Lessonface
By Polly Conway,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Learn an instrument online with live lessons from real pros.
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What’s It About?
LESSONFACE offers online music lessons in real time, with a real person. You'll create an account in a sidebar box, first choosing an instrument; they have lessons in everything from accordion to ukulele, as well as vocal options and digital-creation tools. Then decide your skill level: beginner, intermediate, "pro-to-pro," or under 18 (kids under 13 must have a parent create an account for them), as well as providing a name and email address. The "Find Your Teacher" tab allows you to further search teachers by price, day of the week availability, and a few other filters. Once you've chosen a teacher and time (some offer trial lessons), click "Book Lesson." Before your first lesson, you'll download a Skype-like video-chat program that allows you to work with your teacher in real time using your computer's webcam. Lessons vary in time from 30 minutes to an hour, and teachers may assign practice or activities to work on between lessons.
Is It Any Good?
If your child is set on learning to play the euphonium or clawhammer banjo, but local lessons aren't available, you can look to Lessonface for an expert teacher. The selection of instruments is outstanding, and high school students preparing for college can study with a Juilliard-trained teacher to prep them for auditions. The cost is around what you might pay for a local lesson (that is to say, it'snot cheap), but Lessonface also offers group lessons at a lower cost.
Considering all the challenges live lessons for kids present, privacy-wise, Lessonface seems to have its bases covered, with lots of options for parents to communicate with teachers and know exactly what's going on in each lesson if they like. If your family is already shuttling kids around to lots of activities, Lessonface would be a nice way to simplify your schedule, as it allows kids to take a lesson right in the living room.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why music is important. What does it feel like to master a piece of music? Do you like playing alone or in a group?
Talk to your kids about your favorite music. Play them a song you loved at their age and see what they think about it.
Website Details
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, presenting to others, Arts: music, rhythm, singing
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: memorization, Creativity: combining knowledge, making new creations, Self-Direction: achieving goals, time management, Emotional Development: persevering, Communication: listening, Health & Fitness: fine motor skills
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Last updated: November 5, 2015
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