The Unexpected Benefits of Online Lessons
For years, I have been teaching both in person and online voice lessons. However, with everyone moving online this year, I have seen noticed some surprising benefits for my students who take lessons online.
Faster Skill Building
Because students don’t necessarily have an immediate performance or audition coming up (thanks COVID), students have been able to sit back and spend more time honing in on technique. This has resulted in a huge jump in skill level which means that when performances and auditions do pop up again, performers will be in a better place to show off their talents.
Independence
Students are becoming more independent and becoming more proactive with their musicianship. Because I am not physically present, students must be more proactive in finding and making musical markings in their scores. I find that students are more proactive in making markings before I have the opportunity to suggest it. These are skills that will help them when learning new music in the future.
Evaluation and Goal Setting
Prior to COVID, many students were focused on rehearsing, memorizing, and preparing for performance or auditions. Students are now able to take a step back from busy rehearsal schedules and set very specific goals based on their needs.
Exploration
Without needing to fulfill specific song requirements for auditions and performances, I am seeing students explore a variety of repertoire and cross over to genres they previously did not have time to explore. This has in turn created a love for new music and musical genres.
Consistent Progress
With the ability to take lessons from home (or vacation!), I’ve noticed more consistent progress among students. We are no longer backtracking to review concepts that may have been forgotten or pushed aside due to other priorities. We are truly able to make the most out of every session together.
Enhanced Ear Training
Students are learning to rely on their ear more and less on the piano. They notice pitches that are off and are able to immediately identify and correct them without the help of the piano. This contributes to their overall independence as a performer.
Enhanced Observational Skills
Rather than relying on me to point out mouth positions, posture corrections or acting suggestions, students are constantly making these corrections and choices themselves as a result of viewing themselves through the mirror of the zoom screen. This in turn also allows the student to observe their performance as a whole as if there was an audience in front of them.
Confidence
As a result of independence, a growing skill set, and taking leadership in their lessons, I notice students are more confident in themselves as a whole.
I’ve been so thrilled to see these young performers continue to hone in on the skills and talents and to have an outlet for something they love during a time when so many are struggling with isolation. Music and the performing arts are truly an act of self expression and it is an honor to guide these singers through their journey.