I'm very excited to announce that no matter where you are, you can now take music lessons with me! I have a wonderful camera, and have so far tested it out as far as England and Florida. I've been teaching at a school in Beaver, Alaska, for four years now and I know what it takes and what techniques to use to help people learn over the internet.
Skype is the free service that makes this all possible. When you see people being interviewed on a huge TV screen on Jay Leno, on Ellen and so many other television shows, what you are seeing is Skype in action.
The cost for a video call lesson is $20 per half hour. The PayPal button at the top left can be used to pay for as many half hour increments as you desire. Naturally we must communicate and find a good lesson time for both of us. Lessons must be paid for in advance, just as they are down at the studio.
The cost for Skype lessons is cheaper than the studio rate because it's just not the same as getting a lesson in person. If you can come to the studio, the extra ten dollars per lesson is definitely worth it!
Skype lessons are meant for those who cannot come to the studio. If you are a regular student here in Fairbanks, then this is not your best option. Video lessons are right handy, though, for folks in Nenana on a day when driving is hazardous, or for homeschoolers in remote areas, for folks in the Bush or in villages. Video lessons are a great resource for those who have been students but who have moved away! And of course for new students who don't live in Fairbanks, video lessons open a new door to fun with music and learning.
About Skype and how to get started
You will need to have a web camera, a broadband connection, and to download and install Skype. I am not able to vet any problems you might have with Skype, but it's not difficult and their website walks you through it quite well. Go to Skype.com to sign up and get started. Pay attention to the memory and connection requirements. You can't do Skype on dial-up.
Once you have Skype installed, add TartanTundraMusic as a friend and please email me your Skype name. Be sure you have communicated with me previously about lesson times and schedules.
About the quality of Skype connections
Some days the quality is wonderful and it's just like I'm in the same room with you. Other days there is a slight split second delay. There may be a bit of jerkiness in the picture. I have no control over how the lines are working between my place and yours. However so far, everywhere I've tested the connection, Skype has functioned well enough to get the job done.
Looking Forward
I am adding sheet music, tab, and aural music links to the site so that students can download materials. Until everything is online, I can email digitized music to you, and we can send video and music links to each other.
I have been working on a method book for both fiddle/violin and mandolin, and hope to have those finished by June. I'll add a purchase button for those as soon as they are available.
It's very wonderful to be able to use this technology to touch peoples' lives! I'm looking forward to meeting new students and teaching and sharing music with all of you.