Taking lessons from a seasoned instructor may have once been the preferred – and only – way to learn to play piano, but the ubiquity of the internet has given rise to online piano lessons. This modern method of piano teaching is becoming increasingly popular because it offers a number of distinct advantages over traditional piano lessons. Learning to play piano online provides flexibility and convenience because you can take lessons at your own pace and within the comfort of your own home. With engaging interactivity and comprehensive curriculum, the method is ideal for students of all ages and skill levels.
There is also a significant cost-savings to consider with online piano lessons. While a traditional lesson with an experienced teacher can cost anywhere from $35 to $100 per hour, online piano services charge a monthly subscription fee that's typically under $20. Furthermore, many services offer a pricing discount if you sign up for six months or more.
There are many options when it comes to learning piano online, each with a unique course of study. Our top picks for online piano lessons include Piano Marvel, Playground Sessions and The Online Piano School with Christine Peery. To find the right service to meet your individual piano goals, read our in-depth reviews and articles about learning piano online.
There is a variety of online piano services, and though each one provides piano instruction, they vary in terms of the methods they use and the practice tools and curriculum they offer. We used the following criteria to evaluate the offerings of the best online piano services to help you choose the service that best meets your needs.
Lessons
Piano lessons online should teach a broad spectrum of concepts regarding music theory and technique. These include concepts such as proper fingering, rhythm, chords, scales and the mechanics of playing piano. The lessons should be progressive, meaning you begin with basic concepts and progress towards the more advanced elements of playing piano. The best services also introduce a wide variety of musical genres, such as classical and jazz.
Features
Supplementary features enhance the curriculum of online piano lessons and can make your learning more enjoyable and effective. Features you should look for include video tutorials, provided lesson music, and printable music and worksheets. If you are a music educator, many online piano services also provide features that enable you to track your students and their progress. Other features to look for include social media integration and MIDI compatibility. Additionally, while most online piano lessons utilize public domain music, some offer contemporary music that you can purchase.
Practice Tools
Practice tools are the keystone of any piano teaching program, as they enable you to practice and hone the skills taught in each lesson. Accompaniment, a metronome, section looping and song segmentation are all important practice tools that foster your online learning. Easy-to-understand practice instructions and exercises that target the right and left hands individually and together also serve as beneficial practice tools. Look for online piano lessons that also provide progress tracking and reports. When you're learning to play the piano, personalized feedback and critique are crucial because they enable you to identify and improve areas of weakness. It's also helpful if you can track the amount of time you have spent practicing.
Help & Support
Since many people use online piano lessons in lieu of a piano teacher, solid support resources are essential. These should include direct support via email or telephone, as well as online FAQs and forums that you can reference for additional information.
Although online piano lessons aren't a shortcut to proficiency, they can help you learn to play the piano just as well as an in-person instructor. Whether you're an advanced player or just starting out on the keyboard, there is a course of online piano lessons that is ideal for your needs.
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