Why Online Piano Lessons are Thriving and Successful
There is a notable difference between in-person piano lessons and online piano lessons. I have always conducted face-to-face lessons. These, I believe, are an excellent way for anyone, especially children, to learn to play the piano. I have guided many students through their exams and witnessed the excitement and pride on their faces when they passed many times. Surprisingly, the thrill is the same with online piano exam students.
The Teacher’s Dilemma
From a teacher’s perspective, face-to-face lessons present a challenge. During the day, most adults are at work and children are at school. This arrangement means that the majority of lessons take place in the evenings and on weekends. At the same time, the day can be used for recreational or domestic activities. A few students who require daytime lessons necessitate the teacher’s presence. As a result, there is often downtime where potential earnings are lost.
Benefits of Online Teaching
When I first started teaching online, I expected it to be less personal for both my students and me. However, it has turned out to be better in many respects. When a student needs clarification. I can demonstrate it instantly without having to squeeze onto a stool beside them. Additionally, I can switch to an alternative camera to show the student the music on screen, alongside their music stand in front of them.
Parents often sit in during lessons, especially with very young children, providing support (and sometimes hindrance). This presence gives the child extra confidence, knowing their trusted parent is nearby.
Online lessons also open up opportunities to teach students worldwide, requiring adaptability to various time zones. Evening hours in one country may correspond to mid-morning in another, allowing me to schedule lessons at times that are convenient for my students. This flexibility makes the teaching process much easier for them.
Disadvantages of Online Teaching
However, there are disadvantages to online teaching, as there always are with any method. One significant issue is time zones. These remain stable until seasonal changes occur, usually in the summer and winter. Not all countries adjust their clocks simultaneously. A well-organized calendar can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare when a country changes its clocks but others do not. When students from those countries request their usual lesson times, the teacher’s time zone may not align, resulting in confusion. Unfortunately, this cycle tends to repeat itself over the years, especially when managing a large number of students.
The Tax Challenge
Taxes pose another challenge. Each country has its tax regulations. Some impose digital taxes, while others do not. In the United States, each state has its specific guidelines on what is taxable. And the lowest earnings required before taxes apply as a teacher working with students from various countries. It will be necessary to register for tax in each of them, which can be unmanageable for a solo educator.
The easiest solution is to use a platform that handles these issues for you. This can be expensive; they typically charge around 10 to 20% of your gross earnings. This fee is worth the peace of mind, as it simplifies tax responsibilities to your home country only.
Pricing Considerations
Teaching online allows instructors to work from home. After covering the setup costs (mine was around £5,000 for computers, software, multiple cameras, lighting, etc. I already had a good keyboard, stands, etc. A keyboard rather than a piano is best. Unless low at the front, a keyboard allows for better camera angles than a standard upright piano.) Ongoing expenses primarily include internet, electricity, occasional equipment replacements, and the buying of teaching materials. Except for the internet, these costs are standard for any piano teacher.
Nonetheless, online teaching prices can be lower than traditional in-person lessons due to increased competition. Many new educators, including recent graduates struggling to secure gigs, are also turning to online teaching. If you use a teaching platform, you will face direct competition from others in the same situation. To succeed, a teacher must strive to stand out and offer superior lessons in an environment that fosters confidence.