How Do Online Piano Lessons Work?
Private piano instruction is offered online through Zoom, and I’m more than happy to help you get set up if you don’t know what you need. Lessons are organized around students’ individual goals to ensure learning music is a fun and engaging experience.
Required Setup
- Full size acoustic piano or keyboard with weighted keys
For digital pianos I recommend Yamaha’s p-series (p125 or 515 in particular)with the cabinet stand and pedal bar for those looking for a good balance of quality and cost on a sampled instrument, or the Roland FP series (30, 60, or 90) for a modeled instrument, with my current teaching instrument of choice being the FP-90x. - Zoom capable devices and a fast internet connection
Ideally a combo of laptop and a tablet/phone(s) with Zoom installed, at least one or the other, and sadly a Chromebook won’t do. One screen is for the student to see me, while the other provides me a line of sight to evaluate their physical position at the keyboard. - Wired Headphones
Wired headphones with a cord long enough to avoid obscuring movement, without an attached mic, for which I recommend these as a good balance of weight, cost, and quality. - External USB microphone
For a first mic I recommend the snowball microphones from Blue, as they hit a sweet spot for price vs. quality, but there are many steps in between that and the best possible setup which I’m happy to help you navigate as we go.
About Ryan
Born and raised in Seattle, I’ve spent over 20 years playing piano, and the past eight years teaching. A current board member of the SMTA and WSMTA, as well as an active student of professional soloist Mark Salman, I thrive on helping people build a rewarding relationship with music, whatever their age or expertise.
Professional Associations
- SMTA Board of Directors, President
- SMTA Online Recitals Chair
- WSMTA Tech Support, as needed
Mission Statement
My teaching philosophy centers on three fundamental tenets. First, I believe in teaching from appeal rather than authority. Fostering a love of music comes from figuring out how the student connects with music most naturally, and building from that through collaboration.
Second, my approach to learning is holistic. Beyond the nuances of reading, playing, and relating to music, we may also discuss anatomy, the physics of sound, historical context, and more. Understanding the deeper structure of music and sound, the history of musical development, and how the brain and body interact creates an enriching, immersive, and ultimately enthralling experience.
Finally, I believe music is our natural emotional voice. While speech may best convey our ideas, and math the shape of the natural world, it is music that can best articulate our emotions. It’s there for all of us if we give it our time, our creative persistence, and the best of our patience. As such my only true requirement of a prospective student is that they wish to embark on a musical journey, and that they’re willing to put in the time to walk that path.
Rates
Youth (6 – 18 years) students pay on a monthly tuition basis with the initial month pro-rated. Tuition is a flat rate regardless of holidays or breaks, and is charged at the beginning of the month September – June. July/August schedules are decided by June of the same year and tend to be more flexible to accommodate summer vacations and whatnot. All scheduling and payments are made online through FONS.
In addition to lessons & twice yearly studio recitals, tuition covers additional services which vary depending on the age/maturity of the students. For instance, older students participate in monthly group classes, which consist of theory review, mini performances, and promote community-based learning. Meanwhile younger students receive personalized post lesson instructional videos which provide a powerful learning tool that can be referenced between lessons.
Students also have the opportunity to join me on (typically) the first Saturday of the month at a centrally located studio in Capitol Hill for in person technique checkups and duet work as interest and ability allow.
Youth Tuition Rates
For students on tuition there is a yearly materials/activities fee of $100. For fees and tuition, sliding scale rates can be arranged where need can be demonstrated.
(Ages 6 – 10)
Weekly Lessons &
Post-Lesson Videos
(Ages 6 – 18)
Weekly Lessons &
Post-Lesson Videos
(Ages 11 – 18)
Weekly Lessons &
Monthly Group Classes
Adult Lessons
Adult piano lessons are $100/lesson and run for an hour. All scheduling and payments are made online through FONS, with lessons charged the day they occur.
Weekly lessons are strongly recommended, particularly if you have no previous musical/piano experience. If you are interested, dedicated, but in financial need, please contact me about sliding scale rates.
General Exectations
Prepare for Each Lesson
The experience is at its best and most effective when students practice their assigned material in the week it’s assigned. For lessons and practice students should be set up in a room with minimal background activity. A snack before each lesson also helps maintain focus.
Regular Access to a Piano
It is critical to have access to a piano for regular practice between lessons in order for the learning process to flourish. Although not strictly necessary, a well maintained acoustic piano is highly recommended and provides the best experience. If using a keyboard, it should be full size with weighted keys and a sustain pedal. A metronome is also useful, and often included with keyboards.
Rescheduling and Cancellation
Please provide as much notice as possible. When lessons must be missed I will happily try to reschedule, the rest of my schedule permitting, but I offer no guarantee. If less than 24 hours notice is given the lesson will be considered entirely forfeit.