Reshmi Patel • March 15, 2021
Online Versus In-Person Piano Lessons
As the UK Lockdown restrictions begin to ease over the course of the next few months, we felt it was appropriate to share some of our learnings to support piano teachers and students who may be making a new transition between online and in-person lessons.
Here are our top tips to finding the balance which works best for you and the resources available:
1) Being open to new experiences
Although we miss face-to-face lessons, as a team we’ve worked incredibly hard to create an engaging online experience for our students. We were willing to continue on our mission in whichever medium possible!
Similar to a lot of education providers, we naturally had a handful of students who were reluctant to try online lessons but they gave it a go anyway and have been able to seen the progress and adaptations we have put into place. For this reason, when anyone asks about if they should TRY online lessons, we always recommend they give it a go.
If there are trial classes or periods, we’d recommend giving these a go whether this is in-person or online.
2) Connection
The relationship between student and teacher plays a large role in the trajectory of a child or adults’ success. It’s important for the children to feel safe and be able to express themselves with their teacher, particularly for those participating in creative arts activities. For this reason, whether it’s online or in-person we recommend asking any questions you have and reflecting on your lesson after you have met your teacher. If they are not the correct fit for you, that’s okay, there are plenty of other teachers to choose from.
3) Communication
It may be useful to look at the different forms of communication, both for online and in-person lessons.
It’s important for both student and teacher to have forms of communication outside of their lessons should they require feedback on their playing or have any questions or concerns.
The most important question to ask if you are having an in-person lesson is if the Covid-19 guidelines will be followed (if these are still applicable when you have your lesson) and how to ensure you can best follow these practices before arriving to your lesson. For online lessons the questions may be, which details are required to login to the lesson and what equipment is required before you join the call.
Here’s a brief checklist of what you will need in preparation for an online Piano Lesson with Key Sounds UK: https://www.keysoundsuk.com/our-best-practices-using-zoom-for-online-piano-lessons
Here at Key Sounds UK it’s always been about communication and building empowering relationships with our students.
We are so fortunate to have such cooperative students and tools available to us. Let’s take advantage of them and help spread the joys of learning and listening to music.
Feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly.
To find out more, feel free to get involved in our latest project “The Habits of the Top Performing Piano Players”, fill out our survey: https://bit.ly/2FDs8rf
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Piano apps are a brilliant way to get children engaged. They're interactive, colourful, and often the first step toward a real interest in music. At Key Sounds UK, we’ve seen many young learners light up with motivation after spending time on apps. They can boost early excitement, especially for beginners or those still deciding if piano is “their thing.” But for all their benefits, apps can only take a student so far. While they’re great for practising basics or learning short tunes, most apps don’t cover the foundational skills that support real, long-term progress like proper technique, musical interpretation, or deeper theory understanding. Many of these aspects are important for both students eventually interested in exams or interested in learning for expression. Students often hit a wall, becoming frustrated or bored when they don’t know how to move forward. That’s where a skilled, in-person teacher makes the difference. We don’t just teach songs we connect the why behind the music and adapt lessons in real-time to how a child learns best. Action Tips for Parents: ● If your child is using a piano app, ask what they’ve learned beyond the notes. Are they just copying movements, or do they understand what they’re doing? ● Not keen on apps? A simple trick: play your child’s favourite song followed by the word “piano” on YouTube or Spotify. Just listening and engaging rhythmically can spark interest and improve timing. ● If they’ve started learning via app and are now plateauing, book a trial package with us. We specialise in helping students connect the dots between what they’ve learned online and what they can achieve in person. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
Summer is the perfect time for children to explore new interests without the pressures of school. At Key Sounds UK, we offer flexible trial packages in both 1-2-1 piano lessons and fast-track music theory - ideal for families looking to add something enriching to the holiday break. Whether your child is brand new to music or already plays and wants to build confidence, our tailored sessions provide a great starting point. Our summer trials are designed to be relaxed yet focused. Students can try something new, build foundational skills, or fill in theory gaps between grade levels, all at a pace that suits them. These sessions often lead to surprising progress, simply because children have more time, energy, and mental space to focus without the term-time rush. Here are some action steps to guide those on the fence of deciding: ● Unsure where to start? Contact us for a quick chat - we’ll help you choose between piano or theory based on your child’s interests or needs. ● Book early to secure a spot, as summer sessions fill quickly. ● Not sure if they’ll enjoy it? That’s exactly what the trial is for - no long-term commitment, just a chance to explore. We’d love to hear from you and help your child make the most of their summer with music. Reach out anytime to learn more. Let me know if you'd like a version for print or email! Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
Passion doesn’t just happen it’s cultivated. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, building a long-term love for the piano is within reach. Here’s how to make it last. 1. Create a Meaningful “Why” Before you even touch the keys, ask yourself: Why do I want to play piano? Is it to express emotions? To play your favorite songs? To connect with others? Identifying your personal “why” gives your practice purpose and keeps motivation alive during tough times. Action Step: Write down your top 3 reasons for playing the piano. Post them where you practice. 2. Make Practice Enjoyable, Not Just Routine Rigid routines can lead to burnout. Blend structure with freedom by mixing technical work with creative play. Action Step: Try the “80/20 rule”: Spend 80% of your time on structured goals (like scales or assigned pieces), and 20% exploring: improvise, compose, or learn a favorite song by ear. 3. Set Small, Inspiring Goals Instead of vague goals like “get better,” aim for specific milestones that excite you, like “learn the intro to ‘Clair de Lune’” or “memorize one piece this month.” Action Step: Set a short-term (1–2 week) goal and a medium-term (2–3 month) goal. Reward yourself when you hit them. 4. Surround Yourself with Musical Inspiration Listen to a variety of piano music - classical, jazz, film scores, or even video game soundtracks. Inspiration from other artists fuels your curiosity and growth. Action Step: Create a personal piano playlist with pieces that move you, and add to it regularly. 5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection Progress isn’t always linear. Acknowledge improvements, no matter how small, and avoid the trap of constant self-criticism. Action Step: Keep a journal of musical “wins” each week, like “finally nailed that left-hand pattern” or “played for my cousin.” Remember: Passion is nurtured, not found. Stay curious, stay patient, and keep playing. Get in touch to find out more information here: www.keysoundsuk.com/contact
