LEARNING TO PLAY THE VIOLIN ONLINE
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Learning to play the violin online
Most of the classes I have taught throughout my life have been face to face. However, when I had to live away from a big city, I decided, despite my initial doubts, to try teaching my classes online. After years of experience, I can say without hesitation that online teaching has exceeded my expectations and is a great acceptable alternative. Not only have I kept in touch with some of my former students, but I have also added a considerable number of students from other countries where I teach online (Singapore, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea and the United States).
It is true that there are a number of technological requirements that need to be met in order to teach online, but once these are met, it is even possible to play a duo. I will list some of these requirements below, along with my recommendations for each. (a) The student must have a good internet connection: the minimum acceptable is 20 Mbs, although 100 Mbs is advisable and 600 Mbs is ideal. (b) It is necessary to be registered on an online platform that allows video calls: FaceTime is particularly reliable. Skype can sometimes fail. Other widely used platforms are Zoom, Botim or even WhatsApp. (c) It is possible to use headphones, although they have two disadvantages: if they are not very good, the sound of the violin may be distorted; on the other hand, students may hear the teacher very well, but not themselves clearly enough; I personally prefer not to use them. (d) A mobile phone or tablet can be used to communicate with the teacher, while at the same time a computer or tablet can be used to read or consult the score. (e) The use of loudspeakers, whether connected to the computer, mobile phone or tablet, enhances the learning experience and is highly recommended. Finally, I should add that the immediacy of email makes the exchange of scores with annotations quick and easy.
As for the explanations of position and fingering, which may worry the student thinking of taking lessons online, I must say that, with the experience of these years, I do not find a great difference. On the other hand, although it is obvious, the experience as a whole is more convenient, among other things because no time is wasted travelling (and this expense is eliminated), it is much easier to keep to a timetable and you can enjoy the comforts of being at home.
Hi, I’m Maite, this blog’s author, violin teacher and modern/baroque violin specialist. Read more