Why You Might Want to Try Online Guitar Lessons
First, I must say that most music teachers conducted online lessons poorly when everyone was forced to go that route during COVID. They used FaceTime or whatever they could cobble together. This might surprise you, but most music teachers are not very skilled with music equipment, especially piano teachers. Many of them lack experience with mixers, microphones, and the various tools necessary for creating great-sounding audio. Now, add that almost no music teachers knew anything about HD cameras or lighting, and you have a pretty bad lesson experience waiting to happen.
I want you to forget all of that. Forget everything you have seen or heard about online guitar lessons. What we have put together is far beyond anything most people would ever expect, but that’s for a different blog.
Who Are Online Guitar Lessons Good For?
Really, the question should be: Who are they NOT good for? Because for most people, I believe our online guitar lessons are the better option. Certainly, kids under 11 aren’t the best candidates, although some are amazing at it since they tend to be more tech-savvy than their parents. If you can supervise them a bit, then the virtual experience can be great. Obviously, if part of your need is to be able to drop them off somewhere, then online lessons are probably not the best choice.
Anyone who is really technically challenged—like someone who can’t manage basic computer tasks—is also likely to struggle with online lessons. However, I want to point out that the tech needed is minimal, and I believe I can teach just about anyone how to set up their lesson system fairly easily. That said, any software-based system can occasionally require troubleshooting, and if that’s something you just can’t handle, I would recommend sticking with in-person lessons. I also speak to some older individuals who just want to get out of the house. If that’s your main reason for wanting to take guitar lessons, then again, in-person options are likely better for you.
A laptop is the best computer to use for online lessons, followed by a desktop computer and then a tablet, such as an iPad. A phone should be reserved for emergency situations only.
So Who’s a Good Candidate?
First, I would say someone who wants the best program to learn guitar. Yes, you don’t get to hang out with someone at a music store or school, but you receive a much more efficient, effective, less expensive, and convenient way to learn to play the guitar.
Next, it’s wonderful for busy people, those with inconsistent schedules, and anyone who doesn’t have a music lesson provider nearby.
Efficiency: Online lessons are much more efficient for several reasons.
- Because of the software tools, you will generally learn faster.
- It saves time, allowing you to save an hour or more per lesson in drive time, waiting time, and other factors.
Effectiveness: Online lessons are more effective due to the added tools. With us, you also get access to our complete pre-recorded guitar course to enhance your lessons.
Convenience: Online lessons are much more convenient for obvious reasons. There’s no driving across town at 5 PM in traffic, and it’s much easier to reschedule or cancel a lesson.
Engagement: Now, this aspect caught us by surprise. Let me paint the picture: You drive to guitar lessons, sit in the waiting area, and then enter a small, poorly lit lesson room. You unpack your guitar, tune it (since it’s likely out of tune from travel), complete your lesson, and then pack everything back up. What I know from 20 years of experience is that you probably won’t open your guitar right away to start practicing what you just learned.
Now, contrast that with an online lesson. You sit down in your music area at your nicely lit, comfortable, air-conditioned home about 15 minutes before your scheduled lesson. You tune your guitar and warm up or work on your last lesson assignment. When the teacher joins, you’re ready to go. When the lesson ends, the teacher simply signs off, and you can continue working right where you are! This is a significant benefit that people often overlook.
To sum it all up, I’ve heard all the reasons why someone might hesitate to try online lessons, and most of it is based on myths or misunderstandings. It’s been done a certain way for so long that many think that must be the best approach. Trust me, it’s been done that way because many music teachers are simply lazy and want to do the absolute minimum. Online lessons are far superior for many—not all—guitar students.
Watch me take an online guitar lesson (I’m a drummer) in the video below:
https://vimeo.com/896408756?share=copy#t=0
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