Asynchronous Piano Lessons
For some students, it’s just not possible to commit to a regular lesson time each week; that’s why I offer asynchronous piano lessons (also known as piano lessons via video exchange).
This form of distance learning is the most time-efficient and straightforward method possible. What’s more, it allows you to have the most flexible online piano lessons by learning the piano at your own pace at a time that suits you.
Students don’t need to stick to a fixed schedule, depend on a high-speed internet connection or worry about nerves when playing for the teacher. Students don’t even need to speak if they don’t want to.
As students often play best when relaxed, I find that asynchronous piano lessons help accurately represent the student’s current level. Plus, it couldn’t be more convenient!
How do Asynchronous Music Lessons work?
Through asynchronous piano lessons students send me a video of themselves completing the weekly assignments, and I provide personalised feedback. I can edit a copy of your sheet music and include any demonstrations, tips, further tasks etc.
I may initiate the video exchange for complete beginners and in some other instances.
I make my videos using video recording software called OBS with 3 HD cameras and a professional microphone. Using a stream deck, I can easily change the camera angle to demonstrate techniques such as pedalling.
In addition, the use of multiple camera angles makes it easier to illustrate the most efficient gestures to help eliminate any technique issues.
By sharing the sheet music on iPad in real-time, I can provide valuable suggestions regarding fingering, dynamics and tone balance.
As with traditional piano lessons, you can prepare for exams, concerts or play for pleasure, and this option is available for both adults and children.
How Long Are Lessons?
The lesson length can range between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the student’s age and current level.
Students send a video performance based on the previous week’s assignment.
The tasks may consist of learning a complete piece, a section of a work, some scales, a specific exercise etc.
I reserve a time slot on my calendar and use this time to make the videos. As I consider the amount of time spent watching the videos, annotating scores, writing notes and preparing the response, the length of the video I send will vary.
How Long Should the Videos Be?
As a rough guide, I recommend that students who opt for 30-minute lessons send a video of no more than 5-7 minutes in length.
I write notes, annotate the score and work through individual passages while watching the video, so a shorter video gives me enough time to compose my response in the allocated time slot.
As you can rewind, pause, or slow down parts of the video, the teacher and the student can receive much information in a relatively short video.
Some students feel they have to provide a ‘perfect’ performance of themselves during asynchronous piano lessons. However, this is not the case. I’m not interested in whether there is an odd slip here or there, but rather how to develop your playing musically and help you to achieve your goals.
Where do I Send the Videos?
As the videos for asynchronous piano lessons tend to be large, I recommend sending them via We Transfer. We Transfer is a free service, and as you can download the file, you can watch the class as often as you wish at a time convenient for you.
Please feel free to get in touch using the contact page or by completing the form below for more information.
Qualifications and Experience
My qualifications include an M.Mus in Performance, a B.A. in Music Studies and ABRSM grade 8 piano (distinction). Please view the ‘Qualifications and Piano Teaching Experience’ section for a complete list of my experience, background, and qualifications.
How Much Do They Cost?
Lesson prices are monthly and will vary depending on the lesson length.
Please get in touch with me using the form below, and I will be more than happy to provide a quote and answer any more questions you may have. 🙂