Before I began offering live webcam lessons in September of 2006, I spent nine months researching and testing hardware, software and service providers. Violinnovation is very much a self-made business; there was no one to ask for advice or help because no one else was offering traditional private lessons in the United States via webcam on a regular basis. Since then, the webcam concept has exploded, both in terms of the sheer numbers of teachers advertising webcam lessons, and the huge improvements in quality, speed and hardware technology.

Webcam lessons are fun and easy. The webcam allows for real-time collaboration and immediate feedback, which is critically important for beginners and students who feel "stuck."

Webcam lessons work well for many students: those who live in remote areas; those who have scheduling difficulties; telecommuters or WAHMs; and students who feel like they are on a perpetual waiting list.

To those of you who might wonder what the difference is between traditional and webcam lessons, I offer my opinion (based on several years of experience): there is none. I firmly believe that live webcam is a viable alternative to traditional lessons. But, just as not every traditional student is suited to lessons, not every webcam student will be either. There is no difference in the lesson format or flow. If you are motivated to learn, work well independently, follow directions, experiment, duplicate the lesson successfully at home and prepare assignments with care and diligence, you will be as successful as any traditional student. If anything a webcam student must be more observant, dedicated and motivated than a traditional student. Webcam lessons (or any lessons, for that matter) will not live up to your expectations if those expectations are unreasonable or unclear.

Because of the convenience available to webcam students, a video meet-and-greet is required prior to the first lesson. Adult students simply meet me via Skype for a short conference; minors must have a parent in attendance for the conference. Please see the Parents Page for more information on lessons for minors. A deposit is also required to hold your lesson time.

From an environmental and financial standpoint, the webcam route leaves a much smaller carbon footprint than an in-person lesson does: no need to travel, thus saving gas, pollution, time, excess wear on your vehicle, and impulsive purchases. It's a definite win-win for students who take advantage of the opportunity.

Due to my unique experience in this area, I also do consulting, program coordination and administration for schools and other community organizations. If you are interested in setting up a webcam program, I'd be happy to help.

Video Exchange (VE) lessons are another option. Students submit two eight-minute videos each week. I reply to each video with comments, suggestions and new assignments.

In addition to retaining most benefits of webcam lessons, VE lessons offer a few more worthwhile features. VE is an excellent alternative for students who have difficulty being tied to a scheduled lesson time. It is also a different way to stay focused on a specific assignment, technique, piece or process. Perhaps the best thing is that you are the boss. You control the schedule. You dictate what gets covered by the content of your video. Practice and record on your time frame. The most effective use of VE happens in conjunction with regular webcam or local lessons, to take advantage of the immediate feedback and collaborative process.