On Line Trumpet Lessons- #2 Different Forms of Delivery

Now that we have given our readers a little background on the development of distant education, it is time to dig deeper into what is currently used as a method of delivery to the student.

Listed below are a few of the methods of delivery instructors are currently using on the internet-

• Skype lessons- When taking a lesson through the program Skype, the instructor and student communicate in time through a video/audio connection. The program software is free and can be downloaded from this site.
• YouTube lessons- YouTube is another possible site for trumpet lessons. Many times these lessons are free and cover a vast amount of subjects.
• Lessons in DVD format- Usually these videos are available for varying amounts of cash and can include helpful information.
• Series of lessons offered as subscriptions- This form of lesson distribution is gaining in popularity and could possibly replace existing DVD examples.
• Series of lessons offered as subscriptions with limited video interaction with instructor.
Here are some advantages of each of these methods of presentation

Skype lessons

This is by far the most personal and interactive form of taking lessons. Through this environment, the student and instructor have an in time visit which increases the effectiveness of the lesson. The instructor is able to view the student as he/she is playing and through this moment by moment connection, any problems can be addressed at once.

When this format first began, most of us were very interested in its use but because of the limits of the format and the speed of the internet we sat back to wait until the technology reached a usable level. And now it has finally reached that level. The sound quality and speed of connection finally makes it a usable medium for teaching trumpet lessons. I have had wonderful success teaching through Skype and have continued to develop more techniques applicable to my teaching.

Having the ability to hear as well as see a student perform is “ALMOST” AS GOOD AS BEING THERE.

Facebook lessons

The best thing about lessons available as video lessons on Facebook is that they are free. Another benefit of lessons offered on Facebook is that they cover many issues. Still another advantage of Facebook videos is the fact that you have many different opinions as to how to get from point A to point B in your development.

One of the disadvantages of lessons taught from videos on Facebook is that the material may be completely wrong. The number of bad, bad and badder instructional videos is endless. As an example of one of these BADDEST instructional videos I have run across was a subject of one of my earlier topics called THE WORST INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO ON THE INTERNET.

Lessons in DVD format

DVDS are much like published books, as soon as they are printed, they are out of date. A very good friend of mine published a very popular book on trumpet playing and when it was published, I told him that a person should write only one book and its publication should happen just as the author dies. In that way, the author’s ideas in the book would not have to be changed as he/she learned more about the subject.

Taking lessons from a DVD can be very helpful for the student is able to progress at his/her own pace and reviewing material is as easy as pushing the play back button. Seeing and hearing the teacher demonstrate an idea is very beneficial and although the teacher is not there, his/her demonstration is very beneficial to the student.

Series of lessons offered as subscriptions

Subscriptions of lessons are much like taking lessons while viewing a DVD. Usually these lessons are stored on line in a video format and can be accessed at any time by the student. One advantage of lessons through a subscription is that the student can pick and choose the material he/she would like to study. Instructors offering lessons through a subscription format are able to add, delete and/or modify the material as needs arise. This feature is not possible on a DVD purchased by the student.

Another advantage of taking lessons through a subscription is that the price is generally lower than any of the other methods.

Series of lessons offered as subscriptions with limited video interaction with instructor

Of all of the methods offered, this seems to me to be the most effective as well as the most reasonable in cost to the student. Combing subscription offering with a limited number of video (Skype) lessons gives the instructor a better avenue to evaluate the students playing ability. When I say limited video interaction, this could mean one or more video contacts depending on the instructor’s availability.

As you begin to search for a program to help your playing ability, keep in mind all of the venues available to you for working with your instructor. Your final decision may be based on price or it might be based on the person you will be working with.

In our next post we will be comparing price as well as services currently available on line. Due to the fact that there are many instructors to choose from, we will try to give you an overview of what is available and some pointers on how you can make your final decision.