Wondering whether to take online music lessons or in-person ones? Let's break down the pros and cons that helps you CHOOSE THE BEST FIT.
Trying to decide between online music lessons and in-person music lessons? You're not alone. Since the pandemic shifted so much of daily life online, more students and parents than ever have been asking: can virtual music lessons really compare to learning face-to-face?
At Ardes Music, we offer both formats across our Bellflower and Torrance locations in Los Angeles, CA — so we've seen firsthand what works, what doesn't, and how to tailor lessons to every student's goals and lifestyle.
This guide breaks down the honest pros and cons of both options so you can make a confident, informed choice for your musical journey.
Online music lessons are live, one-on-one or group sessions taught over a dedicated online video platform. A student and their instructor meet in person virtually: the student at home, the teacher in their studio or home setup, with multiple cameras sometimes used to show both the instrument and the player's hands or posture.
Online learning in music grew dramatically in the past years, but many students and online teachers have since discovered it offers genuine, lasting benefits — especially for certain instruments and learning stages.
In-person lessons take place at a music school, studio, or private instructor's space. The student and music teacher share the same physical room, allowing for direct, immediate feedback with no technical barriers. This traditional format remains the gold standard for music education — and for good reason.
At Ardes Music, our top-rated instructors are certified graduates of recognized music & art institutions worldwide, including conservatory-trained professionals. Whether you want to take violin, piano, guitar, or singing lessons, our lesson plans are tailored to each student's skill level, from beginner to intermediate and beyond.
Online lessons fit around your life. Whether you're a working adult, a student with a packed after-school schedule, or a family juggling multiple commitments, taking lessons online removes the commute entirely — giving you more time to actually practice.
One of the biggest benefits of online learning is that geography doesn't limit you. Students can connect with piano teachers, violin instructors, and vocal coaches from across the country — even conservatory professors and Juilliard-trained musicians who might not teach locally.
Many online platforms allow sessions to be recorded. Being able to revisit a lesson, rewatch a technique demonstration, or review sheet music notes is a powerful study tool — especially for beginners who need repetition to build muscle memory.
Some students, particularly those who struggle with anxiety or trouble focusing in new settings, actually perform better from home. Learning music online in a familiar space can reduce nerves and help younger students settle in faster.
Without the overhead of a physical studio, online music lessons online are often more affordable — making music education more accessible to a wider range of students and parents.
A poor internet connection, audio lag, or video freezing can disrupt the flow of a lesson — especially in music, where timing and tone are everything. This is one of the most cited challenges of taking online lessons.
Posture, bow grip, finger placement, breath support — these are incredibly hard to correct through a screen. Even with multiple cameras, an online music teacher simply cannot physically guide a student's hand the way an in-person instructor can.
Instruments that rely heavily on physical technique — violin, cello, drums — are significantly more challenging to teach and learn online. While it's possible, it's not ideal, particularly for beginners starting from scratch.
The natural rapport that builds between teachers and students over time is harder to cultivate through a screen. Personal interaction — the small moments of encouragement, humor, and shared musical experience — is part of what keeps students motivated long-term.
This is the single biggest advantage of the traditional in-person lesson. Your instructor can immediately see and correct posture, hand position, bowing technique, breathing, and fingering — adjustments that can take weeks longer to fix online.
Meeting in person builds trust, accountability, and motivation. Students who learn music in a studio environment consistently report feeling more engaged and less likely to quit. A great music teacher can change a student's entire relationship with their instrument — and that's much easier to achieve face to face.
Walking into a music school signals to your brain: it's time to learn. That mental shift matters. The studio removes household distractions, encourages a dedicated mindset, and often includes access to high-quality instruments that students may not have at home.
If you're working toward performing, preparing for conservatory auditions, or advancing past the beginner stage, in-person lessons are almost always superior to online instruction. The nuance of live sound — dynamics, tone color, resonance — simply cannot be fully conveyed through a device speaker.
In a music school setting, students can participate in group classes, recitals, and ensemble sessions with other students. This social dimension of music education is invaluable, especially for children, and is something online learning simply cannot replicate.
Getting to a lesson takes time — especially in the Los Angeles area. For busy families in Torrance or Bellflower, CA, the logistics of travel can sometimes feel like a barrier.
Illness, travel, or unexpected schedule changes can mean missed lessons. While many music schools have cancellation policies, in-person sessions are inherently less adaptable than a Zoom call.
The bottom line: online lessons are a genuinely effective way to start and stay connected to music. But if your goal is to grow as a musician in the deepest, most holistic way, traditional in-person lessons remain the best path forward.
For introductory lessons, music theory, and certain instruments like piano and singing, online lessons can be highly effective. For advanced technique work and physically demanding instruments, in-person lessons are generally more effective.
Yes — online learning is actually a great starting point for beginners who want to explore an instrument before committing to a regular in-person schedule. Many students start online and transition to in-person lessons as they progress.
A stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or phone), your instrument, and a quiet space. Many instructors who use Zoom recommend a wired internet connection for better audio quality.
Private lessons offer personalized attention and faster progress, while group lessons are more affordable and add a fun social element. At Ardes Music, we offer both formats — online and in person.
Whether you want to take online or in-person music lessons, the most important step is simply starting. At Ardes Music, our expert music teachers offer personalized lesson plans for all ages and skill levels — beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
We offer lessons in piano, guitar, violin, drums, singing, saxophone, flute, cello, viola, clarinet and more, — both online and in person.
👉 Explore our lessons and programs or contact us today to book your first session.
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No matter where you are in your musical journey, we’re here to help. Learn more about our programs and lessons or contact us today to schedule your first session - online or in person.
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