Prior to the world shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic we were just as skeptical as anyone about how effective virtual music lessons could actually be. But we immediately knew that to keep TGR students engaged and able to continue their music education from the safety of their homes we needed to figure out how to make it work. . .and fast.
So we barely slept. . .and we studied. . .and we ordered equipment. . .and we started teaching remotely. . .and throughout the pandemic we didn't lose a single student due to making the switch to a virtual format for lessons.
Gradually over time some students began to request to come back to in-person lessons so we taught outside when the weather cooperated. Now, in-person students are once again welcome indoors BUT many students choose to continue taking their lessons remotely! Some students who live as close to the studio as just a few blocks continue to stay home for their lessons for a variety of reasons. We gained students from around the country who wanted to study with us but couldn't because of distance and we grew to love the virtual format for lessons. Here's why:
Convenience. Parents love not having to pack up the kids and drive to lessons while figuring out a way to kill time during the lessons. Adult learners love not having to spend time driving to lessons and for those who have mobility concerns, staying home for lessons is the perfect solution.
Comfort. We feel that students learn best when they are in an environment where they feel comfortable, relaxed, and welcome. While we strive to make The Green Room feel just that way, folks tend to be most comfortable when they are home. You're playing your own instrument, in your own space, with your own special cup of tea in your favorite mug, surrounded by your pets and family. . .and you feel relaxed and ready to be creative.
Technology is cool. Yes, the sound quality is really and truly just as good. In the past couple of years the smart people who develop technology have figured out how to give us musicians settings that make what we hear in virtual lessons pretty much just as good as when we are in the same room. . .some argue it might be even better. We can show up close views of our hands, we can pull up the music on the screen and share it and circle and point to things and it's really fabulous. . .and fun!
It's easy. We have special equipment and strong Internet connectivity to make sure that you can hear us and see us very clearly. . .but you don't need special equipment to make this an awesome experience. As long as you have a tablet, smartphone, or computer, we can tell you how to adjust a few simple settings and that's about all you need to do. You might need some books to prop up your device to just the right height if you don't have a tripod, but otherwise it really is that simple. We promise. . .it's easy and it works.
Lessons from literally ANYWHERE. Sometimes we go out of town. . .but we can still teach your lessons. Sometimes you go out of town. . .but we can still teach your lessons. Sometimes students have to stay with a babysitter or go to their grandparents'. . .but we can still teach your lessons. Sometimes there is a teacher that you just click with and really want to study with (ahem, us) but they live hundreds of miles away. . .well, we can still teach your lessons. And sometimes you're under the weather and shouldn't be out and about. . .but we can still teach your lessons.
It's empowering. Even in-person teachers aren't around 24/7 when you have something go wrong with your instrument. Your guitar needs to be tuned? No worries, we'll help you learn how to do it yourself. Your valve is sticky? No worries, we'll teach you how to oil and clean it. We can help you with all that remotely. . .and then you'll feel more empowered to be able to do it on your own when we're not around.
