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Author: GuestUser

Do Zoom Music Lessons Work?

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The most important factors in success of a student is consistency in lessons. Remote lessons allow students to maintain weekly lessons when they aren’t able to see their teacher in person for a period of time. Much can be achieved from online lessons, for instance a voice teacher can correct the posture of a voice student, and piano teacher can work on correct fingerings, clap rhythms, and work on expression, etc.

Tips for Successful Remote Music Lessons

  • Ensure a good connection! Zoom and Webex are excellent 3rd party platforms.

  • Consider using an iphone tripod to provide the best angle

  • Make sure you are not standing in shadows, or back lit. A tripod with a light is a great solution.

  • Find a quiet and focused area, just as you would with an in-person lesson.

  • Write down all notes your teacher gives you during the lesson, and establish a goal for the week.

  • Reach out to your teacher between lessons if you need help. They want you to succeed!

Final thoughts: It is optimal for students to see their teacher in person. However consistency is the most important aspect of lessons and much can be achieved from online lessons. It’s far more advantageous to have online lessons than a year long break from lessons.

Have you had experience with online lessons? Comment below.

What’s the best age to start private music lessons?

Though the “right” age to begin music lessons is unique to each child, many students as young as 4-year olds can have great success in music lessons.

Music Lessons for 4 – 6 year olds
Develop a love for music by learning basic rhythms and notes that can be applied to a progressive method book and relevant supplementary material. Students can learn basic chord patterns and accompany themselves while singing. Lessons should be centered around play and discovery of the joy of music. The piano and Loog guitar are ideal instruments for this age range.

Music Lessons for 7 – 10 year olds
Increased finger dexterity and focus enables students to take on more advanced material. Students may benefit from longer lessons and practice sessions. Students in this age range may be ready for instruments that require more coordination and/or dexterity such as the guitar, trombone, trumpet, and drums.

Music Lessons for Students 11 years +
Students of this age are ready for any instrument and pursue complicated material and refine their technique and expression. As voice students hit puberty they begin to come into their adult voice and be ready for more advanced classical training.

Setting Your Child Up For Success In Private Music Lessons

  • Find a teacher who specializes in working with young children and can incorporate play, make-believe and games into the lesson.

  • Make practice a part of the weekly routine. Sit with your child during practice until they are at least 6 years old.

  • Find a studio that offers regular performance opportunities to keep your child inspired and focused.

  • See live music of different genres and ensemble make-ups.

Why the Loog is a Great Intro to Guitar for Kids

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Does your child love the guitar, but you’re not sure their fingers are ready for lessons yet? Students can now begin guitar lessons earlier with the Loog Guitar. Even “child-size” guitars can provide necks that are too wide for small hands, and more importantly strings that hurt to push down. The Loog is an ideal guitar for kids starting out.

Guitar for Kids – Why We Love the Loog

– The Loog Guitar has the same tuning and finger positions as guitar (unlike ukulele)

– Loog Guitar is compatible to use with most beginning guitar method books (Hal Leonard Guitar for Kids Book 1 uses only the strings on the Loog anyway!)

– Loog Guitar is fun to play even after the student “graduates” to a full scale instrument

Guitar vs. Ukulele

If a student learns ukulele with the intention of “graduating” to guitar, they will need to relearn:

1. String names
2. Note names
3. Chord names
4. Chord shapes

With the Loog Guitar, the student learns all elements appropriate to the guitar from the beginning (i.e if you place your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret on the bottom string of a ukulele it’s the note C whereas, that same position on a Loog and on a guitar makes a G).