Learn Music Online: Online Learning Methods Used to Teach Music in Virtual Classrooms
by Reema Krishnan

If you're interested in learning Carnatic music, or even brush up on your existing music skills, hiring a Guru is always a great option. But, in today's times, it may not be a practical option. We live in a digital age, and everything you want or need is available online, including great music education.

Online learning is reimaging the music learning process. Virtual classrooms easily accommodate geographically-ranged students and bring flexibility into the process. This allows students to have access to the music course materials when and where they choose. 

In this article, we'll talk about the various methods used to teach music online. 

The methodology of learning music online 

Not all online music programs are taught the same way. They differ in their presentation and can greatly affect the student's experience. So, before you choose an online music learning program, ensure that it suits your learning style. 

Below are the 4 different types of methodologies used to teach music. 

Note: Acharyanet uses the first 3 methods for teaching Carnatic music to its students. 1. Asynchronous Online Courses: These courses are self-paced programs and are time-independent. This means that the course materials can be assessed 24/7. You get to learn Carnatic music while on the go as the pre-recorded lectures or presentations can be downloaded on multiple devices. 

2. Synchronous Online Courses: These courses happen in real-time. They can be a live webcast, live webinar, and audio/video conferencing, and more. In this type of online learning, the teacher and the students log into the learning platform at a scheduled time and date where the teacher delivers the lessons. The entire process is live. 

3. Hybrid or Blended Online Courses: These online music courses combine specific elements of the synchronous and the asynchronous learning systems to develop a blended online music course. Some classes are scheduled for live sessions, while some are delivered in a pre-recorded format. 

4. Competency-Based Online Courses: These online music courses are highly personalized. This approach is used to master specific skills so that a particular employment goal is achieved. Such courses are best for students who already have the skills but want to brush or develop them or earn credit in the form of a certificate or a degree. 

How are these online music classes delivered? 

The most popular structure include the following: 

1. General Learning Management Systems: LMS is a process where the teacher can create and provide access to online learning programs. LMS ranges from cloud-based deployment to open source licensure. 

2. Virtual Classrooms: In a virtual classroom, the teacher and the student have to be logged into the learning platform at the same time. The LMS uses the device's camera and microphone to give access to participants to interact with the teacher and with each other. 

3. Gamification Learning Management Systems: A gamification program is added to the LMS if the online music course needs a gamification focus. 

What technology is used for learning music online? 

Here is a brief rundown on the types of technologies students may interact with while learning music online: 

• Learning Management Systems (LMS) LMS serves as a course's home base. They host course content and also perform other administrative tasks. Some LMS has built-in virtual drop boxes and discussion boards. Students can easily access music course materials, turn in assignments, and communicate with their peers.
  
  
• Interactive Learning Environments Some online music learning programs test the student's knowledge through interactive activities. These interactive learning environments allow students to practice their new skills, evaluate them, and then decide their next move, whether to practice more until they become experts or move on to the next lesson.
  
  
• Mobile and Tablet E-Learning Some online music programs are compatible with multiple devices such as Apple, Android, and tablets. These types of programs allow access to the course material and are quite helpful for students who are often on the go.
  
  
• Technology in Testing New technologies and old techniques are used to test student's skills. Some programs allow tests in person, while some programs supervise the student remotely through webcam.
  
  
• Video Video may be used to supplement an e-learning program. Synchronous method of online classes uses live streaming video to deliver information. Asynchronous online classes also use video to deliver pre-recorded videos, which students can watch and learn at their own time.
  
  
• Communication Technologies Emails and message boards and emails are often used to interact with peers and also with the teacher.
  

Reema Krishnan is a content creator at Acharyanet platform for Carnatic music learners where they can learn music from gurus through 400+ video lessons. Being a music enthusiast and a history buff herself, she is able to provide value for her readers and her content is well-received by musicians, music lovers, and music learners of all ages and at all stages. She loves to volunteer with music therapy groups and bakes up a storm in her free time.

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