Compare · lesson format
Online vs In-Person Music Lessons
You don't have to pick one forever. A local teacher who also teaches online lets you meet in person to get the basics right, then take online lessons when travel, weather, or schedules get in the way.
Every teacher in our directory teaches in person. 21 of them are flagged as also teaching online; they're listed below.
In person: strengths and trade-offs
- The teacher can see and adjust posture, hand position, and technique up close.
- Often simpler for young children, who may need hands-on guidance.
- You may play the teacher's piano or hear their guitar tone in the room.
- Trade-off: travel time, or a possible travel fee if the teacher comes to you.
Online: strengths and trade-offs
- No commute, and easier to keep lessons going during busy weeks.
- You practice on your own instrument in your own space.
- Trade-off: camera angles and audio lag make fine technique and playing together harder.
- Needs a stable connection and a setup where the teacher can see your hands.
Piano vs guitar online
On piano, the teacher needs a side or overhead view of the hands and bench height. On guitar, they need to see both the fretting and picking hand, and tuning should be done before the call. Either works best when the teacher has met the student in person at least once.
A hybrid plan
- Start with a few in-person lessons to set posture, hand position, and practice habits.
- Switch to online for weeks when travel is hard, then check in person regularly.
- Ask the teacher how they handle make-ups and whether online lessons cost the same.
Local teachers who also teach online
These 21 listings teach in person and are flagged for online lessons. Browse all piano or guitar teachers for in-person lessons.
Denver, CO (10)
- Laura Klein / Appassionata Piano Studio · Golden
- Scharf Guitar (Tom Scharf) · Denver
- Jordan Lovinger · Denver
- KJZ Music · Aurora
- David Ross Piano Studio · Denver
- Caleb McAllister · Denver
- Ryan Jalbert · Denver
- JP's Guitar Lessons (John Pakalenka) · Englewood
- Violin Plus Viola (Laura McDermott) · Aurora
- Music 4 Humans · Denver
Austin, TX (8)
- Dr. Kathy Winston / Piano Program · Austin
- Brian Grothues Piano Studio · Austin
- Piano by Seth (Seth Ransom Osborn) · Austin
- Trevor Perrmann · Austin
- Loop Music Academy · Austin
- Larisa Montanaro Voice Studio · Austin
- Angelica Haydo Vocal Studio · Austin
- Cameron Carbone · Austin
Phoenix, AZ (1)
- Mellow Toad Productions · Tempe
Chicago, IL (2)
- Andrew Pelletier · Oak Park
- Chicago Voice Lab · Chicago
Online vs in-person lessons: FAQ
Can beginners learn piano or guitar online?
Yes, with a decent camera angle and a teacher who is used to teaching online. Many families start in person to set up posture and hand position, then mix in online weeks.
Are online lessons cheaper?
It depends on the teacher; some charge the same for both formats. Our listings don't include prices, so rates vary; ask teachers. For published benchmarks, see the piano and guitar cost guides.
How many local teachers here also teach online?
21 of our 217 listings are flagged as also teaching online. All 217 teach in person, so you can switch formats with the same teacher.
What about apps and online-only marketplaces?
Apps such as Simply Piano and Yousician, and marketplaces such as TakeLessons, are national options. This page covers local teachers you can also meet in person.