Parents:

 

Online learning has become a popular choice for all types of education. Even before social distancing, remote learning allowed students access to resources and professionals which may have  otherwise been out of reach.

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If you have come this far, you are likely considering augmenting your child's music education with particular attention to his/her flute playing skills. The following tips will help you and your flutist get organized for the online flute lesson experience!

 

 

1. Use the Right Device

While an iphone/cell phone or tablet may be convenient, they do not have the best camera and sound for an online flute lesson. If possible, use a laptop or desktop for online flute lessons as they have larger screens, better picture and sound quality, and the ability to share/split screens if necessary. If a laptop or desktop is not available, that's okay! Just make sure the student flutist can clearly see and hear the teacher on the screen they are using.

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2. Internet

A strong internet connection is extremely important for successful online lessons. A bad connection can make the image grainy, distort the video and sound, or freeze it altogether. Ensure the "lesson room" is located near the router if your home WiFi connection is not strong. For even better connection, use a physical cable to connect the device directly to the router.

 

NOTE:  Simultaneous users in the network/household streaming video or audio put strain on the internet connection and may interrupt the quality of the lesson. Try to limit use from other family members during the lesson.

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3. Download Application(s) to the Chosen Device

Skype:  At this time, my chosen application for online flute lessons is Skype. Once you have downloaded the application, add my Skype address to your contacts/send a message to be added to my contacts. Prior to the first lesson we will schedule a tech session to make sure everything is working properly.

 

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4. Set up a "Lesson Room/Space" at Home 

It is important to create a dedicated work space for your budding flutist. Consider a space free from distractions, away from the main hub of the home. Your student will have the best chance for success in a "lesson room" which is in a quiet, secluded area. Shut the door and make sure family members know not to enter (or knock) during the lesson. ​

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Make it fun and let your son/daughter set up the room! They can help locate the perfect spot which has good lighting and even decorate it to make it unique to them! The light source should be placed behind the webcam (e.g. behind and above your computer) shining toward the students' face and body. Avoid light coming from behind the students' body; close curtains/blinds over a window which may be behind the student. The webcam angle should capture the student from the hips to the top of their head, and  the whole instrument from the students' left ear to the end of the flute.

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5. Aquire Additional Necessary Materials/Equipment

• Metronome:  A metronome is a necessary practice and lesson tool. Inexpensive physical versions may be found at any music store and online, or you may choose to download any number of applications - either free or for a nominal cost. To ensure your chosen metronome will meet the needs of the student, feel free to send a picture/link to me of the item you are considering.

• Tuner:  A tuner is another necessary practice and lesson tool, particularly for non-beginners. Again, there are inexpensive physical varieties and applications (free and for a nominal fee) from which to choose. To be certain your purchase will serve your flutist well, feel free to send a link/picture to me before you buy.

• Music Stand:  A music stand should be sturdy enough to not fall over in a light breeze or when lightly tapped/bumped, and tall enough so the sitting or standing flutist may maintain a straight neck when looking forward.

• Pencil with Eraser

• Recommended Music/Books

• A Flute in good, working condition with cleaning rod (plastic, metal, wood)

• A nearby table/desk or a flute stand where your student may set their flute down when resting or the flute is not in use during the lesson.

• A Chair:  The chair should be firm and without arms.

• A Notebook

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Students:

Congratulations! You have decided to pursue lessons, face-to-face or online, to improve your flute playing and musicianship skills. You are about to enter a wonderful world which can give you much joy and entertainment throughout your lifetime. Here are a few tips as you get started:

 

• Set flutistic or musical goals for yourself. Not sure what this may be? I can help you identify some!

• Work with your parent/guardian to arrange an appropriate "Lesson/Practice Room"!

• Remember that progress comes from what happens between lessons, when you practice and reinforce what you learned the previous week.

• When practicing or in a lesson, turn off all devices and applications not in use for practice or the lesson. Set devices to "Do Not Disturb", or the equivalent, until you are finished practicing or with a lesson.

• Have all necessary equipment within reach at the start of a practice session or lesson. Necessary equipment includes: your flute, a pencil, your music/books, a flute stand/table, metronome, tuner, and device to connect to the lesson. Remember to have a chair nearby as you will need to take breaks!

• Have a Flute Notebook at each lesson to keep notes of the material which was covered, recommendations, instructions, and the assignment for the next lesson. It may also be a good place to keep any handouts or sheet music which may be supplied by the teacher. Make this notebook your own!

• Approach flute lessons with the right attitude. Remember, music is fun, healing, and rewarding. Sometimes progress may come in tiny baby steps, at other times you may experience leaps of success. Try to always have fun and remain positive!