Apples and Oranges and the Modern Music Student

This year has been full of transformation for the modern music student.

Many of you may have heard of the English idiom, ‘(to) compare apples and oranges’ which is used when you are comparing things that are very different and should not (or can not) be compared.

For music educators and students around the world, we’ve spent this past year comparing face to face lessons to online music lessons and touting the benefits and challenges with these different models of lesson delivery.

However, this has become a funny comparison of apples and oranges!

At Motif Music Studios we love all the ways that we can encourage students as they make music a special part of their every day lives!  The delivery model that you choose (online or in person) are two very different experiences both with wildly amazing benefits.  At Motif Music Studios we are now fully online and embracing the benefits of working with students in this way.

Here’s are our top 5 reasons that we love online lessons:

1. We get to help students grow in their own environment.

This opportunity has given us fresh ways to nurture students studying from their own homes. The success that students see in their lesson with an instructor doesn’t feel unattainable – after all the magic happened right where they practice on their very own instrument!  Your teacher can help hone your set up so that each practice feels right and highlights the strengths of your own environment.

2.  We use Musico to deliver high quality, interactive content that lasts all week.

Our online teaching toolbox includes Musico which becomes the way you connect with your teacher, contains your interactive lesson notes with options for notation, audio and video to maximize the value you glean in each lesson.  Musico also becomes a creative hub where students can create their own music projects and explore a whole world of musical innovation and exploration.

3.  Online lessons create students who gain skills for independent learning.

It’s true that as teachers we’ve had to get creative in our use of visuals, creative manipulatives and new ways to stay active while working with students online. However, this has given students new opportunities for growth.  Even our youngest students are now knowing where their assignments are, getting their set up honed and are in-the-know when it comes to the pages they are working on!  We are creating learners that are equipped for the week of music learning that happens in between lessons!

4.  Commuting Now Becomes Creating!

For teachers and students alike, those moments of time before and after lessons are now centered around music exploration and creativity instead of commuting. We love seeing how often students login and then get practicing right away while they wait for lessons to begin!  Taking lessons online is a wonderful time saver for students and families.

5.  Your location is no longer an obstacle when it comes to finding an amazing music teacher!

Each week we see students joining us from afar!  It is so exciting to see students able to study with the music teacher of their choice, no matter where they live.

 

This online format is also opening new doors for professional development, collaborative workshops and amazing student opportunities throughout our music year.

Music is truly for everyone and we are so thankful for the opportunity to continue to nurture students of all ages as they embrace creativity, celebrate individuality, pursue excellence and change the world around them through music.

Here’s to apples and oranges and all the ways we can celebrate music learning together!