Online voice lessons can be taught using a camera with almost any computer or tablet. Adding a second device for playback is helpful to allow the teacher to share recorded vocal exercises or accompaniment tracks to sing along with.
Flexibility
Virtual lessons with a virtual voice teacher allow you to warm up and prepare in your home before the lesson. This avoids the risk of touching other people and avoiding points of contact with potential germs that could impact your voice. A common challenge vocal teachers face when teaching online is interpreting the physical impacts of a student’s stance, posture, and breath control on their voice. In-person lessons can be a great way to see these small indicators, but many instructors have found viable ways to work around this.
Students can take online singing lessons from anywhere worldwide with a stable internet connection and a webcam. This flexibility allows them to make lessons fit into their schedules more regularly – before or after work, from the comfort of their homes, or even on vacation!
Time
Many performers have resisted online lessons but since the coronavirus pandemic rendered face-to-face lessons impractical, online vocal coaching has become an excellent alternative. A quality virtual lesson is nearly identical to the face-to-face experience with a good connection, microphone, and room setup.
The biggest advantage of online voice lessons is that students save time. In-person lessons require the student to stop their daily routine, get in a car and drive to the studio or host a vocal coach in their home at a time that is often inconvenient for the family. Additionally, online lessons from companies such as Forbes Music Company allow students to warm up independently. They are not subject to the same interruptions during the lesson from other family members or pets. Lessons can also be recorded, allowing for a review of the lessons later.
Cost
Online lessons can be much less expensive than in-person lessons. You can find quality teachers for as little as $60 per hour in most areas. In-person voice lessons can cost up to $300 per hour, which can be a lot of money for beginner singers. But when you consider the cost of gas and time spent commuting to the teacher’s location, it can be cheaper to have lessons at home. You can also use the time you would have spent driving to your lesson to warm up and prepare for it. This makes it more likely that you will be prepared for your lesson and get the most out of it. That’s a win for everyone!
Convenience
With lessons online, students don’t have to worry about commuting or scheduling conflicts. Lessons can occur from a home office or private space with an internet connection and a quality microphone.
If a student is a beginner, it’s best to have someone present for the first few lessons to help ensure the phone line doesn’t freeze or drop. A supportive presence also helps the student feel less nervous and stressed before the lesson and more prepared. Many vocal coaches have a style of instruction that involves observing and interpreting small indicators of posture, breath control, or neck and jaw tension. While these things are difficult in a video lesson, some teachers have found alternative methods that allow them to provide valuable feedback to their students.
Accessibility
While learning online is an excellent option for beginners, it’s also possible to benefit from virtual lessons even if you have years of experience singing. The best part is that you don’t have to limit yourself to local coaches with a schedule that conflicts with your busy life.
The only downside is that you still depend on a high-quality internet connection and a video conferencing program. A poor connection, a faulty microphone, or even a noisy room can distract and frustrate the student and the coach. Additionally, some vocal coaches rely on visual cues during in-person lessons to interpret how certain movements affect the voice, such as neck and jaw tension. This can be difficult to mimic on a video. However, many teachers are finding ways to overcome these challenges and offer the same quality lessons online.
