Skype lessons

[Alans]

I understand learning accordion via Skype is far from ideal, but I’m wondering what experiences people have had with this method of study. For one thing I have no idea how I would place my computer so my teacher could see me play and I could see him/her. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[colinm]

I have had fortnightly hour long lessons on skype for over a year now.
There have been minor problems caused by skype updates but these are outweighed by the advantages

Even the nearest accordion teacher is 20 miles way, so that,s an hour round trip
I have the choice of teachers in the whole of the uk, and probably usa, (if skype to there is ok) and europe if they speak english.
So i can choose a teacher who can teach, not just play.

I can see the teacher full screen and myself in the corner of the screen
My teacher has a 28” ,i think, applemac so he can see detail of my fingers
I started with a samsung tablet on a chair but added a camera to my desktop , cost about £40, this is more stable
My broadband is about 6mb download 2 mb upload, my teacher has fibre
My playing is continuously improving now because of the quality of the teaching, i still only practice about 1 hour per day
I would not hesitate in going for it



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[Alans]

Thank-you for your help,a quick online search has given me several teachers,mostly in Europe. So far only problem is the time zone.

 

[Tom]

Hi Alans,

Good luck with your search for a good Skype teacher. While I haven't skyped to the UK I Skype regularly (from the US) with my friends in Italy and Brazil. Skype generally works well, although occasionally there are temporary outages.

What I do is use a "screencast device" with my Samsung Galaxy android phone. These small devices (such as Chromecast) attach to your TV through HDM and connect to your phone, either through your router, or directly through "smart view." You can then mirror your phone to the TV and place the phone right under the TV facing yourself playing the accordion. You can then use Skype to communicate with your teacher, who will be able to see you, your accordion, hands, posture, etc. And you can see him or her full size on your TV.

The choice of screencast device will depend on the type of phone you have. They are not real expensive, I think the Chromecast is about $39 and the direct wifi is about $50.

Good luck!!!!

 

[Alans]

But I'm not sure how you set everything up. You have your laptop on a table, in front of you is a music
stand and then your accordion across your chest-how does the camera see you and the instructor
see you if the stand is in front of the camera. I know many people are now learning by skype, I just
don't understand how one sets the whole thing up.

 

[colinm]

It is not easy and using a chair is not ideal, the music stand has to be at one side and as low as possible, the tablet wss on books
With a sperate camera and desktop computer the camera is mounted higher

I tried to add a photo but i think you need a masters to do that

I understand learning accordion via Skype is far from ideal, but I’m wondering what experiences people have had with this method of study. For one thing I have no idea how I would place my computer so my teacher could see me play and I could see him/her. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

:lol:

 

[colinm]

Still trying to post a photo, must need a different camera

 

[colinm]

Shoulld be picture here
The camera is just above the computer and 6 “ to the right with the cable running to it

 

[Bobo]

Curious what you are paying for these lessons.

I would like to look into this for CBA. I'd need to know how much money to budget.

 

[colinm]

For me in uk £25 per hour

 

[Bobo]

That's very reasonable.

 

[Bobo]

Colin, are you taking PA or CBA lessons?
I found a woman online who teaches CBA but she charges $55 for 45 minutes. Out of my budget.

 

[colinm]

PA however i think piano keyboard technique is only about 10% of the lesson. There is far more about , dynamics, expression and musicality.
Cm


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[godgi]

I have just started to teach c system inc free base and am looling at Skype as an additional method. I would be interested
in trying some Free demos to see how it would work best for both teacher and learner. NB I am in this to promote the instrument.
Anyone interested please PM me.
Godgi.

 

[Tom]

Hi Godgi,

I still recommend the small screen mirroring device (Chromecast or the like) connected to hdmi on your TV, with phone as wireless camera and mic. Really easy to use with Skype, leaving you freedom to sit or stand and play unencumbered. I use this method all the time. Good luck with your demos!

 

[Alans]

There is site called preply.com and they have one accordion teacher. I believe she charges between $20.00 to 25.00;us for one hour. She studied at the royal academy of music.