Best Tools & Equipment for Online Music Lessons

Taking Online Music Lessons? Here’s What You Need To Know! 

Taking online music lessons can be a great way to learn music if you’re unable to travel to the studio, or have a busy schedule. Here are some quick tips to make sure your music lessons are as productive and fulfilling as possible! 

Make Sure You Have A Stable Internet Connection & A Good Microphone

A stable internet connection (one with 40mbps or faster) will help make sure your connection is strong and consistent from the beginning. If you’re not sure how to tell how fast your internet connection is, Google offers a free internet speed test that only takes a few seconds to check! 

Some other helpful tools you can use for your online lessons include: 

• External Microphone: Investing in a high-quality external microphone (USB or XLR) will help for better audio capture, especially if you’re playing an instrument! The main difference between USB and XLR microphones is that USB mics offer a convenient “plug and play” option, while XLR’s require additional tools to work.
• Audio Interface: Keep in mind that if you’re using an XLR microphone, you’ll need an audio interface to connect it to your computer. This is a great investment if you’re looking to do virtual lessons long term! A few basic interfaces include Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or Behringer UMC22. 
• USB Microphone: A USB microphone usually includes a convenient plug-and-play option for a good sound quality.If you’re only doing virtual lessons temporarily, it might be more simple to use a USB mic.

Having a good microphone ensures that your online music lessons can function similarly to in-person music lessons. Being able to easily hear your teacher (and your teacher being able to hear you!) limits potential distractions and technical difficulties. 

Know Your Tools Ahead Of Time

Perhaps the most important tool in your arsenal for online music lessons is your communication with your teacher. Making sure that you discuss the technology setup within the first lesson is an easy way to make sure everyone is comfortable and has the necessary equipment. This can also limit the amount of technological difficulties that may happen, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to focus on your music lesson. Familiarize yourself ahead of time with the tools and platforms you’ll be using will ensure that you get the most out of your online music lessons!

What Are The Best Tools For Online Music Lessons?

There are a variety of online options available that you can use for your online music lessons. Get to know them before your lessons start, and you’ll be confident that you’re choosing the best option for your lessons! 

Must-Have Tools For Online Lessons

If you’re taking online music lessons, you’ll need a device with a reliable camera, so that you and your teacher can see eachother. A few platform options you can use for your lessons  include: 

• Zoom: Available for free to anyone with a zoom account! Remember to turn on the “use original sound for musicians” setting for better audio quality! There’s also a share screen setting, and a whiteboard, which can be helpful for learning music theory. Zoom is also compatible with a variety of devices, including Mac, Windows, and mobile devices.
• Google Meet: Also free and easy to use, Google Meet can easily integrate with your other Google services, including Google Calendar, Gmail, and your Google Drive. While it doesn’t have the same share screen and whiteboard features that Zoom does, it still provides fairly dependable audio quality!

It’s a good idea to ask your teacher which platform they prefer to use for lessons! That way, you and your teacher can avoid any technical difficulties. 

Optional Accessories For Online Lessons 

• Musicca: Musicca is a great (and free!) online tool for theory specific lessons. Music theory is essential because it provides the language and structure behind how music works, which can help you understand what you are playing or composing. It builds a foundation for creativity, communication, and deeper musical expression!
• Musescore: MuseScore is a free music notation software that allows users to create, edit, and play back sheet music. It’s widely used by composers, arrangers, and educators for its user-friendly interface and powerful notation tools.

Another music notation software you can use is flat.io, which has a free or paid tier, and is similar to finale or sibelius. Students and teachers can share the documents and edit them in real time together!

You’re Ready To Take Your Online Music Lessons!

Online music lessons offer flexibility, convenience, and access to a wide range of talented instructors from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, learning music online allows you to progress at your own pace while still experiencing the personalized guidance that comes with in person lessons. You may even find that online lessons allows you a little more flexibility in your practice time; when you don’t have to travel to and from lessons, you can start practicing what you learned as soon as the lesson ends!

With the tools we discussed above, you can enhance your learning experience through digital notation and playback. Embracing online music lessons is a great step toward achieving your musical goals in a modern, accessible way!