With the ever-greater need for social distancing many voice teachers around the country are making the switch to virtual lessons. Cruz Vocal Arts Studio is no different. Until Louisiana’s shelter in place order is lifted on April 13th, lessons will only be offered remotely. With these changes you might have a few questions, such as:
- Is it really possible to teach voice online?
- Will online voice lessons be the same as in person lessons?
- Will my child receive any benefit from online lessons?
- Is it worth it to continue lessons when performance opportunities are no longer available?
- Will I need to purchase expensive equipment in order to make online lessons successful?
- What should we expect during our first online lesson?
These are all excellent questions and worth wrestling with. Let me answer each one in turn.
Is it really possible to teach voice online?
Thanks to modern technology this is a resounding yes! Online lessons have been available through a variety of platforms for several years now and with the current demand platforms are being customized to create an even better user experience. I am personally using Skype for the time being but am looking forward to watching platforms continue to innovate in this area.
Will online voice lessons be the same as in person lessons?
While the material shared will be very similar to in person lessons, teaching methods will be adapted to accommodate this new learning platform. Students will continue to develop their vocal instrument along with all of the other areas required to be a solid musician: rhythm, ear training, sight-reading, and so forth. However, how the material is presented will differ in varying degrees in an online setting.
For example, our Rhythm Cup exercises will have to be adapted as it is not possible to pass a cup through the computer screen. However, this provides an excellent opportunity for siblings or parents to participate in new ways with their child’s musical education.
Will my child receive any benefit from online lessons?
Given that teachers have been utilizing online voice lessons before it became absolutely necessary the answer is a resounding yes! Are there advantages to studying in person? Absolutely, but there are also unique advantages to studying remotely.
- The online lesson affords the teacher a glimpse of the student’s home set up, and any challenges the student may be facing with practicing at home. With this insight online lessons provide the unique opportunity to address home practice skills.
- Online lessons require the student to take more ownership of vocal exercises and activities; they cannot rely on the teacher or piano to help them out.
- Students are often more relaxed in their home setting. Vocal exercises that were proving more challenging in the studio may find new ease when worked remotely.
- Online lessons provide the opportunity for students to see themselves throughout the lesson. While we have a mirror in the studio, it is easy for students to forget to look or even avoid their reflection. Online lessons provide the unique opportunity for the student and teacher to become acutely aware of any physical tension or habits that are interfering with healthy sound production.
Is it worth it to continue lessons when performance opportunities are uncertain or have been canceled?
While it is true that opportunities are currently postponed or even canceled, teachers everywhere are looking for new ways to create performance opportunities remotely. For example, I’m currently brainstorming with colleagues on ways to effectively move studio recitals online.
Additionally, once it is safe to do so, performance opportunities will return. Student’s who have continued to study during this time will have advanced their skill set and be more prepared and therefore confident when taking advantage of these opportunities.
Will I need to purchase expensive equipment or software to make online voice lessons work for my child?
Absolutely not! Chances are you already have all of the equipment you need. Online lessons require a device for streaming the lesson (like a laptop, tablet, or phone) and an application for the stream such as Skype or FaceTime, both of which are free, and a second device (again a laptop, tablet, or phone) to play accompaniment tracks along with a way to amplify the sound. A Bluetooth or external speaker is recommended; however, simply placing a phone into a ceramic mug will do the trick.
What should we expect during our first online lesson?
Come with an open mind and be ready for some flexibility. The first online lesson can feel awkward, just like the first in person lesson, and there will most likely be some technical challenges to overcome, especially with younger students who may need more help navigating playing rehearsal tracks. However, once you get into the rhythm of things, you’ll be surprised at just how quickly the time flies, and how much learning and fun can take place. Here are some tips for making the experience the best possible:
- Parents of younger children should plan to remain in the room for the whole lesson. Feel free to bring something quiet to do. You do not need to appear in the screen, but it is important for you to be available should your child need help with the technological side of things.
- Keep things in the room as quiet as possible. Microphones can easily pick up what we think of as quiet sounds. While these same sounds, such as washing dishes while your child works at the computer in the kitchen, may not be intrusive to a study session, they can interfere with the sound being transferred between devices, and therefore disrupt a lesson.
- Make sure your child has all of their usual lesson materials: work books, pencils, access to paper, etc. in addition to the device they will be playing the tracks on.
- Be aware that all platforms experience a little bit of lag in sound and image. As teachers we will be adapting our methods to work around this. Be patient and flexible as you learn new ways of communicating in lessons. For example, your teacher will no longer be able to give instructions while a student is vocalizing. Students will have to wait for feedback until after they have completed the exercise.
Making the switch or starting online lessons can be a great way to continue your child’s music education while providing them with some normalcy during this challenging time. It also provides them an opportunity to share their voice and connect with the world outside of their own home in a safe way that is in compliance with current ordinances.
It is my hope that continuing to maintain the opportunity for students to engage in music will provide a sense of security and purpose during this time of disruption.