Children are being forced to spend more time learning, communicating, and playing via a computer. In just a few short months, we went from closely monitoring our children’s screen time to relying on it. While we’re hopeful that we’re on the back to “normal”, the reality is that remote learning will continue to be a part of our lives even after the pandemic is over (although, hopefully to a lesser degree than it is now).

To help make your child’s remote music lessons easier, we’ve put together this useful guide on setting your child’s work space to limit distraction and increase engagement. Having the same setup each week makes your life easier, keeps your child focused on the lesson, and allows our mentors and teachers to provide the most compelling lessons possible!

Setup

Let’s start with the equipment that you’ll need to use for lessons.

Music lessons can be facilitated using several different devices:

• iPad or Tablets: Make sure these are in a sturdy case that can keep the tablet at a good viewing angle for your child
• Smartphone: Your phone should also be in a sturdy case that can stand on its own or positioned securely. The phone should be close enough to your child so that they can clearly make out what the mentor is doing.
• Laptop: Place the laptop on a stable surface. It should also be secure enough that the laptop won’t slide, even if it’s placed at an angle.
  

Additionally, use a small table or a stand so the student’s fingers and face are showing as much as possible. This helps mentors ensure that the child is using proper technique and is able to see their face to watch for different responses.

• Piano: put the camera at the side or directly above the piano like this picture. It’s very crucial for the mentor to be able to see the student’s fingers for a proper lesson!

Finally, use a music stand for papers and/or workbooks. If you don’t own one, make sure the page or the workbook can stand on its own so it won’t slide off.

Checklist

Prior to your child’s lesson, follow this simple checklist to make the lesson as smooth as possible!

• Your child does not need to use the bathroom
• Camera/Device is positioned securely
• Instrument is sturdy
• There is little to no background noise
• Device is charged
• Electric instrument is plugged in and turned on
• Enter the call early to make sure the mentor can see your child’s face and fingers on the instrument.
  

Tips

Finally, here are some tips to make lessons go even smoother!

• Angle your device if necessary. This can help provide a better viewing angle for the mentor.
• Remind your child early in the day today is lesson day!
• If your child is older and is playing a more advanced song, make sure there are enough keys (at least 61 keys for piano) and the instrument is the correct size for the child.
  

Below are some recommended products and stands to use during music lessons:

• iPad/Tablet cases
• Smartphone stand
• Laptop Stand
• 61 keyboard piano with music stand
• A sturdy stand for loose music, workbooks, phone, ipad…
  

As always, teaching music to your children (remotely or in-person) is an immense privilege for all of us at EchoKids. Seeing the resolve and flexibility of children to make the most of life during these trying times has been nothing short of inspiring. We’re grateful for all of our EchoKids families for making these lessons work and keeping music in their child’s lives.

If you know someone else that would be interested in trying EchoKids, we are offering free 30-minute online trial lessons for new children and parents to get a sense of the EchoKids lesson style. Families from anywhere in the country (or even the world) can take online lessons with us! Click here for the trial sign up link.

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