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Who, What, Where, Why, When and How of Online Lessons
Frequently Asked Questions

• WHO should study music lessons online?
  
  The simple answer: Everyone!
  
            One-on-One music lessons generally work the same online as they do in person. We met at the appointed time (without all the travel), find out how practice is going, discuss any questions and set the topic and goals for the next lesson. One key difference is that part of the in-person lesson is preparing the documents for the next lesson, but for online lessons I do all my preparation away from the lesson on my own time, and thus devote more time and attention to the student and the current topic.
  
            Beginning students prosper from the individual attention and focus on creating a strong playing foundation and backing it up with knowledge and understanding. From the start playing your instrument will be of primary importance. Infinite patience is applied from this point throughout the lessons. We make sure everything is clear no matter how long it takes, and there is no agenda for a particular pace of learning. Everyone is different and unique.
  
            Beginning, intermediate and advanced students will all prosper from backing tracks addressing specific songs or progressions. These play-alongs are often prepared individually for the student along with charts of songs directed to their current playing level. My transcriptions are consistently accurate and playable, avoiding those confusing and incorrect YouTube videos and other questionable sources.
  
            Anyone who wants to improve their improvisation skills, composition knowledge and general musicianship will benefit from working with me online. I have been teaching for fifty years, and have just as many years of practical and professional playing experience on multiple instruments, including Guitar, Piano, Bass Guitar, Sax, Drums, and Voice. My Berklee degree (1980) is in Composition and I have written for Cat's A Bear, One World Tribe and private clients. In 1995 I was commissioned to write and perform a string quartet called Generations.
  
            Advanced students can enjoy the benefit of working with a graduate of the late, great Charlie Banacos, who taught some of the most accomplished Jazz players in the world today. Charlie's comprehensive and linguistic methodology for learning the entire Western Harmony system is unparalleled, and I am blessed to have been taught by this music master. I am always thrilled to share these blessings with interested students.
  
  
• WHAT is studying music online like?
  
  The simple answer: It's easy!
  
            If you are reading this, you have a computer. Most of us have eMail and can use Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or some other online video call application. If this is new to you, I can actually help get you set up over the (ancient technology) phone. I am always willing to help as much as I can with unfamiliar users. I guide you through the lesson process, including setting up a shared folder on Google Drive, where current and new documents and music files can be accessed and added.
  
            A few minutes before your lesson, in your quiet, well-lit space, you turn on your computer and activate your video platform (Skype, FaceTime, Zoom) and wait for my call or email, depending on what we set up. I contact you at your appointed time and off we go. After that it's really just like an in-person lesson. We discuss, question-and-answer, you play your current lesson material or composition and we develop our next lesson based on how all of that goes. After teaching for my first 35 years in person, I began teaching on Skype and quickly developed my online teaching style. I have learned how to make the student comfortable and have fun as we work together to raise the level of our musicianship.
  
            Over the next week, until the next meeting, you can check your folder for any new material. It generally takes a few days to get the next round taken care of. Other than that, practice every day and listen to music as much as you can!
  
  
• WHERE can you study online?
  
  The simple answer: Anywhere!
  
            My students often end up in different places throughout the year. This meant disruption with in-person lessons if the student was out of the geographic area. With online lessons this issue goes away. Students can vacation in New York in the summer, live in Florida, travel across the country, and make as many lessons as they want to simply by logging in and meeting.
  
            Personally I love being in my own home. This is really advantageous in my local winter climate where, on some days, traveling anywhere is a major project to be avoided at all costs! No need to cancel a lesson now unless the power is out. You can stay warm and dry in the winter, cool and relaxed in the summer, and catch that weekly lesson easily.
  
  
• WHY study online with me?
  
  The simple answer: I can help you learn music!
  
            I believe in myself as a teacher and have a long history to back up my belief. Many of my students have studied for years with me. I have had students return years after they stopped due to moving away or life's many interuptions. I have even had former students bring their children to carry on the music! My student Testimonials and Recommendations let you know how some of my students felt about their lessons.
  
            My Berklee education and my private studies with Charlie Banacos gave me a comprehensive view of our American Music and how to teach it. I have used this knowledge to teach my students since 1983, accumulating the experience and information to help anyone improve their musicianship. I have also applied this knowledge in very practical ways, making my living playing in Boston, writing and performing original music with Cat's A Bear and One World Tribe, and teaching every level of student. I have played Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Funk, Reggae, Jazz, Latin, World-Beat and other American Music styles and am well versed in those styles. I can help you find your voice.
  
            I love teaching and have devoted much of my life to becoming the best teacher I can be. My teachers gave me incredible gifts which are only magnified when I am able to share them with others. I have no time-based agenda, I don't lose my patience, and I will explain something as many times and in as many ways as needed. Let me help you with your music.
  
  
• WHEN can I study online?
  
  The simple answer: Now!
  
            I believe in the momentum of the weekly lesson, so my preference is to find a mutually workable time and meet each week. I have lesson hours on multiple days and various hours and will always work to accomodate someone's schedule, including rescheduling if needed.
  
            Part-time scheduling is also available for those who can't always make a weekly time. As long as we all know ahead of time anything is usually doable.
  
            I sell my time in half-hour units. Some students prefer a full hour, and longer meetings are possible depending on available time.
  
  
• HOW do I get started?
  
  The simple answer: frank@franksinger.com
  
            Step one is to eMail me at frank@franksinger.com and let me know you are interested in music lessons. It always helps to know what instrument you wish to study, or if your focus is on composition, theory or improvisation. Nothing is etched in stone, so once we get started we can add or modify the lesson topics to follow any interest or ideas.
  
            I will help you from there and make it as easy as I know how. Take the plunge. It's fun!