Learning music online is getting popular. It's safe, reliable, convenient and affordable. If you are looking for online music lessons, here are a few tips to get you going.
Network connectivity.
This is perhaps the least of your concerns. High speed bandwidth has become more accessible and affordable than ever before. If you are connected through fiber or 4G/5G network, you should be fine. You're possibly having sufficient data speed for a buffer-free learning experience. But make sure that your connection is stable. You don't want to watch pixellated video or miss a note. If you're connected at home through 2.4Ghz wi-fi network, tell your mum not to switch on the microwave oven when you are in a lesson session! It's likely to disrupt your wi-fi reception.
Display device.
Those of you who are doing ICT in school, are familiar with the term 'display device'. Yes, we are talking about the screen of your laptop or phone. We recommend you use a laptop or 10" screen size tablet. They give you the large-size screen advantage. Online music training requires as much focus as online schooling does. You don't want to get stressed staring at the small screen of a smartphone, even if you've got yourself an iPhone Plus. When using a tablet, make sure you have mounted it properly, so that it is stable, secure and your hands are free to work on instrument playing. We recommend Hercules DG305B stand for tablets. They are available on Amazon or from our partners Furtados Music.
Instrument and Teacher.
Unlike in-presence music classes where you may learn on the institute's (or teacher's) musical instrument, online lessons require you to have your own instrument. Now this is the tricky part. If you are a beginner, and have no prior exposure to musical instruments at home or in school, choosing "what to learn " and picking a good-quality instrument may be challenging. There are several factors you would need to consider, including price and teacher availability. Firstly, not all entry-level musical instruments are affordably priced. Wind instruments like concert flute (not bansuri), clarinet, trumpet and saxophone can be pricey! So are drums-set and cello. Acoustic pianos, kontrabass, and oboe are frightfully expensive.
Secondly, finding a qualified instructor may need some detailed Internet research and student review. Generally, finding good instructor for a string or wind instrument is difficult. Also remember, not all instructors entertain beginners, as their tuition fees could be directed towards advanced learners. Luckily, Music School LIVE offers a wide panel of instructors including those who teach violin, cello, concert flute, clarinet, saxophone, and oboe. They are well experienced from around the world, annd offer a range of fee plans suitable for various learning levels.
Getting started.
Before you decide on music learning, follow these steps.
Step 1: Watch classical music concerts on YouTube. It wil help you understand tones, types and playing of different groups of musical instruments. You can better understand the sound of strings (violin and cello), the woodwind (flute, clarinet, basoon and oboe), and the brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, euphonium).
Step 2: Visit a music store. Take a close look at various music instruments and accessories. The store manager should be able to help you find an instument and size that works for you. Remember just like your dress and shoes, musical instruments too come in different sizes. They can also help you decide on the quality of instruments. Bigger stores give you wider choice of brands and makes. It is a myth, stores try to sell you the most expensive item. In all probabilities they will try and sell you the right item.
Step 3: Before finalising your purchase, have a chat with your mum and dad. Convince them whay you wish to learn and why. Buy them in on your commitment to learning. The cost of your musical instrument and music tuition fees will be an investment for them. See to it that their investment pays off. To help you further, we can set up a consulting session with our Instructors. Ask your parents to WhatsApp +91 92053 43512 or +965 517 15360 for a 'trial session'.
Hopefully, at the end of completing these steps you would have all your answers, and well on your way to learning music online.
Pricing guide.
Below are prices of select entry-level musical instruments, for your general guidance. These prices were as on 15 March 2021. They are indicative and are subject to change. Re-check with the suppliers.
Guitar | Yamaha C40 (nylon) ₹7,590 and Yamaha F280 (steel, acoustic) ₹6,990 Keyboards | Yamaha PSR E373 (61 keys) ₹13,990
Drums-set | Mapex Tornado ₹40,950
The Metropolitan School of Music Violin | 3/4 size starting from ₹10,000
Cello | 3/4 size, starting from ₹35,000
Concert Flute | Pluto ₹14,212 and Jupiter ₹47,025
Clarinet | Pluto ₹11,383 and Jupiter ₹47,025
Saxophone | Havana (alto) ₹25,626, Startone (Tenor) ₹55,619
Trumpet | Rivertone ₹13,483
We hope you find this guide useful.