Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

kylelandry · 2011-08-01 14:30:22

Over the past year I have received endless amounts of emails from kids around the country (even around the world) who were interested in taking lessons with me. Some even suggested we try doing a lesson via webcam. At first, I thought, that would not be worth it, it will never work! Now, after thinking about it for a while, I am opening up to it. If I set up a proper online piano studio, it could really work just like any other lesson!

I would set up a camera high above the keyboard aiming straight down at the keys, that way the student can see my hands properly, and I would also buy a quality mic. The biggest problem is, what about the students setup? If I can't hear them play all that well, then how can I properly teach? This is the one thing holding me back, but I would really want to try this sometime in the near future, perhaps, one of you, or some of you would like to try it out?

If anything at all, could you please leave your feedback on this matter?

Thanks!

Joe Palton · 2011-08-01 14:40:55

I think online piano lessons don't work very well for beginners, because a lot of times when I teach I ask the student to put their hand in a certain position, and they don't get what i am saying, so I move their wrist to where it should be, curve their fingers properly etc.

The plus side is you might be able to teach more than one student at once, etc. However, I just think for beginners it's better for hands on instruction. Now, intermediate players, I can see it working for, die to you just needing to listen and tell them what needs to be cleaned up etc. Really it all ends up on the student's understanding of what you mean.

Personally I think with you, you can work with most people, and I would mind being a test subject, as long as the price your asking is 25dollars or less a half hour.

G_Snake · 2011-08-01 14:57:12

It would be awesome if you figured out some way to do online piano lessons. My opinion:

If a student can't get their hands on the proper equipment then what makes the most sense to me is for you to create instructional courses. Joe made a good point about beginners though. So anything made for them would require an expansive troubleshooting section, or integrate several potential problems and solutions into each step of the lesson.

The biggest plus to creating courses would be that you could be teaching an unlimited number of people at the same time as opposed to the 1 on 1 or small group scenario of a live lesson.

If I had your experience and fanbase, I'd be creating courses like a mad man. Shoot, I don't have either and I probably will create some.

mailclu · 2011-08-01 23:32:56

I would definitely be interested in taking lessons if you decide to do this. I will be entering my freshman year of college this fall, and I have been thinking about what avenue to take to continue my lessons. The only reason I've never contacted you about them before is the issue of distance, so the online thing sounds great to me. I don't know much about piano pedagogy, though, so my opinion can't count for much when it comes to the logistics of teaching over the internet.

InfestedNerd · 2011-08-01 23:35:08

Maybe you should make "Learn to play piano like Kyle" videos and sell them. Just an idea.

Last edited by InfestedNerd (2011-08-01 23:35:21)

G_Snake · 2011-08-02 00:09:32

InfestedNerd wrote:

Maybe you should make "Learn to play piano like Kyle" videos and sell them. Just an idea.

^pretty much what I tried to say. Only concise and easy to read.

DiscoInTheNunnery · 2011-08-02 00:11:09

If you're going to do something like that let us know because I was thinking about making an unofficial "Kyle Landry Practice Method" thread from all the things I've learned about your playing over the years.

InfestedNerd · 2011-08-02 00:13:26

G_Snake9 wrote:

InfestedNerd wrote:
Maybe you should make "Learn to play piano like Kyle" videos and sell them. Just an idea.
^pretty much what I tried to say. Only concise and easy to read.

That's what I do. ^_^

mailclu · 2011-08-02 06:49:16

DiscoInTheNunnery wrote:

If you're going to do something like that let us know because I was thinking about making an unofficial "Kyle Landry Practice Method" thread from all the things I've learned about your playing over the years.

I would be really interested in seeing that.

Verdegrand · 2011-08-02 09:52:26

i personally wouldn't think this would work well, a teacher needs to be in the same room as the student and if he is not, the quality of the lessons will suffer. i think the max that you can get out of this is giving additional coaching/advice to people who are already having lessons with a real teacher who is with them. but who knows, i am interested to see if it can actually be done.

TimotheusTJB · 2011-08-02 14:26:38

Theoretically speaking, with proper equipment on both sides and the ability to explain very well it would work. However the student would have to be able to understand his explanations well and apply them himself. A teacher in the same room is no doubt alot better, but online could work to some extent.

DC64 · 2011-08-02 15:28:09

I would deffinetly do this.

1. (If it is...) FREE!
2. You have a good reputation. (amoung pianists)
3. I would probably reccomend a group class on the same level of piano playing to make things easier.
4. When? if worldwide then there would have to be a specific time/date for te class to happen.
I would start with people in the states (If thats where you are) then span out to other countries.

thesilentone95 · 2011-08-04 00:34:16

I think it would be a great idea. The only problems that I would see is that pianists at a beginner level would have a difficult time learning and being able to hear the piano when they play.

marnixschut · 2011-08-04 06:08:52

I think you should do it. But you should not forgot how to deal with timezones. For example I live in Holland, so I am 6 hours ahead of you. You don't want to be up all night to teach wink

PeaceMaker · 2011-08-06 06:37:35

mailclu wrote:

DiscoInTheNunnery wrote:
If you're going to do something like that let us know because I was thinking about making an unofficial "Kyle Landry Practice Method" thread from all the things I've learned about your playing over the years.
I would be really interested in seeing that.

I don't really see the interest of this. Here we're talking about learning how to play piano, not how to play piano like Kyle. Then, when the person who learnt how to play piano wants to play like Kyle, okay, but at the base, everyone must know to play piano and not play in a "single style". Otherwise, the person would be will be technically limited (even if the "kyle style" requires a good dexterity and therefore, an amazing technic, we can't find all the things we have to know in this style) = My opinion.
I think, your lessons Kyle, as Joe Palton said, can't be for beginners. HOWEVER, for the intermediate players who wants to work on their interpretation on a piece, or wants to have some advices on piano, it can be a good idea indeed.

Hei · 2011-08-06 07:32:39

PeaceMaker wrote:

mailclu wrote:
DiscoInTheNunnery wrote:
If you're going to do something like that let us know because I was thinking about making an unofficial "Kyle Landry Practice Method" thread from all the things I've learned about your playing over the years.
I would be really interested in seeing that.
I don't really see the interest of this. Here we're talking about learning how to play piano, not how to play piano like Kyle. Then, when the person who learnt how to play piano wants to play like Kyle, okay, but at the base, everyone must know to play piano and not play in a "single style". Otherwise, the person would be will be technically limited (even if the "kyle style" requires a good dexterity and therefore, an amazing technic, we can't find all the things we have to know in this style) = My opinion.
I think, your lessons Kyle, as Joe Palton said, can't be for beginners. HOWEVER, for the intermediate players who wants to work on their interpretation on a piece, or wants to have some advices on piano, it can be a good idea indeed.

Exactly. And building on from that, if you 'copy' someone's style, you will never develop as a pianist to the best of your abilities.

And piano lessons from Kyle will not benefit beginners in my opinion. And I think only people who are awake when he is will actually be able to learn.

mailclu · 2011-08-06 12:25:27

I don't think the point of the "Kyle Landry" method would be to play in his style and thereby limit yourself. Correct me if I'm wrong, Disco. Kyle is obviously a very well-trained classical pianist, so in order to play like him, there would certainly be a level of classical training involved. I was more under the impression that the pieces one would choose for this method would interest students who are fans of Kyle's playing, helping them to stay motivated in their musical education. Any good method has to build technique and variety. It's the pianist's decision as to where he/she goes from there.

Additionally, I think the key focus would be narrowing down some of the practice habits and methods that obviously worked for Kyle. There would probably have to be a strong emphasis in composition as well. When I see "method" I don't just see piece selection.

Last edited by mailclu (2011-08-06 12:27:02)

Sir Gawaine · 2011-08-06 12:29:53

I think that the people here are too much worried if a beginner can learn something from this kind of lesson. Well, I think that most of the people commenting here are at least in a intermediate level and many of them would like to try to have lessons with You even if It is with webcam.

I am very interested in Your idea. The simple fact that You will just listen to me playing a little and commenting on It with sugestions, plus the fact that You will recommend me musics to direct my study, makes me feel that this is the best way I can spend my money in my entire life!

Please make Your studio and let the lessons begin!!

muzicfan54 · 2011-08-06 20:24:47

I'm all for online piano lessons, seeing as I've sent one of those emails!

PeaceMaker · 2011-08-07 03:52:30

mailclu wrote:

It's the pianist's decision as to where he/she goes from there.

That's where you're wrong. The pianist has first, to learn how to play piano with a real teacher. Then from there, he/she can decide to try Kyle's Method or trying Kyle's webcam lessons in order to become better at piano.

mailclu wrote:

There would probably have to be a strong emphasis in composition as well. When I see "method" I don't just see piece selection.

Good idea for the composition ! smile And of course there would not only pieces to learn, there would be lessons on music theory (return to the composition smile ) !

mailclu · 2011-08-07 07:03:58

PeaceMaker wrote:

mailclu wrote:
It's the pianist's decision as to where he/she goes from there.
That's where you're wrong. The pianist has first, to learn how to play piano with a real teacher. Then from there, he/she can decide to try Kyle's Method or trying Kyle's webcam lessons in order to become better at piano.

We are in agreement, my friend. "From there," was referring to the point after which one acquired essential technique.

PeaceMaker · 2011-08-07 10:15:58

mailclu wrote:

PeaceMaker wrote:
mailclu wrote:
It's the pianist's decision as to where he/she goes from there.
That's where you're wrong. The pianist has first, to learn how to play piano with a real teacher. Then from there, he/she can decide to try Kyle's Method or trying Kyle's webcam lessons in order to become better at piano.

We are in agreement, my friend. "From there," was referring to the point after which one acquired essential technique.

Oh, okay, so that's cool. smile I understood that the "from there" was referring to when the pianist has finished kyle's method.

rcmweaver · 2011-08-08 20:53:08

Hey Kyle, I emailed you recently regarding lessons. I am willing to try out the online lessons, and would love to be a student of yours! Just email me or reply and I can see what I can do.

bjerggaard03 · 2011-08-10 05:27:33

Hello Kyle. I am one of your many secret admires. I'm from Denmark and I am 22 years old. the last year or so, I have thought about moving near you for a longer period, so that i could take lesson with you, and kind of making it a sabbath 'enjoying life' vacation project:). But i haven't been able to push myself into it, probably because its kind of a big step, and kind of a detour from my education plans etc.:)
So this would be an absolutely amazing alternative. I have a mac computer, for recordings, the P-155, and I'm very much willing to acquire what ever equipment necessary. Make me your lab-rat:D hehe..

Best Regards
Lui Bjerggaard, Aarhus (DK)

[Edit]
By the way, my email is: Bjerggaard03@gmail.com

Last edited by bjerggaard03 (2011-08-10 05:28:47)

mhdmt · 2011-08-10 21:45:13

In my opinion, I don't think online lessons would be the optimal or sufficient way to teach any beginner wanting to get the full experience of a one on one lesson setup (assuming that your focus would be towards beginners). As much as I would LOOOOOVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEE to follow your video lessons if you put any out there, I think there would still be a sort of disconnect in the student-teacher interactions of learning and teaching.

These are some of the Cons I see:

-Video lag, (on either parts could be a possibility)
-Sound
-Not so great equipment use on the students side (since you mention you would get the best equipment the problem wouldn't be on your part.)
-Some might not have a full scale keyboard or piano to practice on so the learning might be unfulfilled and limited. (I don't know if you would be one of those teachers that would not teach someone who only has a keyboard, I hear some teachers are like that so you might want to make that clear, your requirements for the students, if you decide to pursue this option of online piano lessons)
-Touch response (would you be able to recognize and find a way to help a student who just can't understand and figure out the proper weight needed to press on a key(s).
-How many students do you anticipate would actually follow your videos in real time and would you be able to accommodate everyone without lacking in quality teaching.
-Time zone differences, but then again you can't possibly accommodate everyone across the world who wants to learn from you.

Pros:

-If you are going to teach Music Theory, this would be a great way for students to learn that. All I know is when I tried learning on my own through books, I got a headache and it was quite boring and someone actually teaching and explaining in real time could really benefit those who are more of a kinesthetic learner like me. Some people aren't a natural at self teaching through books.
-Motivation is going to be a big part I believe if this were to happen because I think everyone can agree you really inspire and motivate and that propels people to act on there desire to learn something that has been repressed through certain situations e.g. life and people belittling there ambitions.
-Could really help those that can't afford piano lessons. (I unfortunately am in the majority and saving money is a BEEEEEEP! Especially if you are trying to save to buy a used piano to learn on)

Now this is just my two cents at the time being, I'm sure I'll come up with a few more pros and cons (and I am sure some might disagree with what I put) however this is obviously ultimately your decision and only you can decide whether or not online lessons would be beneficial, after all, you're the expert! I would respect your decision either way as I am sure we all would.

I have one last thought though. If you decide not to do this, perhaps what you could consider is maybe do like a contest. Let me explain...
You can take on a protégé and choose by doing a contest to see who you would teach to focus all your attention on teaching one beginner student and turn them into a master pianist just like you. It would be like a pro bono work so to speak. You would be taking someone in who has always wanted to learn and has a true passion just like you but never really had the money or outlet. You could ask people who are interested, to send in an email of why they think they would deserve a one on one lesson from you, how old they are, and where they live so you can factor in the time difference of course.

I think in this case it really would be a quality vs. quantity type decision.

Maybe you could still at least do some vids (not in real time though) that involve the basics on getting started like finger techniques and whatever else you can think of...I can't think of what the vids would consist of... I know nothing about piano playing...

Thanks for even taking the time to consider doing an online lesson because I am sure you are a busy person.

#1 2011-08-01 14:30:22

Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#2 2011-08-01 14:40:55

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#3 2011-08-01 14:57:12

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#4 2011-08-01 23:32:56

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#5 2011-08-01 23:35:08

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#6 2011-08-02 00:09:32

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#7 2011-08-02 00:11:09

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#8 2011-08-02 00:13:26

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#9 2011-08-02 06:49:16

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#10 2011-08-02 09:52:26

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#11 2011-08-02 14:26:38

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#12 2011-08-02 15:28:09

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#13 2011-08-04 00:34:16

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#14 2011-08-04 06:08:52

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#15 2011-08-06 06:37:35

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#16 2011-08-06 07:32:39

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#17 2011-08-06 12:25:27

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#18 2011-08-06 12:29:53

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#19 2011-08-06 20:24:47

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#20 2011-08-07 03:52:30

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#21 2011-08-07 07:03:58

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#22 2011-08-07 10:15:58

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#23 2011-08-08 20:53:08

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#24 2011-08-10 05:27:33

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

#25 2011-08-10 21:45:13

Re: Your opinion regarding Online Piano Lessons

Board footer