Technology for Learning

Technology for Learning

In a world where so many of us work online and play online, why wouldn’t we also learn online? Harnessing the power of the internet to connect with musicians across the globe helps us to serve students in areas which may not have traditionally had access to the quality of music education we can provide, and digital learning tools help to make the experience just as good– if not better!– as meeting face-to-face. Here are some of our favorite perks available while learning music online:

  1. So Convenient. By learning from the comfort of home, you’ll never lose lesson time to getting stuck in traffic or forget something important like your capo, sheet music, bottled water, etc. Plus, being in a relaxed and familiar atmosphere can actually enhance your ability to learn new ideas! Thanks to the happy brain chemicals that flow when you’re feeling comfortable, you’ll be more receptive to abstract concepts and more willing to take artistic risks and try new things.
  2. Easy to Swap Files and Organize for Easy Reference. You and your teacher may want to reference the same sheet music or chord sheets and/or compare lyrics or recordings. With quick, easy file transfers, you’ll always have what you need right in front of you. Plus, it’s so easy to reference during your next lesson!
  3. Record Your Lessons. One of the greatest challenges cited by new music learners is establishing a practice routine. Not just when or how much to practice, but getting hung up on exactly HOW to practice can really derail the progress they could otherwise make. By recording your lessons for review throughout the week, you’ll get to hear your teacher’s explanations over and over so they really sink in, plus you’ll have audio examples of your target sounds or patterns so that you can be confident that you’re reinforcing that tricky section accurately.
  4. Screen-sharing and Digital Learning Aids. Just like you might share notes on paper in a face-to-face lesson, your teacher can screen-share and use whiteboard features to help you break-down and work through abstract concepts like chord progressions or rhythm reading with ease. We can also utilize cool technologies like Classroom Maestro to provide visual cues for piano learners (both the keyboard and the staff depiction of what your teacher is playing), and play fun online music-reading games like Sproutbeat (for the kiddos).
  5. Musical Independence. Sometimes misunderstood as a negative, the inability to duet in real time during lessons thanks to that ever-so-slight transmission delay (you won’t even notice it) requires students to be more musically independent more quickly. Rather than letting your lessons turn into a sing-along, every moment of your online lessons is about creating actual skills that you can use in the real world making music. Even your warm-ups will double as confidence builders as you train a carefully honed musical ear.

We could go on and on! Online learning is an absolute win for music learners the world over. Have you taken your complimentary Intro lesson yet? If not, submit your scheduling request here and see what all the fuss is about. We can’t wait to help you reach your musical goals!