Play, Pause, Perfect: How Online Flute Lessons are Transforming Music Education
With the rise of the internet and all that it entails, we’ve found so many positive impacts. The internet makes knowledge accessible for virtually everyone that has access to a computer or a smart phone. With that, we’ve introduced social media, which also connects virtually everyone and everything together, building communities in places that never existed before, growing camaraderie in shared experiences, and connecting people that otherwise would have never had the opportunity to coexist and learn from one another. With that, we have the advent of online music lessons - particularly online flute lessons. Online platforms such as Zoom sped during the age of COVID to create platforms where people could meet - ensembles could continue to make music, students could continue to work with teachers, and with that, we’ve built a great way to learn from teachers around the world. So, if you haven’t found the right teacher locally or you’re struggling with leaving your home for any reason, keep reading. This is for you!
Traditional Landscape of Music Education
Traditionally, music lessons were conducted in person, either in your home, the teacher’s studio, or a music store. Sometimes one-on-one, sometimes in a group, music lessons were conducted as a strictly in-person experience, which isn’t a bad thing all the time! However, teachers were limited in scope in how they could reach potential students, often disseminated by the staff of the music store, band directors, or the small scope that they could reach through flyers. This made making a career in music education difficult for many people, particularly in smaller areas. This also made teachers less accessible to students. If, in a small town, there was one flute teacher, that was the only option, even if that teacher didn’t fit with your personal style or teach in a way that worked well for you. For instance, I didn’t have a flute teacher until much later in high school when I moved to a different school in a larger town, because there simply weren’t any flute teachers within an hour's radius of me. So, geographically speaking, there are limitations to strictly in-person lessons for both the student and the teacher. Schedules can be more difficult with in-person lessons, as they can be limited to the music store’s hours, hours in which a teacher can comfortably have people in their homes (around their own families’ hours), etc. It can also be difficult with travel time, traffic, weather, etc. which can cause issues with progress down the line. In-person music lessons are great when they’re available with the correct teachers and students, and if they can fit your schedule, but if there’s a need for other options, read on to find out why online lessons are a great way to go.
Emergence of Online Music Education Platforms
There are many online music education platforms, including TakeLessons, OutSchool, and LessonFace, and the industry is only growing. That said, you can often find online teachers teaching independently through Lessons.com, MusicTeachersDirectory.org, and (in the case of the flute), nfa.org, that teach over Zoom and other platforms. As the need for more online collaboration has grown, so has the technology for online lessons. Many teachers have intricate setups like multiple camera angles, microphones, on-screen keyboards, etc. With the rise of this technology also comes global access to more options for instructors, including world-renowned teachers, teachers that align with your needs as a student, and teachers that have the flexibility to work with your schedule, your pacing, and what you want to learn. With online music lessons come diverse learning resources, including online games and creative ways to learn concepts. Learning flute online is a great way to create a bond with your instrument!
Breaking Down Barriers
With online flute lessons, you can learn from anywhere in the world from nearly anyone you wish to learn from! Going on vacation and still want to play flute? You can still take lessons! Traveling across the country in a van? You can still take lessons! Want to learn from a teacher in another country? You can do that with online lessons!
You can also find teachers who are better able to cater to neurodivergent and differently-abled individuals, which is so important to those that need different styles of teaching and different approaches in order to succeed.
Interactive Learning Tools and Technologies
Platforms like Boom Learning, Kahoot, and even certain virtual reality and augmented reality programs can create a much more immersive experience. Programs like Zoom and integrated applications create a gamified learning experience outside of the traditional classroom, which is great for many students who require those types of interactions in order to thrive in a learning environment.
Nurturing a Global Music Community
Online learning can lead to, of course, increased collaboration opportunities and opportunities to meet fellow flutists from all over the world! Not only can you connect with fellow learners worldwide, have global performance opportunities, and have access to some of the best teachers the world has to offer, but you also can create music in virtual ensembles, have collaborative music-making and recording projects, and learn more about cultural music and diversify your musical influences in the process.
Challenges and Concerns
There are some criticisms of online music education, particularly for complete beginners. Learning the flute can be a very hands-on experience. Some teachers feel that it cannot be done online because it’s difficult to express through words certain postural and body-focused concepts without being able to physically correct a player. That said, it requires teachers to be more creative and proactive about understanding the impact of their words and working with students without the advantage of touch. It can also be difficult to find as much motivation during remote learning as in person. Self-discipline is required and extremely important with online learning, however many teachers (not unlike myself) have online platforms used to help track practice, assignments, and even ask questions between lessons.
Success Stories (names changed for privacy)
Case Study: Dan - student
Dan began online lessons with me as an adult learner, having quit flute many years before. We began lessons by reviewing basic concepts, seeing where he was as a player, and building some goals to work towards. Within about 20 minutes or so, we were working on embouchure placement, tension release, airstream, and building on tone concepts. After one lesson, Greg was already falling back in love with his tone. Within a couple of weeks, Greg was thriving with new repertoire, a balanced tone, and a new love for creating music.
Case Study - Cassie - teacher
I was very hesitant to teach online. It presents its own challenges not just for the hands-on but keeping students engaged in the process. I’ve learned through a combination of equipment and ways to immerse students in the experience, I’ve been able to help students through their flute issues using demonstrations, words, games, and exercises that don’t require me to be “hands-on".”
Case Study: Winnie - student
Winnie played flute in high school and quit many years before coming back to it to improve her mental health. We’ve built on Alexander Technique concepts during lessons, learning to release tension within the body to create better tone, finger technique, and a better playing experience. Already, she’s improving her tone and intonation as well as enjoying her flute without pain.
Tips for Making the Most of Online Flute Lessons
Create a conducive learning environment at home
Find a quiet place where you can close the door, free of distractions
Turn off your phone (or put on Do Not Disturb)
Ideally, use a microphone and headphones (this is a great option: https://amzn.to/45FOG1c)
Set realistic goals and expectations
Your first lesson should ideally be some goal-setting. Work with your teacher to determine what you would like to work on first.
Be kind and realistic to yourself.
Take into account the amount of practice time you have available.
Establish a structured practice routine
Begin building a routine, daily or weekly, keeping your goals in mind.
Check out Talent Tuneup if you’re struggling with this routine.
Communicate Effectively
If things aren’t going the way you’d like them to, TALK to your instructor to make sure they can pivot accordingly.
If your teacher offers email support throughout the week, be sure to utilize it.
Tell your teacher what you would like to work on, to achieve, and what you would like your lessons to look like.
Use the tools that they give you to maintain a strong relationship and build on the concepts they’re trying to teach.
Final Thoughts
Online flute lessons can connect you with the right teacher, globally, to fit your schedule, your goals, and your learning style.
Online flute lessons take dedication and focus, as well as self-discipline and, of course, a good internet connection.
Technology is connecting musicians everywhere to build a community. Technology only serves to integrate us further, creating new opportunities for growth and learning.
Online flute lessons are a valuable avenue for musical growth and are a wonderful opportunity for musical growth.
Interested in online flute lessons? Click here to learn more about my offerings and get started!
