Since this is my first year teaching online lessons, I have really enjoyed thinking of the new possibilities for my studio. In the spring, I held a solo festival with an online judge. I was also able to have my online students play in my studio recital this year.
I joined the local music teachers association where my online students live. That allowed them to participate in various contests and recitals throughout the year. But I also wanted them to be a part of my studio recital. Fortunately, one of my local piano stores has a great setup to do so. The store has a large TV behind the piano. Normally, they display the students’ hands while they perform so that everyone in the audience has a great view. For my studio recital this year, I was able to connect my Macbook to both the TV and an amp. I listed my online students on the program, and when it was their turn to play, I called them on Skype. The students dressed nicely just as if they were at the recital. I turned my computer to face the audience so that they could see the audience. The students even bowed when they heard the audience clap. It was a great experience. My online students really enjoyed playing, and the audience was very intrigued by the technology!
Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages in New Orleans, LA. Teaching is her passion. She enjoys creating resources for her students and is the author of Ready for Theory®.
