Online Piano Lessons: Patience and Planning Amidst the Unexpected

Bundled into the universe of teaching piano Online, is the necessity to prepare for the unexpected. This means knowing what resources to dip into when there’s a substantial video or audio freeze. Face Time and Skype, for example, might occasionally not deliver, and when it becomes apparent that lesson continuity is at a virtual standstill, it’s time to break out the cell phone and mount it on a nearby tripod. It’s a two-way Student/Teacher contingency plan that Should be IN Place. (SIP)

In the event of a calamitous crash, my Targus tripod is preset at the right height with a keyboard angle adjustment just a minute away. The final accouterment is an easy reach extension cord that keeps my cell battery percolating at full power.

With a boxed-in image of the student via an iPhone, combined with tinny audio output, I draw on Quicktime HD to record the lesson. The latter produces a big screen playback with Blue Yeti mic high fidelity sound that’s a win/win, on delay.

Incidentally, here’s the updated 23′ HP Monitor that allows me to look directly at the student without straining my neck muscles. (That’s when we’re rolling along without the contingency plan in place) Otherwise, it’s the Quick Time Selfie–with a selected webcam keyboard view)

Below are samples of two lessons to Scotland when Face Time crashed, salvaged by cell-to-cell transmission and Quick Time record.

Schumann “Bittendes Kind,” “Pleading Child” from Kinderszenen, Op.15

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Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in D Minor, K. 9

My pupil will play this selection at an upcoming Piano Club Zoom gathering.

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Finally, despite occasional challenges, REMOTE lessons are flowing nicely with supplementary videos increasing in number to assist pupil practicing.

Of interest, these samples were recorded in split screen mode that created eye-catching keyboard choreographies. (Call Recorder)

To: Portugal (Staccato focus)

California/California: Lesson in Progress, Schumann “First Sorrow,” Op. 68, No. 16

During Shelter in Place, I’ve also increased my self-indulgent Tutorial uploads. This one encompasses a layered approach to practicing W.A. Mozart’s Andante movement, Sonata in C, K. 545. (What else would I do with my time?)

And finally, why not keep up my Repertoire Review!

(On the docket is “Butterfly” by Grieg from the composer’s Lyric Pieces)

Obviously, there’s lots to enjoy amidst the current despair.

So Chin up, elbows rotating, wrists undulating, and fingers dancing through cyber!

from Arioso7's Blog (Shirley Kirsten)
https://arioso7.wordpress.com/2020/03/30/online-piano-lessons-patience-and-planning-amidst-the-unexpected/