Key Sounds UK • May 15, 2020

OUR BEST PRACTICES USING ZOOM FOR ONLINE PIANO LESSONS

Since a lot of us have moved online due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we’ve been exploring applications which can help suit our style of work.


This blog can be useful for students, teachers and those who are currently or looking to learn online.


Here’s a brief checklist of what you will need in preparation for an online Piano Lesson with Key Sounds UK:


1. Internet connection – using your local/home wifi or mobile data 


2. A device with a camera – our students use iPad, PC or a phone with the Zoom app installed onto their device prior to the call. 


3. Zoom – our preferable software for online lessons is Zoom because when we cover music theory content, we can screen share when analysing sections of the sheet music and guide students through online videos and activities we have created for them. The Zoom app is also free and easy to install on any device. We recommend students to download the app on their mobile phone or tablets via their given app store. For those using computers, they can visit: www.zoom.us/download and click the big blue ‘download’ button at the top of the page. It will be labelled ‘Zoom Client for Meetings.’


4. A place to put your device so that your students can see you and your piano – some of our students use adjustable desks, chairs or tripods.


5. Any lesson notes are sent via Google Drive or email. Students can communicate via email in between lessons too so that we can better support their progress.


6. Good ears, body language and communication skills. Since we cannot see the students directly in front of us, we have to listen carefully to their playing even more so than usual. We also have to be overly communicative as we cannot point to the music as we may do in face-to-face lessons. Finally – smile and have fun! 



So far our audio channels have worked well but for those who are looking to experiment, feel free to check out this video:

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 ask us any questions you may have, we are more than happy to help.

For more tips and tricks follow us on Instagram: @keysoundsuk or Facebook: www.facebook.com/keysoundsuk

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How to Spot Piano Progress as a Non-Musical Parent

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Many parents tell us the same thing: “I want to support my child’s piano learning but I’m not musical, so I don’t know what to look for.” The truth is, you don’t need to read music or play the piano to be a huge part of your child’s progress. What matters most is how you observe, encourage and communicate, not your musical knowledge. Here are three simple, practical ways to stay involved and confident. 1️. Sit In on Lessons (Even Occasionally) You don’t need to attend every lesson -just sitting in from time to time can make a big difference. When you observe a lesson, you begin to notice: How your child is guided to sit and place their hands How the teacher breaks tasks into small, achievable steps The language and cues your child responds to Sit in for 10-15 minutes once every few weeks. This is to absorb rather than to assess. This helps you support practice at home using the same language the teacher uses. 2. Record a “Before vs After” Video One of the clearest ways to see progress - especially for non-musical parents - is through short videos. How it works: Record your child playing a song or exercise Then record the same song or exercise 5–6 lessons later, or on the day the teacher says it’s “finished” You’re not looking for perfection. Instead, notice small but meaningful changes: Confidence: Do they sit more comfortably and start playing more willingly? Hand position: Do they find their starting position more quickly? Flow: Are there fewer pauses or gaps in the music? Even tiny improvements are signs of progress - especially at this stage of learning Keep the video private. This isn’t for comparison with others - it’s simply a reminder of how far your child has come. 3. Set Simple Checkpoint Goals With the Teacher Progress doesn’t always mean “moving up a level”. For younger learners, it often shows up in skills and habits. Setting small checkpoint goals helps you know what to look out for at home. Examples of helpful checkpoint goals: “Starting the piece without help” “Finding hand position independently” “Playing through without stopping” “Feeling confident playing for someone else” Ask the teacher: “What’s one thing we should notice improving over the next few lessons?” This gives you clarity and keeps expectations realistic. A Reassuring Note for Parents At ages 6–8, piano progress is often gradual and subtle and that’s exactly how it should be. Confidence, comfort at the keyboard, and smoother transitions are just as important as notes and rhythms. By observing, recording small milestones, and staying aligned with the teacher, you’re already playing a vital role in your child’s musical journey even if you’ve never played a note yourself.  If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
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