SDML Help for Music Instructors

Right to the point: The current COVID-19 situation caught many of us completely off-guard. Luckily for Paulie & JD & me at SDML Academy of Guitar, we had been using online resources for students for quite some time, and had even implemented our VGC (Virtual Guitar Class) many months ago, so the quasi-quarantine forced transition to the 100% virtual model was not as painful as it has been for many.

Due to this, we've been asked multiple times by individual instructors if we can help them. This brief post is an attempt to lend a quick hand.

The good news: There are dozens of options!

The bad news: There are dozens of options!

Sooo....

So the bottom line before we even get off the ground is that there is no ONE right answer.

From recording individual videos (sent directly or via Youtube or Vimeo, etc) to some live "telecommunications" application like Skype or Google products or Zoom or Discord to similar tools offered by Facebook or Youtube to simple text or email lessons to web-site or blog entries and sooo much more.

The main thing is choosing a platform, as it were, that is 1) already somewhat within your comfort zone, and 2) that will match your style of teaching.

Each platform has advantages and disadvantages.

For example, live telecommunications options all have a slight time lag. If your teaching style doesn't do a lot of playing together in synch, there are few issues with this approach.

If you write out everything meticulously, there is nothing wrong with emailing the lesson and then having a short conference call for questions.

There are two examples.

Our big advice: Look at HOW you teach and find an option that allows you to continue to do what you do.

Paulie & JD & I all use slightly different approaches with a different mix of technologies. Find what will work for YOU and don't worry how someone else is doing it.

I understand the frustration with this advice if all of it seems alien and overwhelming. My apologies for that. As I said, the bad news is.... But none-the-less, I hope you find this article of some degree of utility.

If you have questions or comments, please don't hesitate to leave a comment or contact us directly.

Good luck!