The Pros and Cons of Getting Music Lessons on Skype vs. In-Person

If you are thinking about signing your child up for music lessons, you might have only thought about looking locally. However, nowadays, online lessons are becoming a much more popular, convenient choice for parents.

Thanks to the internet music lessons can be taught online over Skype and other similar programs.

Both of these options can be great for any child who wants to learn how to play an instrument, but before you sign your son or daughter up for classes, you'll probably want to think about the pros and cons of each.

Online Lessons: The Pros

• They can be much more convenient for busy parents. After all, you probably already spend a lot of time shuttling your children to and from school and extracurricular activities. Being able to have a music lesson at home is a lot more appealing than loading up the car.
• You can choose a time for lessons that might not otherwise be convenient for your family. For example, for older kids or younger teens who stay home alone in the afternoon but who don't have transportation, choosing their music lessons for the afternoon can keep them entertained at a time when you wouldn't be able to get them to their music lessons otherwise.
• For kids who are shy, taking lessons online can be a good way to open up.
• If your child has mobility issues that make leaving the home difficult, online music lessons can be a lifesaver.
• With online music lessons, you aren't stuck choosing between instructors in your area alone; instead, you can choose from music teachers from all over the world. If your child wants to play an obscure instrument, if you live in a rural area or if you want to find the best of the best, online music lessons can be the best choice.

In-Person Lessons: The Pros

• In-person lessons can provide more of a social experience. Mainly if you enroll your child in a group class rather than one-on-one lessons. Your son or daughter won't be able to enjoy the same experience when taking lessons online.
• You may have to worry about technical issues when you depend on online lessons. What if there is a network outage when your child is scheduled for a lesson? Or, if your computer and equipment are not up-to-date enough to run the newest programs?
• Music quality can be distorted through speakers, so it can be harder for your child to hear exactly what his or her teacher is playing, and it can be tougher for the teacher to hear exactly how well your son or daughter is practicing.
• If you are looking for a way to get a little bit of “alone time,” online lessons might not work out quite as well. In fact, depending on the instrument, it might be pretty much the opposite of “quiet time” in your household when your child is taking online lessons. With in-person lessons, you can drop your child off and have a bit of time to run errands, spend time with your spouse or just enjoy some quiet time around the house.

As you can see, both Skype and in-person music lessons can both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Consider the pros and cons of each can help you choose the perfect type of music lessons for your son or daughter. DeGazon Music Lessons offers music courses in Mississauga, Vaughan, and Caledon for kids, teens, and adults to help introduce you to the wonderful world of music.

Have you ever considered online music lessons for your children?