Pros and Cons of On-Line Learning

[Pablopicasso420]

I was prompted to write this post and question when I was looking up Piping Schools for next year.
I was sorry to see that the "worlds largest" school - Piping Hot Summer Drummer- (their word's not mine) is going to be all online this year.
Several other schools are offering this option. I was curious about how folks feel about this trend.
Personally, I do not think their is any substitute for sitting across the table and playing together with a student. You can see improvement in real-time and I don't think it translates through a screen.
I understand the draw of the "online" and applaud those who are making money at it and who enjoy the lessons and like it.
However, I see people really start to improve and get inspired with in-person lessons at at least some band practice attendance.

[Andrew Evans]

I think it depends on the goal. Nothing online is going to replicate in-person experience for band-style competition and playing with others, for example, but much can be gained with one-on-one online instruction, especially for those for whom access to a good in-person instructor is limited. A combination of in-person supplemented with online is ideal, but both have value.

[chuckinphoenix]

Look up Jim Thomson School of Piping and Drumming. Flagstaff, AZ. One week of immersive P or D. Coming up next year in July

[EquusRacer]

When I was in grad school, the concept of some online and 'hybrid' classes was just being discussed. Much later, especially during the pandemic, that became more of a reality. But, especially depending upon the course, I feel that there is nothing that matches the spontaneous elements of in person classes. The same with both individual lessons and 'schools'. There are simply some aspects that can be addressed in person. That said, there are some, whether due to location or other reasons, that only have access to online instruction; which is at least better than self-teaching. To the question in the OP, that's unfortunate that they're switching to online. I remember attending the Winter School by the Celtic Arts Foundation in Washington State back in 2008. The opportunity to work in small classes, one-on-one with the masters, and the general camaraderie was something that is unmatched.

[Kevin]

There is a clear need for online instruction for many people to access any instruction at all, and the pandemic meant that many summer piping camps, workshops and schools would likely have ceased to exist without online options. That said, in-person instruction is at least a bit better than online and there are many intangible benefits that can't easily be captured online. e.g. impromptu sessions after class, participating in organized performances with fellow students, eating meals with fellow musicians and world class instructors, late night drams, being somewhere other than your house, etc. etc.

[John McCain]

I was prompted to write this post and question when I was looking up Piping Schools for next year.
I was sorry to see that the "worlds largest" school - Piping Hot Summer Drummer- (their word's not mine) is going to be all online this year.

It looks like they are doing an online Winter Session. Piping Cold Winter Drummer?

Anyway, online can be a very good way to access instruction. It works well for me.

[Macswegan]

I think you are mistaken. Piping Hot had both in-person and Zoom classes this past summer, and they are planning to have both again next summer. In fact, Jack sent out an email to previous attendees just a couple of weeks ago, indicating that they are planning to offer both.

[Pablopicasso420]

I think you are mistaken. Piping Hot had both in-person and Zoom classes this past summer, and they are planning to have both again next summer. In fact, Jack sent out an email to previous attendees just a couple of weeks ago, indicating that they are planning to offer both.

Hey that is great. I was probably looking at my phone and had the wrong link. I will look more carefully and find the live sign up!

[TwitchyFingers]

There are some online learning resources I love like Neil Clark's Falkirk Piping. His and similar sites are great for learning tunes at a student pace and covering basic technique in an approachable way.
As the original question relates to "Summer Drummer" I'm not sure if the same difficulties apply in drumming as in piping, but one of the places where I'm hesitant about online as the only resource of learning is in not having the ability for the teacher to manipulate reeds or other aspects of getting the instrument playable. I'd hate like heck to try to fix a chanter reed by giving instructions from mission control. That might be a consideration for online drumming courses, but I'm admittedly way out of my depth with percussion.

[Piperalpha]

Online tuition has been very helpful for me. I’ve been able to access top solo players on a regular basis. They’re able to diagnose technical issues with ease so I can correct it. It’s not as good as an in-person lesson with them but it’s light years ahead of what I can get locally.
The only real con I can think of it’s easier to put something across in person. There’s the odd technology related issue here and there. Nothing big.

It’a easier if you already know how to play and you can set and maintain your instrument. That being said if figured out an awful lot on my own over the years. How to tie in a bag, how to season it. Setting up a chanter. I’ve had resources to help. Guides, videos, etc... in some ways I’m happier to have done it on my own. I know what works for me and what doesn’t. I derive immense pleasure from learning about the instrument and how to play it.

if you can get access to good in person tuition go for it. If you don’t have that option there’s a lot of really great people teaching online even if you’re not interested in competing. It’s amazing how much more enjoyable things are when you’re improving all the time

[Andrew Evans]

Indeed, that last point is really important - anything to facilitate ongoing improvement - online teaching has provided another resource to this end, which keeps it fun.