Since April 2020, I’ve been teaching private piano lessons exclusively online. Over that time I’ve seen a multitude of student setups for their virtual piano lessons. Some work better than others. The success of these virtual piano lessons largely depends on your preparation at home. Setting up an optimal environment for lessons (and home practice) helps students focus, stay motivated, and connect effectively with their teacher.
Today’s blog post covers my top tips on how to prepare the home environment for the best virtual piano lesson experience (and home practice sessions).
Choosing the Right Space in the Home for the Piano (and Virtual Piano Lessons)
The first step in preparing your home is finding the best location to set up your instrument for lessons. The space you choose can significantly impact the learning experience. Now, I realize we are working with a large instrument so the location you select must work for your everyday life! So keep that in mind while considering the following ideas.
Prioritizing Quiet and Distraction-Free Zones
A calm environment is key to staying focused. Pick a spot away from household noise like TVs, conversations, or kitchen activities. (In other words, those having a piano in the living room may seem ideal aesthetically, but this location might not be the most conducive for virtual piano lessons or home practice sessions!)
In shared spaces, consider using a door sign to let others know lessons or practice sessions are in progress. This reduces interruptions and helps create an atmosphere of concentration. If possible, set up your piano in a room where the door can be shut to minimize external distractions.
Important: For acoustic piano owners, if you have an older home with poor insulation do not place it against an exterior wall. Be aware of the environmental impact on your piano. Do not place it in a location where it will receive extreme sunlight either. Pianos are made out of wood and are highly sensitive to temperature variations.
Ensuring Proper Lighting and Visibility
Good lighting ensures the teacher can clearly see the student’s posture, hand movements, and technique. Choose a spot with ample natural light or supplement with lamps. Avoid harsh overhead lighting that casts shadows on the keyboard or screen. Position lights to brighten the student’s face and hands while avoiding glare on the camera.
Assessing Internet Connectivity in the Space
A stable internet connection is essential for seamless lessons. Test the Wi-Fi signal strength in your chosen spot. If the connection is weak, consider moving closer to the router or purchasing a booster for your home to create a more reliable connection. A lagging video feed can disrupt the flow of the lesson, so this step isn’t to be overlooked. Also, consider decreasing the overall internet usage during a remote piano lesson to prevent possible lagging.
Setting Up the Piano and Necessary Equipment
Your physical setup plays a big role in creating a productive learning environment. Proper organization and suitable equipment make sessions smoother.
Positioning the Piano for Optimal Learning
If you own a digital piano, place the piano on a level surface where it won’t wobble or shift and allow the student enough space to slide their knees under the piano a few inches. It is best if you have a proper adjustable stand for your digital piano to ensure proper posture when playing. The sturdier the stand the better!
Select a chair or bench that is fixed and stable enough for the student to sit on the front half of the bench/chair.
Position the camera chosen for the remote piano lesson so the teacher can clearly see the student’s hands and face via the camera. In my studio, we usually use two cameras (one directed at our hands/instruments and one on our faces).
Choosing and Testing Audio-Visual Equipment
Most laptops come equipped with adequate webcams and microphones for remote lessons. They are definitely preferred over tablets, as the sound quality is immensely better on a laptop than on a tablet.
If needed, consider investing in a high-quality webcam and microphone for better communication. Webcams with adjustable angles help ensure the student is always visible. A good microphone eliminates sound distortion, allowing the teacher to hear each note clearly. Test these devices before lessons to prevent technical hiccups and maximize lesson time.
Organizing Accessories and Materials
Keep essential items close to the piano for convenience. These might include lesson books, sheet music, a metronome, pencils for note-taking, and a notebook. Use a small basket or organizer to avoid clutter while ensuring everything is easy to find. This simple setup saves time and keeps students focused.
Creating a Comfortable and Inspiring Environment
An inviting and practical environment can significantly enhance engagement and motivation during lessons and practice sessions.
Adjusting Furniture for Comfort and Posture
Proper posture is critical when playing the piano. Use an adjustable bench or chair to ensure the student’s feet touch the ground (or a stool for younger students) and the forearms are parallel to the ground. Avoid furniture that causes slouching or strain, as it can lead to discomfort during longer sessions.
Adding Personal Touches for Inspiration
Inspire creativity by personalizing the practice space. Hang motivational posters, display a favorite piece of music, or include small decorations like plants. Several of my students hang handwritten notes I've sent them above their practice space.
A clean, inviting space with some personal flair can make students feel more invested in their practice time.
(Note: Never place liquids directly on the piano as spills or condensation can damage the instrument!)
Establishing Efficient Routines for Practice Sessions
Consistency and focus are key to steady progress. A structured routine ensures students make the most of their practice time.
Setting a Dedicated Practice Schedule
Designate specific times for practice each day to build a habit. Whether it’s before school, after lunch, or in the evening, find a time that fits naturally into your daily schedule. Consistency helps students of all ages stay disciplined and motivated over the long term.
Minimizing Distractions During Practice
Encourage focus by reducing distractions. Turn off notifications on nearby devices, and ask family members to avoid the practice area during sessions. Headphones can be helpful for digital pianos to block out background noise while playing.
Tracking Progress and Goals
Keep track of progress by setting short-term and long-term goals. My youth and adult students use the app called Practice Space to track their practice times and access lesson assignments. I've also written a practice journal called Notes to Self: A Guided Mindful Practice Journal for high school and adult musicians to track their intentions, goals, efforts, additional notes, and celebrations. Keeping a visual log keeps motivation high and progress visible increasing the likelihood of the student continuing their studies.
(Check out this post for additional practice tips for parents and for students.)
Prepare the Home for Virtual Piano Lessons: A Key to Success
Excelling at the piano through virtual piano lessons takes dedication, time, quality instruction, a quality instrument, and a home environment prepared to best support instruction and home practice sessions.
Preparing your home for virtual piano lessons is about more than just setting up a keyboard and camera. The right environment fosters focus, comfort, and enthusiasm, making learning more enjoyable and productive. By choosing a quiet space, investing in proper equipment, and creating an inspiring setup, students can thrive in their musical journey. With consistent routines and thoughtful preparation, virtual lessons feel as effective as in-person instruction, if not better. Start preparing your space today, and let the music begin!
If learning the piano is on your list (or the list of someone you know), I would be honored to help in the journey.
It is my true joy to bring the joy of music into hearts and homes through personalized remote piano lessons that will leave you feeling inspired and accomplished.
The process is simple:
1. Schedule a call to talk about your goals.
2. Select a lesson time.
3. Take your first lesson!
If you are looking for additional support and encouragement in your musical journey, check out Notes to Self: A Guided Mindful Practice Journal designed to bring mindfulness and celebration to your practice sessions.
Are you an adult musician looking for community with other adults actively pursuing the skill of mastering an instrument? If so, you are invited to join my Facebook Group, Notes to Self Musical Community: A Supportive Group for Adults. I hope to see you there!
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