5 Tips For Learning Music Online

Looking for online music lessons? Here are 5 tips to get started, from finding the right course to getting the most out of it.

Flexible and cost-effective, an increasing number of artists are opting for online music learning, leveraging the myriad of benefits it offers. The rise in popularity is resulting in improved quality and broader accessibility, making online music lessons a better option now than they have ever been.

A key benefit of virtual learning is the diversity on offer. Online music lessons are no longer restricted to just traditional courses, such as piano and guitar. Online DJ courses, music production courses and lessons in more obscure instruments are popping up more and more, in-person and online. So, even if you can't find a suitable music teacher near you, you can still get started exactly the way you want, whether that's learning how to beatmatch or how to play the essential drum rudiments.

I learnt the benefits of online learning first-hand during the lockdown. During this period, I started taking drum lessons, playing for the first time in years, with the help of a refresher course I found online. I found my online drum lessons so useful that I decided to offer tips for virtual music learning on my blog — MIDDER. Since then, I've helped thousands of people start their journey to learning an instrument.

Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time ever, the first time in years or delving into music theory, here are 5 quick tips to get the most out of online music lessons.

1. Set Clear and Attainable Goals

The first step to learn music online is to define your objectives clearly. Consider what you want to achieve through your music lessons, even if you’re just learning a new instrument for fun.

Whether it's mastering a particular instrument, delving into music theory or improving your songwriting skills, setting specific and realistic goals will keep you motivated and focused, leading to more impressive results.

For instance, you might aim to learn the C major scale, perform a song for a friend or practice sight-reading once a week. Challenge yourself by setting firm dates for achieving these milestones.

2. Find the Right Instructor or Course

Choosing the right online platform or teacher is crucial to your success in online music learning. Look for reputable platforms that offer structured lessons and that have positive reviews from past music students.

A well-structured curriculum ensures a comprehensive learning experience, while positive reviews attest to the instructor's effectiveness. Additionally, research the instructor's background and expertise in the specific area you wish to learn.

Finding an instructor you resonate with can enhance your learning journey significantly, even in online courses where interaction might be limited.

3. Establish a Consistent Practice Routine

Consistency is key to progress whether you’re learning drums, guitar, songwriting or music theory. The more time you dedicate to practicing, the better you’ll get, and learning music is much more fun once you’ve mastered the basics.

Set aside dedicated practice time, ideally every day, and try to stick to that routine as closely as possible. By establishing a consistent practice routine, you create a conducive environment for skill development and improvement.

Each week, focus on specific areas that require attention, and break down complex techniques or pieces into manageable parts to practice gradually. For instance, you might learn to play the first 4 bars of a song one week, building up to the first 8 bars the following week, and so on.

Booking a dedicated rehearsal studio, even just once a week, can help you focus if you're struggling at home.

4. Use a Variety of Resources

One of the advantages of online music lessons is access to a wealth of multimedia resources. Take full advantage of these resources to enrich your learning experience. Video tutorials, audio recordings, sheet music and interactive exercises can all contribute to a well-rounded understanding of music.

Don't limit yourself to the core lessons; explore other platforms, tutorials, forums, blogs, podcasts and online communities related to your musical interests. These additional resources can provide inspiration, supplemental information and music industry networking opportunities.

5. Incorporate 1:1 Tuition

If your chosen platform or course offers one-to-one interaction with the instructor, make the most of it. Take the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification and receive personalised feedback.

One-on-one virtual music lessons can be invaluable in addressing specific challenges and accelerating your progress. Additionally, participating in discussion forums or using chat features can enable interaction with fellow learners, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Finally, but most importantly, stay motivated and enjoy the process. Remember that progress may vary from person to person, so be patient with yourself.

Stay motivated by celebrating small achievements and always keep the joy of music at the forefront of your mind. By setting clear goals, choosing the right instructor or course, maintaining a consistent practice routine, using diverse resources and embracing interactive opportunities, online music learning can become an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience.

So, pick up your instrument or delve into music theory, and let online music lessons and courses open new horizons in your musical endeavors.