Now that we’re about a month into our stay-home order around here, necessitating virtual rather than in-person piano lessons, I decided to give our monthly group class a try using a Zoom meeting. It went surprisingly well and was a fun time!
We started with a game of rhythmic dictation where I played a 4-beat pattern on my piano and the students used the whiteboard screen share option in Zoom to notate their rhythms.
It was fun to watch the students experiment with different tools available via Zoom to complete their notation!
After our rhythmic dictation, we took turns playing our Psalms Project compositions for each other. I asked the students to create an image of some sort that included the words of their psalm so that we could read the lyrics while the composition was being played.
We followed up the Psalms Project sharing with each student and myself performing solo repertoire pieces. (Incidentally, I found that the Advanced Audio Setting changes suggested by the folks at LessonFace.com did wonders for getting better sound when my students were playing the piano.)
Finally, we ended with a game using the Musical Rhymes and Riddles cards from Music in Motion. I read a riddle and the students had to type their answers, again using the whiteboard screen share option in Zoom. The time flew by and our virtual group class provided a way to connect, have some fun, and share music with each other. Of course, nothing beats in person piano lessons and classes, but I’m so grateful for the technology that enables us to still enjoy some of our favorite experiences! Has anyone else tried virtual group classes? Any fun ideas that worked well for you?
Diana says
Thanks for the ideas! I’m collecting ideas and will hopefully do group lessons in the next few weeks. They were supposed to happen last week 🙁
natalie says
That’s great, Diana! I’d love to hear how it goes and what works best for you!