Piano lessons are a much-desired activity for many families. Generations of parents and grandparents who play piano often want their children to continue this tradition. However, kids today can be extremely busy with sports and other activities, making lack of time and money a factor. If this is the case, free online piano lessons may be the solution.
Beginning Piano Lessons Online
For kids who have never taken piano before, online lessons may be a good starting point. The early stages of piano lessons focus on learning the names of the keys on the piano, learning proper hand position, and getting a feel for what the keys sound and feel like. Joseph Hoffman, instructor of Kung Fu Piano, emphasizes that these basics can be effectively taught online, as well as more advanced concepts such as music theory and chording.
As the child progresses, she will learn how to read a musical staff, and which keys go with which notes on the staff. She will also begin to understand simple note progressions. On the online program, she can listen to the music played for her, see the notes written, and then practice it herself. The visual piano images combined with audio instruction help create a comprehensive virtual lesson.
Logistics of Learning Piano Online
When learning piano from an online website, it will be necessary for the computer and piano or keyboard to be in close proximity. It works well if a laptop can be set on a table next to the piano. It is important that the child and parent can see the screen as well as hear the audio instructions to understand the concepts fully.
Some of the online lessons feature a video of the teacher as he conducts the lesson, and some simply have audio accompanying text and images. It might be a good idea to try out several websites to see which works best for the student.
Pros and Cons of Online Piano Lessons
Families can benefit from utilizing online piano lessons. One perk is that parents can allow their children to go at their own pace. The program can be paused as long as necessary, allowing the child to fully think through and practice a concept. Timing can be flexible, as the lesson can happen at any time of the day. Perhaps most importantly, many lessons are free.
On the other hand, it may seem impersonal to be taught by a computer. Children may have questions that cannot be answered immediately by the online instructor. Accountability may be a factor as well, since learning piano takes practice and the teacher cannot hold the child responsible. There is no option for a recital, which is common for piano students and helps motivate them to learn songs. Most importantly, for very young children, this method may be difficult unless a parent has some knowledge of piano.
Online piano lessons can be a great choice for families who don't have the time or money for lessons with an instructor, or just want the convenience of learning from home. They are self-paced, cover a wide variety of skill levels, and can help kids succeed at piano.
Sources:
Hoffman, Joseph, Kung Fu Piano
Ramsey, Gregory D., Free Online Piano Lessons, accessed Feb. 22
Wendy McDougal - Wendy McDougal is a mother of two girls, ages 10 and 7, a boy, age 3, and a two year-old Australian Shepherd mix. She is a stay-at-home ...
Join the Conversation