Future of music tuition could be online

Children and young people in rural areas could soon learn an instrument via the internet. Music Education Hubs (MEHs) are being encouraged to explore using video streaming technology to deliver tuition following a positive trial in North Yorkshire.

The ‘Connect: Resound’ project saw teachers from the North Yorkshire County Council Music Service deliver a series of lessons to 20 students at seven primary schools online, using audio video mixers and Skype. A report on the project concludes that with appropriate technology, MEHs across the country could “reach a greater number of pupils and widen access to music education for all”.

The pupils were taught the trumpet, clarinet, violin or guitar, either individually or in groups of three. All said they enjoyed the lessons, with 70% enjoying them “very much”. The pupils’ parents and teachers were pleased with their progress, which was “comparable” to that of a control group who received face-to-face lessons.

High transport costs and logistical challenges leave many children and young people in isolated areas without access to music services. The problem is particularly acute in small schools, as often lessons will only take place if a certain number of pupils are recruited. The project sought to overcome these issues and respond to a recommendation in Darren Henley’s Review of Music Education to “examine how technology could enable better teaching of music (particularly in rural communities)”.

While the initial cost of installing the equipment and high-speed internet connection required would be high, the project organisers believe this would be offset by an increase in the number of lessons MEHs can provide and a reduction in travel costs. Music teachers in North Yorkshire currently spend 139 hours a week travelling, costing the music service £77k every year.

Kevin Tasker, a School Governor at Hawes Community Primary School, said: “I feel there are huge opportunities offered through the internet for geographically remote schools, small schools with very limited budgets (like ours) and also for specialised teaching, not just of music but of foreign languages.”

While 71% of parents expressed some interest in their child continuing lessons online, more would prefer them to be taught face-to-face and the project was not without problems. The time lag of live streaming makes it difficult for teachers to count a beat with a pupil or play alongside them. Despite superfast broadband being available in most areas involved in the project, the teachers scored the quality of the internet connection five out of ten. Some also reported problems demonstrating techniques and helping students to tune their instruments.

The project partners, led by music development charity NYMAZ, are now seeking more MEHs to trial the method. Ultimately they are interested in setting up a national database of teachers trained in online tuition and creating regional centres where teachers deliver lessons.