What Kind of Violin Lesson is Best for You?

Online? In Person? What kind of violin lesson do you need?

As the world has changed post covid there are many options more commonly offered than before that can make life just a bit more convenient. The beauty of doing meetings, calls, violin lessons etc online is that we can do them where we are, and we can fit them into our lives more easily. But in the context of music lessons this can come with some challenges in learning a new instrument that only come in an online context. So when is an online lesson best, and when is an in person violin lesson best? The truth is there are pros and cons to both. In Person Violin Lessons In person violin and viola lessons can be helpful for first time students, or students whose parents are not familiar with stringed instruments. They can also be helpful for students seeking community, or financial assistance with ongoing costs of music lessons. More advanced students can benefit from local opportunities to grow as a musician and hook up with other musicians with similar goals and interests. Benefits of an in person lesson

• In person help with finger and hand placement, posture guide, and technique adjustment.

• In person help with tuning your instrument and minor maintenance and repairs, plus local knowledge of what shops have what you may need for your violin journey.

• Access to local festivals and competitions if your student would benefit from those opportunities.

• Access to local networking and music communities.

• Access to local support for music learning such as support in costs for lessons, instrument maintenance and ownership, scholarship opportunities for more advanced students etc.
  

Online Violin Lessons Online lessons are easy, convenient, and can even be used in conjunction with in person lessons. Students who have prior experience with stringed instruments, beginners whose parents have prior experience, or students who don't mind a little extra learning curve are all good candidates for online lessons.

Benefits of an online lesson

• Convenience and ease of access for students and families.

• Provides ability to continue with lessons in the event of poor weather, schedule changes, and other circumstances that make getting to an in person lesson difficult.

• Access to diverse learning tools not normally used in an in person setting to extend and support learning.

• More predictable and controlled environments for neurodivergent students who may prefer the comfort and familiarity a lesson in a chosen space may provide.

• Flexibility of instruction and access to broader community that access to teachers who are a good fit for your student's needs, but not easily reached geographically can provide.
  

Hybrid Model Violin Lessons

Students may benefit from a hybrid model of the two as well, where the local support and access to a teacher are available, but the ease and comfort of online lessons are always an option. No matter what lesson type suits your students needs and your family's needs, the best you can do is simply support your student in their violin or viola journey the best way you can, and watch them grow as a musician and a person in the process!