With COVID-19 cases still sweeping the nation, families everywhere have shifted to a new way of life. For many, this means working and studying remotely. This also includes other socially distant activities, including virtual piano lessons. Although they might take some time to get used to, these digital sessions can be just as effective as in-person classes. For the best results, follow these tips when practicing your skills. 

3 Ways to Optimize Virtual Music Lessons

1. Explore Interests

For many students, piano lessons are focused on preparing for a recital and perfecting the piece they plan to perform. With live performances on hold until the pandemic is over, teachers are now encouraging students to explore their own interests.

Rather than spending time perfecting an elaborate score, choose an inspirational piece that pertains to your interests. Learning how to play the music from your favorite movie or television show might encourage you to keep practicing.

2. Focus on Different Skills

After playing a song over and over again, your lessons might become less about reading the music and more about perfecting the technique. However, with virtual lessons, focusing on other skills is recommended.

For example, teachers can work with students on sight-reading skills, by tripling the number of music pieces they go through, without perfecting them. Since there are no recitals during virtual lessons, time does not need to be spent on perfecting the piece so there is time to focus on a large number of music pieces instead of perfecting one piece. In this condition, the internet also allows us to spend more time on music theory. With the right experienced teacher, the technique can still be perfected over virtual lessons.

3. Learn From Examples

Typically, piano lessons focus on the student playing, with the teacher offering suggestions and tips along the way. However, in the aftermath of a virtual lesson, teachers can also offer visual examples for students to study.

For instance, the instructor may opt to record themselves playing a particular piece practiced during the lesson. After, they can send it to the student to watch and study until the next session. This will make up for the lack of hands-on instruction during virtual lessons. 

If you want to use this quarantine to help foster your musical skills, turn to European Piano School in Anchorage, AK. Iryna Dunaeva has almost 50 years of experience teaching everyone, from school-aged children to seniors, how to play the piano. Iryna, says the only downside of virtual lessons is the lack of recitals and fine-tuning that brings the music piece to recital quality. She will work with you or your child to make the most of virtual piano lessons. Call (907) 360-2915 to schedule a lesson, or visit the school online to learn more about what they do.