Online lessons—are they worth it?
2025.03.09
I first incorporated online lessons in June 2020, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I started by holding one lesson at the beginning of each month in the classroom and the remaining two to three lessons online. Even before this, there were teachers offering online piano lessons—particularly for adult hobbyists or those preparing for certification exams—and some fully online setups included everything from sheet music purchases to tuition payments. So, it's clear there was demand even pre-pandemic.
At first, I was somewhat skeptical about online lessons. My attitude was that online was better than doing nothing at all. However, I've come to believe that for upper elementary school students and older, there's a lot to gain from online lessons. In fact, I've been pleasantly surprised by how many students grew during this time. For instance, in a classroom setting, students sometimes lose focus after performing their practice pieces due to nerves. At home, however, they can play on their own piano and feel more at ease, allowing them to show their true ability. I've also noticed they're more attentive and focused on taking notes during online sessions.
Now, I often turn to online lessons in situations like school exam periods, visits to grandparents during summer vacation, or when rescheduling lessons due to time conflicts. Additionally, I continue to teach students who have moved to another prefecture via online lessons. For younger children, support from parents is sometimes necessary, and interruptions from younger siblings can add challenges (and laughs!). But since online lessons have become a necessity of our times, I think it's worth trying—even for small children—for the convenience it offers.
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