Are Online Lessons As Good As In-Person Lessons?

Animate On Scroll.

My professional clients and most successful students have worked with me online.  Because I have been teaching voice online since 2004, I can say that when using the right methods and tools, virtual lessons are as good as or better than in-person lessons.  Among many reasons why (read more below) is that with face-to-face lessons, I often cannot look at you nor hear you well because I am playing the piano. ​

​Keep reading to see  scientific research 
​that backs these findings...

There is an art to delivering online lessons.  Because I have been teaching online for many years, I know many tactics, apps, websites, and more that get the right results. If you have not had a great experience with online lessons, it is likely because the right skill set has not been used in your lessons.  Try me!​

All of these students have won roles and awards by taking online lessons

Luke and Jonah became NATS National Quarterfinalists with online lessons

Online Lesson Students Win!
State Singing Competition Winners:  Bottom L-R: Joseph Kayne, 2nd Place; Jonah Sorscher, 1st Place; Middle L-R: Evelyn Spaeth, Honorable Mention; Eva Milligan, Honorable Mention; Luke Randazzo, 2nd Place

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These ​Four Online Students Advanced to the NATS National Semi Finals Preliminaries After Winning in the State and Great Lakes Region

What students have said 
about online voice lessons

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Thank you for teaching me singing lessons over the computer!  It's been really fun.  We've had some good laughs and I've gotten 1,000 times better with my singing.

​Tyler G.

Kathy Cammett is an exceptional vocal coach who taught my son for several years. She is the consummate professional with a wealth of experience in vocal performance and coaching. She helped my son to refine and strengthen his vocal technique and to enhance his performance style. Also, she provided him with very valuable, targeted guidance when he prepared for musical theatre auditions. David always looked forward to his lessons with Kathy, because she is a sweet, patient individual who has a marvelous sense of humor. We enjoyed the convenience of David having the option to participate in his lessons online. I highly recommend Kathy Cammett to anyone who is interested in improving their singing. She is amazing!

Cathy P.

Kathy Cammett is amazing! Norah has loved working with her. Online lessons has vocal study so convenient and productive.

​Sarah M.

Brady has been working since 2018 with his voice teacher, Kathy Cammett, and really enjoys the flexibility of online lessons.  Kathy creates a fun and engaging learning environment where his love for singing and acting has flourished.

Kristy S.

Thank you Kathy Cammett for your online lessons for the past two years with Luke. He is discovering his dream under your instruction. ​

John R.

Animate On Scroll.

With the right methods and tools,
​online lessons are incredible!

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How Do Online Lessons Work?

ONLINE LESSONS ALLOW ME TO REALLY SEE YOU AND HEAR YOU WHEN YOU SING​

So often when in-person, I cannot look at you all the time because I have to play the piano.  As well, I may not hear you well over the piano.  Because of these factors, I may miss important things since I am unable to fully observe everything when face to face. ​

​STUDENTS ARE MORE ENGAGED ONLINE THAN IN-PERSON

Students develop a real sense of independence and responsibility because they are the ones who have to make the marks in their music, line up their karaoke, etc.  And even better is that a student has to look at me and can also see themselves readily on the webcam.  This type of self-observation is an important part of learning that does not happen all the time in-person.  Students end up more focused on their sound, their physical comportment and feelings, and their preparation which then makes them progress faster.  Also, students report being more comfortable working on their voices at home.

ONLINE LESSONS FOSTER GOOD EAR-TRAINING AND BUILD PITCH-MATCHING AND TONAL MEMORY ABILITIES FAR BETTER THAN FACE-TO-FACE LESSONS

An essential skill for a singer is the ability to audiate - to hear pitches in their head without assistance, remember them, and reproduce them accurately.  When the piano is being played during an in-person lesson, it becomes a crutch and hindrance to the singer who relies on it to get their pitch.  ​Often when someone complains about online lessons, it is because they are having trouble in matching pitches that may not have been evident before.

AND ONLINE LESSONS KEEP YOU SAFE FROM COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES

No need to worry about social distancing, masks, ventilation, or how many singers exhaled before you.

YOU CAN FIND A GOOD TEACHER BEYOND A LOCAL MARKET

The best teacher for your needs and level of development may not live in your area.  Never have to type in voice lessons near me ' again!  More on how to find a good teacher

ONLINE LESSONS SAVE YOU TIME, GAS MONEY, FIGHTING TRAFFIC, AND DRIVING DURING BAD WEATHER

You might even have more time and energy left to practice!

YOU CAN HAVE A LESSON WHEREVER YOU GO

Most phones have hotspot capabilities or you can purchase a separate mobile hotspot.

Luke Randazzo loves online voice lessons became a National Semi-Finalist in the NATS Student Auditions, placed Third in the national Classical Singer High School Competition, First Place in NATS Great Lakes Region, Second in the State of Ohio NATS, Second Place in Matinee Musicale, became a Finalist in Overture Awards and the Schmidt Vocal Competition!

Katie Hill in her online voice lesson.  Katie placed First in the State and in the Top 5 for NATS Great Lakes Region

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RESEARCH FINDINGS ABOUT ONLINE LESSONS ALSO SUPPORT MY EXPERIENCE WITH VIRTUAL LESSONS

Here are some notable results of research comparing online lessons with traditional in-person lessons:

1. 28% increase in student playing
2. 36% decrease in off-task comments by the instructor
3. 28% decrease in teacher playing (modeling) 
4. Overall increase in student eye contact - Young students, especially those with attention challenges, are taught more effectively online than in person.  Children have the ability to focus intently on a computer screen, and, with only the teacher's hands, face, and instrument in sight, the distractions tend to vanish
5. ​Less than 3% of the time was spent on technology issues. 

 

• Oman, E.K. and Whitaker, J.A. (2010).  Time usage during face-to-face and synchronous distance music lessons.  American Journal of Distance Education, 24(2), 92-103.

Will YOU HEAR ME WELL ENOUGH?  DO I NEED SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR ONLINE LESSONS?  

To get started all you need is a device.  A smartphone, tablet, or computer, plus an internet connection will have you up and running. 

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