In-person vs. online lessons: pros & cons
If you’re looking for personalized music instruction for you or your child, then learning at home from a private instructor can’t be beat for either learning power or convenience. Historically, this has required you to find a local instructor who is willing to make house calls, but in a post-covid world, there is a wide array of teachers available to instruct remotely over video call. But how do these remote meetings compare to in-person lessons, and how do you go about finding a good instructor in either case? Read on for a toe-to-toe comparison of in-home and online music lessons.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Online Learning
Online music lessons excel in accessibility and variety, offering students a broad spectrum of learning opportunities. The digital format allows students to choose from a wide range of instructors, styles, and genres, which can be particularly beneficial for those seeking specialized training or looking to explore different musical traditions.
The variety of tools and resources available online can also enhance the learning experience. From interactive apps to video tutorials and online communities, students have access to a wealth of information and support. This can complement the lessons and provide additional practice materials, helping students reinforce their skills and knowledge outside of structured lesson times.
Moreover, online lessons can be a great fit for tech-savvy students who are comfortable navigating digital platforms. The use of technology in lessons can make learning more engaging and interactive, incorporating multimedia elements that cater to different learning preferences. This can lead to a richer, more immersive learning experience that keeps students motivated and inspired.
But technology is a double-edged sword. The tools used by modern online instructors are amazing and can greatly enhance students’ learning and engagement. But many of these advantages are counterbalanced by the logistics involved. For example, in order for a remote piano or violin teacher to give meaningful instruction to a student, they need to be able to see the student’s posture and finger movements. This requires the learner (or, in many cases, their parents) to have a high-quality camera set up at an appropriate angle in a room with good lighting, not to mention a strong internet connection to connect the student and teacher at a high enough resolution for them to see each other clearly. And if the internet or power goes out, there is nothing that can be done to salvage the lesson.
Online learning gives students access to the entire world of musical instructors, but only as long as the technology is working well. For tech-savvy families that have confidence in their at-home technology, online lessons can be incredibly powerful. But for the average household, some of these complications may be a dealbreaker.
The Strengths of In-Home Music Lessons
In-home music lessons offer a unique flexibility that is hard to match. One of the primary advantages is the ability to learn in a familiar and comfortable environment. Students can focus better without the distractions of a new place, which is particularly beneficial for young learners who might feel anxious in unfamiliar settings. In addition, parents don’t have to worry about coordinating transportation, making it a convenient option for busy families.
Another flexible aspect of in-home lessons is the potential for a customized learning experience. Teachers can adapt their teaching style to suit the student’s home environment, using the available space and tools to enhance the lessons. Whether it’s a piano in the living room or a guitar at the kitchen table, the setting can become an integral part of the learning process, allowing for a more personalized approach.
Perhaps best of all, the presence of a teacher at home can foster a sense of accountability and motivation. With a tutor visiting regularly, students might feel more inclined to practice frequently and adhere to their learning schedule. This can lead to a more disciplined and structured learning experience, enhancing the overall progress and retention of musical skills. A dedicated, in-home music teacher can also be a mentor and role model for young students, building a relationship that enriches the student’s life far beyond music learning.
The main difficulty of in-home lessons is finding a reliable instructor with a schedule that matches yours at a pricepoint you can afford. How do you know that your instructor is qualified? What happens if you don’t get along with them? How can you determine if their price is fair, and what payment methods do they accept? Not to mention a whole host of safety concerns that require a formal background check to solve for. Doing all this on your own can be difficult – maybe impossible! – and that’s why Haven Music Lessons is here to help.
The Haven Music Lessons Difference
Haven Music Lessons offers an exceptional approach to music education, setting it apart from traditional music lesson providers. Our mission is to bring the joy of music into your home, offering a personalized learning experience that caters to each student’s unique needs and goals. We strive to help overcome all the hurdles that might normally prevent you from enjoying at-home lessons:
Carefully vetted professional instructors. Every one of our instructors undergoes a thorough vetting process to ensure they meet our high standards of excellence. We require our instructors to have formal education in music or education and at least five years of teaching experience. We also conduct comprehensive background checks and require all instructors to be up-to-date with CDC-recommended vaccinations, ensuring a safe and trustworthy learning environment for all our students.
Personalized instructor matching. Haven Music Lessons is a marketplace of professional in-home music instructors, and our office staff works hard to match you to an instructor who meets your needs. Provide us with information about the type of lessons you’re looking for, and we’ll do the work of finding the perfect instructor for you.
Performance opportunities and community participation. One of the highlights of the year at Haven Music Lessons is our annual recital. This event provides students with a platform to perform in a formal setting, allowing them to experience the thrill and anticipation of a live audience. We also regularly organize performances at local community centers and senior living facilities, where students can share their talents with those who may not have regular access to live music. These community performances not only provide students with additional performance opportunities but also instill a sense of empathy and social responsibility. Additionally, we host instructor recitals, where students and their families have the chance to hear their teachers perform. These recitals are a unique opportunity for students to see their instructors in action, offering insight into the level of mastery and dedication required to excel in music. Best of all, these instructor recitals are free to all current students and their families.
Fixed, transparent cost. Regardless of where you live or what instrument you’re learning, Haven Music Lessons are always $75 for a half-hour lesson. This fee includes not only personalized lessons but also access to our extensive network of highly qualified instructors and the support of our dedicated administrative team.
Full flexibility with lots of support. There are no long-term commitments at Haven Music Lessons. You pay for each month up front, and you can cancel or pause your lessons at any time without penalty. Additionally, if you ever want to change instructors or rearrange your lesson schedule at any time, our dedicated office staff is here to help you with that. Leave all the administrative and logistical work to us so you can focus on learning your new instrument.
If you are primarily interested in learning music using the latest technology, it could be that online lessons are the right fit for you. But if you live in Greater Boston and you’re interested in having a world-class instructor come to your home, fill out the form below to start a conversation with us!
