Many people nowadays start their search for a singing teacher online.How can you get a quality lesson through a computer screen, if you have been teaching singing classes for a while?If you have the right technology and preparation, you can teach your students online with the same authority that you would in person.You will get there, it might take a little bit of adjustment.
Step 1: Pick a good video chatting platform.
You need a reliable service to connect you with your students when you do online lessons.There are 4 main video chat services that you can choose from.They are offering their services for free to anyone who teaches K-12.You can schedule meetings as well as share your screen with students on their platform.If you and your students have Apple products, this is a good one to get.The video quality is usually good if not excellent, and it is completely free.There is a possibility that this is not the case.This platform has been around for a long time, but it doesn't have as many features.The basic services are free, but you need a business account to schedule meetings and share your screen.There is a possibility that this is not the case.Both you and your student will need to have a Google account to use this platform.You can share your screen with your student for free.
Step 2: Quality headphones are a good investment.
When teaching singing online, you need headphones to cut back on feedback in the background.You can really hear your student sing if you wear headphones or earbuds all the time.A good pair of headphones can be had for less than $50.
Step 3: If you want more volume control, use an external microphone.
If you only need a basic set up, the microphone on your computer is fine.If you want your students to pick out your breath control and soft sounds in your voice, you should buy an external microphone and hook it up to your computer.External microphones cost around $100.
Step 4: Make sure that you and your student use high speed internet.
Delay and lag can be caused by slow internet.If you are using a laptop, have your student sit as close to the router as possible.You can plug your laptop into the modem to make sure you get the fastest internet.If other people in your home use the internet, ask them not to download or stream anything until you finish your lesson.
Step 5: You can schedule your students by email or phone.
It is important to keep your schedule organized so you have time for all your students.Get in contact with your students by email, text, or phone, then write down their lesson times on a spreadsheet to keep track of them.It is possible to keep the lesson time that your student had in person if you switch to lessons online.
Step 6: Before the lesson, record any instrumental music and send it to your student.
Scales and instrumental music can get distorted through the computer if you play it.Send a copy of the music to your student so they can listen to it.They can practice before and after the lesson.
Step 7: If your student prepares a song, have them send you a copy of their music.
Send a PDF file of the sheet music to your student if they prepare a song.You can either print it out or use your screen to read it as they sing.On most video chatting platforms, the host of the meeting is the only one who can share their screen, so your student won't be able to share it with you via your platform.
Step 8: The student should wear headphones during the lesson.
If you and your student are wearing headphones, the sound will be better.Ask your student if they have a pair of headphones that they can wear during the lesson.You might want to send them an email before the lesson so they know what to bring.If they have an external microphone, be sure to use it.
Step 9: As you teach, record the lesson.
You can record when you start a meeting on most video platforms.Send a copy of the lesson to your student once you are done recording it.They can look back over the lesson when they are practicing on their own.You can use the recorded lesson as a reference to plan your next lesson.
Step 10: Instead of singing at the same time, sing back and forth.
If you and your student try to sing at the same time, most video chatting platforms will delay or lag.You can either play a scale and have your student sing it back, or you can sing a note and repeat.Your student can play the instrumental music that you sent them.
Step 11: There is a speaker that you can play your backing tracks on.
Don't use the computer you're currently on if you want to play music to sing along.Play the music on your phone or speaker to avoid feedback and distortion.You won't be able to hear anything of quality if you play any sound from the device you're using to talk with your student.
Step 12: Your student can pay with a check or online.
Getting paid can be difficult since you aren't seeing each other in person.If you want to get paid online, you can either set up a CashApp account or have your student send you a check in the mail.You can pay in advance of your lessons.
Step 13: You can meet with your student once a week.
You should try to meet your students one on one at some point during the week.If you have a lesson that lasts more than an hour, wrap it up after 60 minutes.You should charge your students by the hour.Depending on where you are, you should charge anywhere from $40 to $100 per hour.
Step 14: Start by practicing scales.
You and your student probably need a warm up before the lesson begins.If you want your student to repeat the scales back to you, play them on your keyboard.Warm up your voice before the lesson.Singing can strain your vocal cords.
Step 15: Correct your student's posture.
Although it can be hard to see through a computer, try to check on your student's posture and listen for their breathing.Let your student know if you notice any issues.If your student is a beginner, you may have to teach them how to sit and breathe.Singers can have poor posture.They have been signing for a long time.
Step 16: Move onto the prepared music of your student.
You can work on your student's song after you warm up.They can choose what they like to listen to, perform, or be technically challenging.Correcting their pitch, volume, and tone is the majority of the lesson.Your student might not have a song prepared if they are a beginner.You can email the document to them if you assign them something.
Step 17: Students should be given music to practice.
Before your lesson is over, assign your student a sheet of music to practice on their own, and make sure they remember the vocal basics.If you want your students to be prepared for your next lesson, ask them to practice the song once a day.Give your student some scales instead of sheet music if they are a beginner.