Online Lessons and Classes Offered at The Perfect 5th

Here is what a few students have to say about our online lessons:

‘In these unprecedented times, online lessons from Justin via video conference have been fantastic. Justin seamlessly provides the same caliber of teaching online as he does in person. As a student, I could not be happier with the experience.” -Tom Santana

Through Skype, Justin has been able to project his enthusiasm and love of music right into our family room. With Justin’s help and guidance, she has tremendously improved and she looks forward to her weekly lessons! - Stephanie Bevenour

Read More about Justin

I have a flute studio of about 55-60 students, and almost all them switched to online lessons. I have found that I am able to teach equally effectively and have even developed some new learning experiences that I hope to continue when we are back to in-person lessons. Here are some changes and fun things we are doing in the studio:

Students are continuing to work on audition material, method books, technical exercises, and music repertoire, but in addition, I have been sending students many extra pieces of free, online, sheet music and listening links. Students are making “Quarantine notebooks” of these extra exercises and music, so that they continue to be practicing and excited about music.

I introduced a “Canned Food Drive” practice challenge as well, and I have agreed to donate 10 cans of food for each 100 hours of practice from the entire studio.Many students are also participating in a “Food for Scales” challenge, implemented but method book author, Kathy Blocki.

I have found, in particular, that the nature of online teaching requires more verbal discussion and understanding of music terminology. I am using games to help them understand the elements of music and the meaning of musical terms. This is very good for each students musical development and understanding. I am glad to be there for each of my students during this difficult time. I have heard from many parents that they are simply glad that another person is there for their child. I also have adult students, and they are happy to have a goal-oriented session that helps take their mind off of the current troubles.

While I am looking forward to resuming one on one lessons at my studio at the Perfect 5th, I will continue to offer online lessons in the future, even after the Covid outbreak. I am finding it very convenient for many of my students and they are finding out that learning flute this way is working!

“I like my online lessons because I can learn from the comfort of my own home. I feel that I am learning just as much and completely required skills on my flute” -Kayla

For piano lessons David uses a dual-camera Zoom setup that allows him to alternate between a “face-front” view for standard speech and an “over-keyboard” view for demonstrating fingerings, hand positions, and techniques. Students who use a MIDI keyboard at home may also collaborate with David using Internet MIDI, which allows for instantaneous data transfer, including even real-time duets! Technical requirements and other details about David’s online piano studio are available at davidmglasgow.com/online/piano.

A few vacancies remain in David’s weekly teaching schedule; students who are interested in beginning studies online and switching to in-person lessons when the quarantine ends are welcome to complete a Prospective Student Application at any time, or to Contact David with specific inquiries.

For voice lessons, David uses the services of VoiceLessons.com—available in Mac and PC desktop apps and cross-platform Chrome web app, the VL platform allows David to “play” accompaniments through the student’s speakers, eliminating the lag time and “echo effect” of attempting to sing together through a standard video chat platform. There’s also a VL practice app for Android and iOS devices that allows students to review their lessons and David’s notes and access practice tracks between lessons. Technical requirements and other details about David’s online voice studio are available at davidmglasgow.com/online/voice.

A few vacancies remain in David’s weekly teaching schedule; students who are interested in beginning studies online and switching to in-person lessons when the quarantine ends are welcome to complete a Prospective Student Application at any time, or to Contact David with specific inquiries.

I would be happy to “meet’ you online, should you want to get started with lessons. Please check out my information on our staff page and I will get back to you shortly thereafter

Other online lesson videos

Maria Wilson Guitar Instruction - Left Hand

Maria Wilson Guitar Instruction - Power Chords

Maria Wilson Guitar Instruction - Right Hand

Transitioning to online lessons has been almost seamless as we continue to learn the fundamentals of acting, auditioning, scene study, text analysis, character development and connection to self and others. The classes are designed to meet each actor at their appropriate skill level while encouraging them to learn from each other through scene study, monologue work, cold reading and audition technique. Online classes also provide the opportunity to record and practice the much needed skill of self-taping and video feedback. During these times of quarantine, social distancing and facing the unknown, we need acting training more than ever. Learning how to FEEL and express authentic emotion is crucial at times like these. As I often say, in these classes we learn not only to be good actors, but good humans as well.

BHStudios @P5 Online Acting Workshop: How we work

What students and professionals have to say about my lessons and training:

"Ben provides an honest view of what actors need to hear. I am impressed by how his views were so similar to mine and noticed that he has a clear passion for the craft of acting. If you are in the small markets of PA and are looking for high quality acting training, look no further than BHStudios."-Danielle Eskinazi, casting director

Read More about Ben

My piano students usually work on about 4 songs per week, out of the Faber Lesson and Performance Books. I also provide supplementary music as needed. We do a page or two out of the Theory Book each week. I’m thankful to the parents of younger students who participate in the lessons

My younger voice students are working through a book series called The Full Voice, in addition to their songs. We do vocal warmups and use the accompaniments provided by Hal Leonard. I have invested in books which provide online accompaniments. My older voice students do sight singing exercises, in addition to their songs.

The benefits of online teaching include receiving quality lessons from the comfort of your home, as well as access to video aides and teacher assistance throughout the week. Mary-Kate is here to help during these trying times!

Mary-Kate Spring Lee started teaching my children, ages 9 & 13 in person and we transitioned seamlessly to virtual lessons! My children look forward to meeting with Mary-Kate every week as one of our few "things to do" during this time of isolation. Mary-Kate is organized, kind, and supportive and leaves my children wanting to practice more. We feel so lucky to have found her to teach our children. -David Christopher and Aron Christopher

My daughter has been taking online lessons from Mary-Kate for about a month. The online program works out well. The lessons are through a zoom link. After the lesson, we receive a video of my daughter’s songs for the week played by Mary-Kate. My daughter has been progressing well. Mary-Kate’s personality is perfect for teaching my young daughter. She is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging & kind. She a wonderful music teacher. -Marnie O'Donnell

Check out her website.

The transition to online lessons has been very smooth. My students continue to meet my expectations as their teacher, and their own personal goals. My piano students have more time to practice and even enjoy practicing as a significant part of their day. My vocal students have had time to focus on their tone quality and technique, as well as explore new repertoire and genres that they hadn't though of before

The disruption of our daily lives has served as an impetus for discovering new things, both for my students and myself. I've changed the way I think about music education and how it can survive and why it should survive during the strangest of times. Music has never been more important to us as it is now. Whether you're a beginner, or you've been a musician for 40 years, the musical experience releases the emotions and ideas that we can't express any other way. Right now, we are all full of emotions. My colleagues at Perfect 5th and myself are here to help, and we're not going anywhere.

"This is the highlight of our week, every week. Thank you!" -Abby

"Our son began lessons right before the pandemic so most of his lessons have been virtual. Despite that, Zach has worked around it, using available technology to ensure our son continues his musical experience."-Rene

Check out Zach during lesson time with some of his students.

I currently use Zoom for my online teaching lessons but I am open to using any platform! Due to the pandemic, there is much flexibility to the time and day of which the lessons can be held.

Check out my site for more information.