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• Types of Programs

Virtual music lessons in your city

While the benefit of online learning is that you can learn from anywhere, you might like to take part in programs hosted in your city. For example, they may offer in-person programs near you. Click on your city below, to find lessons:

Search music lessons for kids in ANY CITY   

Real-world options for music lovers

For kids who love learning to play, here are the variety of ways they can get musical instruction in person, from OurKids.net:

Search ALL MUSIC TRAINING CAMPS AND PROGRAMS 

The benefits of online music classes

Benefits mental development. As with regular music lessons, there’s a wealth of evidence that music training boosts a number of brain functions. Studies show that kids with musical instrument training get better grades. They have stronger reading skills. They improve in math. Learning a musical instrument can even improve a child’s IQ. 

Benefits self esteem. Music training improves kids’ social development, according to this study and others. Another study found a strong link between “self-esteem and interest and involvement in school music.”  

Grow in independence. Virtual music classes allow kids to learn at their own pace. Instructors provide a basic structure and goals per week (for example), and kids sharpen skills on their own time. This promotes independent learning and self discipline.

Decreased performance pressure. In a virtual environment and in the comfort of their own home, students feel less inclined to compare themselves to others. Absence of judgement or peer pressure boosts their confidence, allowing them to focus solely on their music. Kids who are overstimulated easily or work better in a familiar environment excel with this style of learning.

Convenience. Carrying a large instrument from home to class can be cumbersome. Virtual music classes require no commute at all and are accessible to all students. It also lessens the hassle of arranging drop offs at class every week, ideal for busy parents. 

Involves the family. Families will be able to witness their child’s improvement in online music class. Parents obtain a clearer idea of what their child is learning and what they will improve in class. Kids can work together with parents more easily. 

What your child will learn in online music classes

Technical music skills, of course! Music classes focus on developing professional musicians. Kids are taught chords, how to read music, and how to tune their instrument, and more. They learn tempo, rhythm and many other aspects of musical performance.  

Independent learning. With instructors being virtual only, the onus is on students to take charge of their own learning. Problem solving and adjustments are made by students themselves. Kids work at their own pace, and are expected to practice their instrument and learn theory, under their own initiative. They learn the value of commitment. When they achieve goals, their confidence grows.

Hand-eye coordination. Most instruments require hand-eye coordination. For example, with the guitar, students position their hands on the frets, while they strum, and read music all at the same time. This is another aspect of the mental exercise that makes musical instrument training so beneficial to kids’ intellectual development. 

Creative expression. As kids become more comfortable with their instrument, they’ll  begin to explore composing their own music. They begin to improvise, experiment, and learn how to articulate their emotions and feelings through their music. This ultimate goal of music lessons is its greatest reward, of course. 

Questions to ask online music teachers

As you browse online music teachers, here are some questions to guide you as you search for the program that meets your needs: 

1. How much experience do instructors have with teaching kids? Can they point to successful students or offer references?
2. Do instructors have the right equipment to administer their classes virtually?
3. What music equipment will your child be required to have?
4. What technology (Zoom, etc.) do you need in place to be part of the class?
5. How much practice do they expect kids to do every day or week?

Discover camps and programs that will boost your musicality

Our Kids lists hundreds of different kinds of camps and programs. Here are some related options that can help your child round out their love of music or explore how to take it in a new creative direction.

Music camp offers kids a weeklong (or longer) immersion in their beloved art form. You can also use our site to find more specific kinds of music training such as guitar lessons or piano lessons.

Singing camp. The voice is another musical instrument kids can master. Singing camps as well as singing lessons offer kids a chance to expand their technical musical skills and apply them to different genres of music.

Performing arts camp. Musical theatre often includes dancers, singers, actors, and musicians. Camps let kids explore how they can put their musical talent to use in a larger context.

Combine this with more advice from OurKids.net:

Sources and further reading

"Even A Few Years Of Music Training Benefits The Brain." Scientific American. Christie Wilcox.

"Music Education Can Help Children Improve Reading Skills." SAGE Publications. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Music lessons online are there?
There are 12 programs specializing in Musical instrument training. In addition, there are 5 programs offering musical instrument training as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Music lessons online?
Fees for Music lessons online range from $30 to $390 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Music lessons online start at?
There are programs available for children aged 4 through 19.

Where can parents meet with Music lessons online?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.