Stephen Hughes, NCTM is a professional pianist, online piano teaching specialist, and music technology trainer. His vast musical training & experience ranges from classical, composition, church, jazz, to pop music.
His unique approach to teaching is a hybrid blend of various pedagogies, with an emphasis on creativity & strategic practice.
His online teaching studio, Virtual Piano Studio, is a growing community of students & music teachers of all ages & skill level, who take private instruction via Live Online Lessons. He teaches students in the U.S., China, UK, & Australia.
Stephen was teaching online long before it became a necessity in 2020. Today, he shares how parents can help their piano kids set up their home practice space for optimal online piano lessons.
Listen to the full episode here
A picture is worth a thousand words...
Here are a few snapshots of student setups in Stephen’s studio.
Stephen's studio is a lot cooler looking than mine (less cluttered, too). If you caught me taking our online selfie at 7:18 here is what we look like.
An awesome headset offers a much cleaner listening experience, not only during the lesson with your teacher but also while you are practicing. (See the resource list below for the headset Stephen recommends.)
This angle gives your teacher a nice overhead view of your hands.
With some assistance, even very young children can do well with online piano lessons.
Using a second device allows you to play with backing tracks without sound latency. Multiple devices also helps with file and screen sharing.
Not only does your teacher need to see your face and hands, but you also need to be able to see and communicate with your teacher. I love the large screen in the background.
One device for your teacher to see your hands and a second device for you to see your teacher equals and awesome online lesson experience.
Can you imagine trying to bring your whole computer setup with you to your piano lesson? It would take the entire lesson to get set up! Hosting a lesson online allows student and teacher to collaborate on larger projects like this multi-instrument composition.
Connect with Stephen Hughes
Stephen Hughes, NCTM
Virtual Piano Studio
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
Stephen generously shared these links to the equipment he recommends to his own students. Thanks, Stephen!
Here are my recommended links for gear for students:
iPad Stand:
https://www.amazon.com/Gooseneck-67-inch-12-9-Inch-11-Inch-Control/dp/B086T2H22D
Headset
Basic: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-CM500-Headset-Built-Microphone/dp/B000BZ6ZX0
Professional: https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-BPHS1-Broadcast-Headset-Cardioid/dp/B003D87JI2
Webcam
Basic: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-C920x-Pro-HD-Webcam/dp/B085TFF7M1
Professional: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-C930e-1080P-Video-Webcam/dp/B00CRJWW2G
Audio Interface: (this is the one all my students have if they are able to enhance their setup)
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-AG03-3-Channel-Mixer-Microphone/dp/B00TY8JE60
Accessories needed for Overhead Cam:
Mic Stand (for overhead cam):
https://www.amazon.com/Stage-MS7701B-Tripod-Microphone-Stand/dp/B000978D58
Boom Extension Arm (extend mic stand arm for a better shot):
https://www.amazon.com/Stage-MSA7020TB-Telescoping-Microphone-Stand/dp/B0035LCFRM
USB Extender Cable (for Overhead Cam):
https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Extension-Extender-Transfer-Playstation/dp/B00P0ES0VC
CM01 Adaptor (for Overhead webcam):
https://www.amazon.com/CM01-Camera-Digital-Recorder-Adapter/dp/B001GWCC4I
Small Tripod (for Front Facing Webcam- if you desire higher quality resolution):
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-WT0352G-Lightweight-Mini-Tripod/dp/B00M78G2VO
PPP Archives
Listen in on previous teacher chats with Stephen Hughes. Click an image below to go to that interview.
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