Hi folks, just thought I would let everyone who is interested know how teaching using FaceTime is going for someone like me, who ususally teaches music one on one, face to face.
Very well! Zoom has not been particularly good for me with my one on one teaching of music, the sound and quality has been an issue, but since I am new to Zoom, it may be my computer or connection, I don’t want to discourage anyone from trying Zoom.
That said, FaceTime has provided nice quality video and sound, and my students are able to hear me speak and play clearly. I am also able to hear them and surprisingly, the kids seem very engaged and manage to keep themselves in the frame most of the time! Adults as well seem to have adapted to the internet lessons without any issues.
Now, it is important to note that at the end of a day of these video lessons I am actually more tired than I am after driving all day to my students. I never would have believed that. Also, many of these lessons have gone better than they ever have in person, another thing that I never would have believed.
I have no idea how long my students or their parents can continue to afford music lessons in this crisis but if I survive this perhaps my business will be permanently altered to include if not be dominated by internet teaching. I resisited the idea for years, I dismissed it, as I did the early personal computer. Foolish, yes, I was wrong, but better late than never!
Please feel free to ask me any questions, and I hope any one out there who needs to teach or communicate this way gives it a try. It works!
Take care of yourselves!
lefty