Online Piano Lessons with Dr. Melody Payne | Learn Piano from Home
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Welcome to the Melody Payne Piano Studio website! Thank you so much for your interest in my studio and all the wonderful learning experiences that are offered, including online piano lessons.
I’m Dr. Melody Payne, and I’m so glad you’re considering online lessons for your child. Whether your child is just starting to explore music or looking to continue learning from home, I’m here to make piano lessons educational, engaging, and enjoyable.
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to teach your child(ren) this year and to help each child reach their musical goals.
I want to ensure that your child makes excellent musical progress , so you and I will work together to make sure you have the proper setup for our weekly lessons.
Why Families Choose Online Piano Lessons
- Online piano lessons are a way for us to work together one-on-one from anywhere in the world!
- Personalized instruction is tailored to your child’s unique learning style.
- Students can learn from anywhere in the world with professional-quality audio and video.
- Flexible scheduling works perfectly with your busy family life.
- Online lessons include all of the benefits of in-person lessons, conveniently in your home.
Who Can Take Online Piano Lessons?
- Online lessons are perfect for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.
- I welcome beginners who have never played piano, as well as students looking to advance their skills.
- Every child learns at their own pace, and I customize each lesson to match your child’s interests and goals.
What Makes Online Lessons Special
- Interactive, engaging lessons via Zoom
- Real-time feedback and encouragement
- Fun repertoire mixing classical, popular, and your child’s favorite songs
- Regular communication about your child’s progress
Equipment Requirements for Online Piano Lessons
Getting started is easy and straightforward! Here’s what you need for the best experience possible.
Essential Equipment
- Instrument: Acoustic piano OR digital piano with 88 touch-sensitive keys and sustain pedal. If you don’t have a piano yet, I will be happy to help you choose one.
- Technology: Computer with high-speed internet (preferred) OR newer iPad. Please don’t use Chromebooks because they don’t work well for online lessons.
- Platform: Zoom installed and ready to go.
Optional Equipment for Improved Experience
For Better Sound:
- USB microphone – A USB mic will allow me to hear you much better, which is important for music lessons. I recommend an inexpensive Fifine USB mic for all of my online piano students.
- External speakers – We will determine if you need these after we begin lessons.
For Better Video:
- High-quality external webcam– A high quality webcam will allow me to see you much better than a low quality one. Logitech C910, C920, or C930 work great, and we will determine if you need one after we begin.
Tips for Great Online Lessons
Before Each Lesson:
- Charge your device fully and keep your device plugged in throughout the lesson.
- Use a laptop or newer iPad (avoid Chromebooks).
- Position your microphone to pick up your voice and piano clearly (we will make adjustments during your lesson).
During Lessons:
- Have a parent nearby for children 8 and under to help with any technical issues
Need More Help?
- How to Help your Students Set Up for Online Piano Lessons
- How to Create the Best Audio for Online Piano Lessons
Online Piano Lessons Policy
- Piano books and materials will be decided on within the first few weeks of starting lessons, and I will have them shipped to you from Amazon.
- If we cannot establish a good connection within 5 minutes, we will try another platform.
- If you have questions or need help during the week, you are always welcome to email or text me.
- Failure to meet for a lesson without notifying me in advance via text or email forfeits the lesson.
- Students will adhere to my Private Piano Lessons Studio Policy and will follow my Studio Calendar.
- Monthly tuition payments are due on the 1st of each month. See the Studio Policy for details.
- A parent or guardian must be nearby and available to help during online lessons for students ages 8 and under.
- You will receive an automated text message reminder the morning of your child’s lesson.
Tuition and Payment Information
Please use the contact form to contact me for current tuition rates.
- Tuition payments are made by credit card on the first of each month.
- Lessons will begin after payment has been received.
- No lessons will be taught if payment has not been received.
- I use music teacher software called My Music Staff to send invoices and accept credit card payments. After enrollment is complete, I will send you a link to create your parent account. You can access your billing and payment history and sign up for aulo-pay to pay your invoices automatically from within your account.
Let’s Get Started!
- If you have a child or teen who is interested in online piano lessons, contact me for current tuition rates and availability.
- After receiving your message via the contact form, I will contact you to set up your introductory lesson so that we can get to know one another, test your equipment setup, and schedule our weekly lessons.
- After you have completed the enrollment paperwork and payment has been received, we will begin your online piano lessons.
- On your lesson day, set up your equipment, login a few minutes before your lesson time, and I will contact you at your lesson time.
- If you have additional questions, please contact me.
- I look forward to becoming your child’s online piano teacher and working with them to help them accomplish their goals as a musician!
Ready to chat about enrolling your child in online piano lessons?
To give you an idea of some of the amazing things we can accomplish in online piano lessons, please enjoy our 2020 virtual ensemble piano recital.
This piece was taught 100% online during Zoom piano lessons. Students sent a video of their performance to me and I compiled the videos into a virtual online piano recital. Read all about our virtual online piano recital here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What age do you start teaching?
A: I love working with students from Kindergarten all the way through 12th grade! Each age brings its own excitement and energy to lessons.
Q: What if we have connection problems?
A: No worries at all! Technology hiccups happen to everyone. If we can’t get a good connection within 5 minutes, we’ll simply try a different platform or reschedule – no stress!
Q: Do you only teach classical music?
A: I have so much fun incorporating all kinds of music – classical, pop, movie themes, hymns, praise and worship, Broadway songs, and especially whatever your child is excited about. If they love it, we can probably learn it!
Q: What if my child has never played piano?
A: That’s wonderful! I absolutely love working with beginners. There’s something so special about those first few lessons when everything is new and exciting. I’ll make sure your child feels comfortable and confident from day one.
Q: How do I know if online lessons will work for my child?
A: That’s exactly what our introductory lesson is for! It’s such a fun, low-pressure way to meet each other, test out the technology, and see if your child enjoys learning this way. No commitment needed – just meet with me to see how it feels!
Q: How long are the lessons?
A: All lessons are 30 minutes long, once a week. I find this is the perfect amount of time to cover new material, review practice, and keep kids engaged without overwhelming them!
Q: When do lessons run during the year?
A: Lessons run from mid-August through the end of April, following the school year calendar. This gives families a nice summer break while maintaining consistency during the school year.
Q: What if my child gets frustrated or wants to quit?
A: This is so normal! Every child hits bumps along the way. I’m really good at finding creative ways to keep lessons fun and engaging. We can always adjust our approach, try different music, or take a short break from tricky pieces.
Q: Do I need to sit with my child during lessons?
A: For younger children (8 and under), I do ask that a parent is nearby to help with any technical issues. For older kids, it’s totally up to you! Some parents love listening in, while others use it as their own quiet time.
Q: What if we don’t have a “real” piano – will a keyboard work?
A: A good digital piano with 88 touch-sensitive keys and a pedal works wonderfully! The touch-sensitive keys are important because they help your child learn proper technique and dynamics. Here are some specific digital piano recommendations.
Q: How much practice time should I expect?
A: I always work with families to find a practice routine that fits your schedule. Even 10-15 minutes a few times a week can make a real difference for beginners! Quality practice time is much more important than long practice sessions, and I work hard during lessons to teach your child how to practice efficiently so they make the most of their practice time.
Ready to chat about enrolling your child in online piano lessons?
