemic we’ve all become well versed in the irritations of Zoom by now, but try to make sure you\u2019re in the best spot for your internet connection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Music teacher and Nubiyan Twist<\/a> trumpet player Jonny Enser suggests <\/a>getting an LAN cable: “Anyone using online video software should invest in one. WIFI doesn\u2019t\u00a0cut it and leads to too many frustrating circumstances.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Practise <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Try and practise your instrument every day<\/a> in the gap between lessons. It\u2019s the best way to avoid getting disheartened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be frustrating if you feel you aren\u2019t making progress, but having a good teacher means you\u2019ve got a cheerleader tracking your development \u2013 pointing out what you’re doing well and encouraging you to keep going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Record yourself playing music<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Music teacher and Nubiyan Twist <\/a>tenor sax player Denis Scully encourages his students to video or record themselves practising in between lessons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Record a couple of takes until you’re confident and send it over to your teacher, giving them a chance to fully analyse where you\u2019re at with your playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n