Private Online Piano Lessons via Zoom

Online Classical Instruction

Zoom Piano Lessons for Adults

Want to study piano with me privately via Zoom? You'll find everything you need to know on this page.

I specialize in working with adult learners, especially those who want to learn classical repertoire and prefer a structured curriculum.

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My Background

Teaching Online Since 2018

I'm a professional pianist and organist with a degree in piano performance and I have been teaching piano for over a decade. I began specializing in online piano lessons in 2018. Since then, I have taught thousands of successful online lessons through Skype and Zoom.

Over time, my teaching style and methods have been very successfully adapted for online use. I've even worked with countless other teachers to help them bring their setups online!

I am looking primarily for adult students who prefer a traditional curriculum but may require some scheduling flexibility. I primarily teach Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (EST).

Lesson Content & Scheduling

Here's What You Need to Know

Lessons will cover music theory, practice insights, technical training, and a broad overview of the different stylistic periods in music history. I’ll teach you to read, count, and play with confidence!

I use a repertoire series called Masterwork Classics along with other repertoire as needed. I have combined this repertoire with scales, arpeggios, and other exercises to form a piano curriculum, resulting in a very structured experience.

You can study with me weekly, biweekly, once a month, or any other interval of your choosing. I use a very flexible scheduling and billing system called Fons which allows you to book your own lesson or have set reoccurring lessons. Lessons are paid for individually.

Zoom Piano Lessons

The Best Online Lesson Platform

Of all the communication platforms out there, Zoom stands out for its excellent audio performance. Unlike other platforms, Zoom features a high fidelity audio mode and stereo sound, which I make full use of in our lessons.

If you have access to a laptop or desktop, a pair of open-back headphones, and a strong internet connection, you will be absolutely blown away by your Zoom lesson experience with me.

The Flex Lessons Piano Curriculum

Beginner & Intermediate Piano Students

If you are below the late-intermediate level, you can optionally join my membership to access my course-based piano curriculum and use that for a majority of your study. This will significantly cut down on how many lessons you'll need and allow you the flexibility meeting with me once a month (or less).

Students who use my membership and meet with me on Zoom every now and then are getting the most efficient, flexible, and cost-effective piano education that I can offer. Everyone should consider this!

What You Can Expect

Teaching Demonstration

This video is a demonstration of my online teaching style and setup.

In this video, I will show you how to count the first portion of "Claire de Lune" by Debussy. This is great example of Zoom piano lessons can work!

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Getting the Best Start

Are You an Adult Beginner?

If you are new to piano or stuck in one of the method books, I can help you right now! I created a free piano course with hours of lesson content to "onboard" new piano students. This course teaches the basics of reading music and piano technique. I would love to invite you to try it out!

Feel free to book a session with me even while you are progressing through this course. I will work with you directly to make sure you learn what you need to learn before moving on to entry-level repertoire.

Schedule Your Free Meet & Greet!

Ready for lessons? Click the link below to get access to my booking link and instructions.

You’ll need a piano or full sized keyboard, a computer or tablet, and a stable internet connection (5+ mb/s download and upload). Please have these things in place before booking your free session.

For more information, check out the FAQ towards the bottom of this page.

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Testimonials

See what some of my current and former students have to say! You can read more testimonials by clicking here.

Alex E.

After about 5 years of consistent lessons with Joseph, I can confidently say that his approach to teaching piano is one of the most refined and optimized methods I have experienced.

Mark H.

Joseph has been on the forefront of distance learning since 2017...His remote teaching isn't a reaction to COVID 19, it is a well planned and well executed long-term strategy for learning more efficiently using the always improving tools we are fortunate to have. And it works.

Giovanni P.

Joseph definitely has what it takes to be a great teacher: he will be the best friend of your efforts and the worst enemy of your weaknesses...I highly recommend him as your guide in the beautiful journey that is learning how to play the piano!

Zoom Piano Lesson FAQ

You can find all sorts of helpful information presented in a convenient Q&A format below. If you don't see your question, feel free to click the chat button on the bottom right side of the screen and ask your question directly.

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What kind of students do you teach?

I specialize in working with adult students who wish to learn piano using classical repertoire. If you fall into this category, you would very likely enjoy working with me and would do well in your study.

I teach students from the beginning through early advanced levels. I generally refer very advanced students to another instructor who specializes at those levels, depending on repertoire interests.

I do not have much experience with improvised music, jazz, or popular music styles.

Please note that I generally will decline to be your instructor if I determine that I am not a good fit for you due to interests, hardware limitations, or other reasons.

Do you teach young students?

Because of the use of required technology, the minimum reccomended age to start online lessons is at least 10 years old. Students will need to be able to view their assignments online and operate their own equipment.

Younger students generally require a hands-on approach in-person with an instructor and can always make the transition to online piano lessons later on.

Students must be at least 18 to contact me directly. If you are under 18, please show this page to a parent.

What equipment do I need for live lessons?

To participate in online piano lessons via Zoom, you'll need access to a piano or a full sized keyboard with a damper pedal. You'll also need a stable internet connection (5+ mb/s download and upload). Lastly, you'll need a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer positioned in such a way as to offer a clear view of yourself and your instrument.

Generally speaking, larger screens provide a more comfortable experience. If you go the tablet/smartphone route, you’ll need a tripod or a mount that allows you to point the camera in the direction of the piano keys.

What can I do to improve the online lesson experience?

To maximize the quality of your experience with online piano lessons, you will want to be sure your setup is optimal.

Follow these tips to ensure your setup is well optimized:

Position your camera to take on the perspective of someone sitting next to you.
The camera lens should be higher than the level of the keyboard.
If using a wireless connection, try to place your router as close to the lesson area as possible.
Be sure your setup has adequate lighting. Most cameras do not function well in dimly lit rooms.
Allow yourself at least 15 minutes before your scheduled lesson to warmup and check for updates.
Be sure to plug your devices into wall outlets or ensure they are fully charged at the time of the lesson.
Use a dedicated microphone (such as the Blue Snowball) if your device has a low quality microphone.
Quality headphones can improve your experience significantly.

Are my internet speeds really relevant?

In order for online lessons to work, you'll need a strong and stable internet connection. Please note that Zoom requires 1.2 Mbps download and upload speeds for a video call. This is the absolute minimum. During live lessons, I will be using high fidelity audio mode and stereo sound, which increases the minimum required speeds.

I strongly recommend at least 5 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds for a good experience. Additionally, you will need to be as close as possible to your router for a consistent connection. Many students choose to directly connect to their routers via ethernet cable.

Click here to check your speeds.

How much do I need to practice to see results?

I recommend aiming for 20-30 minutes per day when you are in your first few years of study. Once you are more advanced, you will probably want to increase your time up to an hour or so. It should be mentioned that practice time is not nearly as important as practice frequency, and I would value showing up more days over practicing less days with longer durations.

My role is to help you spend your practice time wisely and streamline your routine in addition to music instruction. However, no practice=no results. I will work with you to ensure that your practice is engaging and brings you the results you desire.

Why do you focus on classical?

When I say “classical repertoire”, I am actually referring to instrumental art music that uses a written score.

Classical repertoire includes music from several historical periods and has quite a large variety of different sounds and styles. I truly believe that classical music (as a genre) has something for everyone. It doesn’t all sound like Mozart or Beethoven, although I do love those composers.

As a teacher, it is far easier for me to create a curriculum with a really smooth progression using classical repertoire. I recommend all students who wish to become very skilled using written music to start with classical.

What are your rates?

You can view my rates at any time by clicking my booking link.

Unlike other piano studios, I offer piano lessons as needed with no strings attached. You can schedule weekly, monthly, or a few times a year, and I will be able to accommodate. While this convenience is built into the price, you will still save money overall because you won't have to commit to any lessons that you don't specifically prepare for.

Also unlike other piano studios, I offer a significant amount of instruction asynchronously in my studio membership. You can experience very similar instruction with the same exact presentation for a fraction of the cost by becoming a Flex Lessons Member. This can literally save you thousands of dollars in lessons. It would also shift the focus of live lessons to be more centered around coaching.

Do you offer other lesson durations?

I do offer 30 minute or 60 minute lessons if there is a particular need. However, 45-minute lessons are the best for most people.

How do payments and scheduling work?

When you become a student of mine, you have the option of meeting with me on a set schedule or having lessons when you need them. I have a booking link that allows you to schedule and reschedule yourself. It's really cool and super convenient.

You'll also have the choice of paying for each lesson as you go (automatically charged at the end of each lesson) or paying for lessons in packages (automatically refills the package as needed). I am happy to work out these details with you when you meet with me.

I do have a 24 hour cancellation policy, which means that you will still be charged for your lesson if you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled time.

How do you handle billing?

We basically schedule lessons, and I request payment via email. Once you input your payment information, any lessons you attend will be automatically charged.

Hybrid students generally pay as they go, as their lessons tend to be intermittent. Students who attend only live lessons or prefer to have a set reoccurring lesson schedule can pay for lessons via a package.

Do I need to purchase music books?

You should be prepared to purchase music / method books as needed.

In many cases, sheet music is available for free online. However, you may want to purchase published scores anyway because the quality of the editing is generally better and printing will be much easier on the eyes compared to the free music.

Also know that much of 20th century literature is not available in the public domain, and the only way to access this music is to purchase published editions.

What is your cancellation policy?

I require at least 24 hours notice in the event of any rescheduling or cancellation of lessons. If a student cancels or reschedules during this 24 hour window, the lesson will be forfeit.

In the event of unavoidable conflicts or emergency situations, please let me know as soon as possible and I will reschedule the lesson for a future date without penalty.

What is the Flex Lessons Studio Membership?

The studio membership is an alternative to live lessons and includes access to the same instruction in the form of online courses. This membership is another way to experience my teaching style in a more flexible and cost effective format.

Becoming a member grants you access to hundreds of prerecorded piano lessons using a very similar curriculum that you would experience in person, especially at the early levels. Prerecorded lessons are available in full HD (1080p video) with very high sound fidelity, using the same presentation as live lessons. Switching from membership instruction to live instruction is intended to be seemless.

Students who combine live lessons with membership content are referred to as "hybrid" students. This approach to lessons is completely unique to Flex Lessons and is the most cost effective and flexible option.

I recommend all students who are below the advanced level become "hybrid" students. This is my unique offering and this is what separates me from other online instructors.

Is the Studio Membership the same thing as live lessons?

The Studio Membership is a separate entity from my live lesson services. However, they do work very well together.

Do I have to be a Flex Lessons Member to get lessons through Zoom?

You do not have to be a member. However, if you choose not to be a member, you will need more regular lessons since you'll only be getting instruction in a live environment. You should expect to attend weekly or biweekly lessons as a nonmember.

If you are a member, you can have lessons at any frequency! Some students still choose to meet with me weekly, while others meet with me once a month or so. In this scenario, our lessons would be more similar to piano coaching.

How does the studio membership save me money?

The membership essentially provides you on-demand access to the same instruction that you would receive if you were studying with me directly. I have taught the same pieces to many different students and discussed the same concepts many times over, and have ultimately decided that it would be much more efficient for everyone if I were to create a database of lessons discussing these things. Well, that is exactly what I have done!

The membership will save you tons of money by replacing many live lessons with lessons that have already been created and recorded while still providing you a very realistic experience. The membership is ultimately designed to be a self-guided approach to the same piano education that I offer privately, using the same mics, cameras, and setup.

What is hybrid piano study?

Hybrid piano study is a term associated with students who join the piano membership and also attend live lessons. These students are essentially alternating between real time and prerecorded instruction.

How does hybrid study work?

In the hybrid study model, students who fall into the beginner through late intermediate skill levels will attend live lessons via Zoom intermittently, perhaps once or twice a month, so that they can get real time feedback on their playing. While engaging in live lessons, students will use the membership course content as their main path of study.

In this scenario, the focus of each lesson shifts towards answering questions and hearing students play as opposed to managing their entire routine and explaining every aspect of music in real time.

This is a substantially more efficient model of education that also happens to be much less expensive than traditional lessons. This will only work for self motivated students who are willing to be thoughtful about their study and save their questions for their lessons. Students who use the hybrid model offered by Flex Lessons will enjoy substantial cost savings and much greater flexibility of study compared to traditional lessons.

Why should I consider hybrid lessons?

Hybrid lessons allow for significantly more flexibility with scheduling, billing, and the content covered in a live lesson. In a hybrid study situation, students are no longer completely dependent on getting their instruction from live lessons, which give them more freedom in the way they choose to use their lessons and when they decide to have them.

What happens in the event of technical difficulties?

There can sometimes be issues with latency and disconnects. I will usually add some time to the lesson so that students always get what they pay for.

What if I forget how to play something when we are in-between lessons?

You can message me by email or use the chat feature (bottom right), and I will respond to the best of my ability. However, you can completely avoid this situation by joining the studio membership!

Are there any benefits to online lessons compared to in-person lessons?

Yes. Before the pandemic, the main benefit was convenience. Now, people are largely focused on safety and have begun to move to online solutions for many aspects of the economy. The pandemic forced the concept of online learning into mass public awareness. Online learning avoids many hassles, especially in light of current events, compared to in-person instruction.

Outside of convenience and safety, another very important benefit to online lessons is that students are more likely to develop independence much earlier compared to in-person lessons. Students are required to count for themselves, find their own starting positions, set their own metronomes, along with many other things. Although this seems somewhat inconvenient at first, it is very important that the student can confidently navigate these issues on their own.

Lastly, online lessons are more efficient. Both participants can begin each lesson with materials out and ready. Students are able to warm up directly before the lesson. Time previously spent traveling can be converted to practicing. There are countless benefits relating to the nature of online lessons.

Are there any drawbacks?

Yes. Online lessons aren’t for everyone. Students using online lessons will need to be very engaged. The student will need to count for themselves, mark their own music, and check online assignments. I consider these issues to ultimately be for the good of the student, but they do make the lessons a bit more involved.

Online lessons are best suited for the types of students who would already be seeking the answers to their music questions on the internet or through YouTube. For people who truly desire to learn and enjoy technology, this is a great system. However, some students (especially younger ones) require the face to face engagement found in regular piano lessons to be successful.

What is your goal for students?

My goal for all students is to create a habit of sustained piano practice along with a mindset of learning to love the process. If you learn to love the work that goes into preparing classical repertoire and all related skills, you will eventually experience the most beautiful music that you have ever encountered.

When you are the one who is creating the sounds with your own hands, you will realize what an unparalleled experience a good piano education can offer you in this life.

Meet Your Instructor

Hi! I'm Joseph.

I created Flex Lessons to bring classical piano education into the 21st century.

I am a classically-trained pianist and organist who has been teaching exclusively online since 2018. With over a decade of piano teaching experience, I am passionate about teaching adult piano students and believe it is never too late to get started.

You can read more about me here.

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