I know I’m late to the party, but I’ve finally hopped on the Skype lesson bandwagon. One of my student’s parents didn’t want to brave the winter roads, so rather than skip the lesson entirely, we had a lesson over FaceTime. Skype is the default app choice for many, but FaceTime worked better in this case. Google Hangout could also be a good option.
I know many people dismiss video conferencing as an inferior, cut-rate lesson format. I have been one of those skeptics. I don’t think there is any substitute for a teacher being able to shape a student’s hand or listen to the subtle changes in a student’s tone quality, or simply be in the same room to pick up on a student’s body language cues. However, just like nearly every other form of technology that comes along, online lessons are a useful tool that, when used judiciously, can enhance our harp lives.
Would I have rather had a face-to-face lesson with my 7-year-old student today? Absolutely. But I will take an imperfect lesson over the internet over no lesson at all any day of the week.
So what do you think of online lessons? Skeptic? Believer? Do you take lessons or teach lessons over the internet? Weigh in with your comments!
