Top 9 Online Music Lessons for Students

It's never been easier to take music classes than it is today, thanks to the growing prevalence of online music education — all you need is your computer or phone, a reliable internet connection, and your passion for learning. 

However, finding the right lessons, when faced with the numerous options available today, can be daunting, especially if you don't know what to look for in a music class. 

Luckily, we can help! Below, we'll compare the top online music lessons available to help you make a well-informed choice. 

Criteria for choosing online music lessons

Choosing the right virtual music lessons can be challenging even for skilled players looking to refine their skills. The key to finding the right fit is knowing what to focus on when assessing each option. 

Here are the top factors we encourage aspiring students to consider when evaluating the quality and suitability of different classes:

Features

Consider a class's features and how they enhance the overall learning experience. The better a learning platform's features, the likelier you are to improve your musical skills. 

While every platform offers different features, there are a few key things you'll always want to look out for. Here are must-have features for different skill levels:

Beginner & intermediate students 

• Structured curriculum: It can help keep you on track. 
• Access to real instructors: Beginners typically need more guidance, and it may be helpful to ask questions and get feedback in real time. 
• Progress tracking: Seeing your improvements can help keep you motivated. 
• Ensemble opportunities: Playing with other students can help build your skills. 
• Personalized feedback: This is also crucial to skill improvement. 
• Advanced tutorials: These are excellent additions to teacher-guided lessons. 

These features are also good considerations for online music lessons for kids, as they can help keep children focused. 

Advanced students

• In-depth analysis tools, such as signal processing software: One-of-a-kind signal processing software like Trala’s can provide you with real-time feedback and can help you identify areas that need improvement. 
• Masterclasses: Expert education on specific topics or compositions can help you improve finer details like harmonic structures and counterpoint. They can also help improve performances by addressing issues like stage fright and emotional connections with audiences. 

Cost

While it may be tempting to choose the least expensive platforms, keep in mind that there's often a correlation between cost and the quality and comprehensiveness of lessons offered. If you're looking to advance your skills, cheap courses may not always be the way to go. Find a balance between cost and quality to get value for your money. 

Also, assess different platforms' pricing models to determine the best option for your lifestyle. Different online platforms employ varying pricing structures, including:

• Subscription models: Students pay for online courses on a regular basis. It can be weekly, monthly, or annually,  just like your favorite television streaming service. This model may be suitable if you'd prefer to have more flexibility on when you'll be billed. 
• Pay-per-lesson: Under this model, you pay for each lesson you take. It may be ideal if you don't have a stable income or only want to take a few lessons. 
• Package-based: Some platforms bundle lessons into packages at varying costs. For example, you may find beginner, intermediate, and advanced level packages, each available at a different cost. 
• Freemium: Under this model, platforms offer free introductory content and allow you to upgrade your subscription to access premium lessons. It may be suitable if you first want to assess your compatibility with a potential platform before making a commitment. 

User reviews

User reviews or testimonials can help gauge each platform's effectiveness and student satisfaction. Only consider online platforms with positive reviews, as they're likelier to offer positive learning experiences. 

When assessing the reviews, be careful not to be influenced by subjective feedback — remember, everyone's experience is different. Instead, focus on objective feedback. Concentrate on reviews on factors such as instructor engagement, content quality, student support, learning resources availability, and exposure to collaboration opportunities.

Luckily, there's no shortage of areas to find student reviews online! Start by assessing each platform's testimonials section on their official website. If you can't find the reviews, move to third-party websites like the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot. Alternatively, you can browse social media forums and online communities. 

The 9 best online music lesson options to check out

To make it easy to find the best online music lessons, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular options today. Here, we take you through each platform's unique selling point and pricing to help you make a well-informed decision:

1. Trala

Trala is an online music school headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Since 2017, Trala has provided high-quality, affordable music lessons to over 400,000 students worldwide. Trala is one of the only platforms designed with online music lessons for adults in mind — although we have (and love) students of all ages! 

Learners speak highly of our expert instructors and effective teaching methods, which are purpose-built for beginners and those picking violin back up after a hiatus. Our flexible approach allows students to advance their skills from wherever they are. 

Trala’s teachers specialize in 26 genres in multiple languages and offer personalized 1:1 and group lessons. Between sessions, our free mobile app for iOS and Android is equipped with resources to keep you on track — including real-time feedback technology, video tutorials, and an electronic tuner. 

Pricing

Trala uses a subscription pricing model, with costs ranging from $39.99 to $279.99, based on your preferred lesson schedule and session length. You can choose monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly lessons for 30 or 60 minutes. The subscription is billed every four weeks. You can update your subscription at any time to fit your budget or take more lessons.

Unique features

• Specialization in violin play: This gives us an upper hand over other general platforms. You can be sure you'll receive a depth of learning and expertise you can't find anywhere else.
• Expert teachers: We have the best instructors in the world, all of whom have been carefully selected based on their violin expertise and ability to think on their feet and adapt to students' needs. 
• Interactive lessons: Students receive one-on-one guidance from our instructors. Students also get the opportunity to participate in live-streamed student recitals with learners from all skill levels, facilitating solo and ensemble performance opportunities.
• Access to the Trala app: It enhances practice sessions by offering instant feedback on rhythm and pitch via signal processing technology and other helpful learning resources. This facilitates seamless progress tracking and highlights areas you and your teacher need to work on. (Available for both Android and iOS devices)
• The Trala method: This is a technology-forward, research-based teaching method that's personalized to cater to students at all skill levels and age groups. Before you start lessons, Trala’s team chats with you to learn your interests and background to match you with the perfect teacher.
• Video content: We provide video tutorials to help students practice their violin play beyond the teacher-guided lessons. 

2. Lessonface

Lessonface is an online music education platform that's been connecting students to music teachers since 2012. The platform works with alums of schools like Juilliard and Berklee, professional musicians from the MET Orchestra, and numerous conservatories. 

Pricing

Lessonface employs varying pricing models since teachers set their individual fees. Some teachers charge per lesson, others offer bundled packages, and others have a freemium model, which allows you to book a free trial before subscribing to paid lessons. 

Typically, fees start at $15 per 30-minute lesson and increase from there. You can choose a learning duration of anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on your preferences and chosen teacher. 

Unique features

• Offers a diverse range of lessons, including music theory, voice training, and music production 
• Provides training on numerous musical instruments, including string instruments like cello, woodwind instruments like clarinet and saxophone, and fretted instruments like ukulele and banjo 
• Has teachers speaking numerous languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, and many more 

3. Play With a Pro

Play With a Pro is an online musical education platform that offers private live video lessons and masterclasses from professional musicians and educators. The platform primarily caters to adults with intermediate to advanced skills looking to refine their craft. 

Pricing 

The platform offers flexible pricing, with lessons ranging from $30 to $75 per 30 minutes — you can choose between 30, 45, or 60-minute lessons, depending on your preferences. Some teachers offer free trial lessons, so you can get a feel for your preferred instructor before committing to their classes. 

Unique features

• Provides access to renowned musicians and high-level learning experiences 
• Focuses on advanced students (not ideal for beginners)

4. Wyzant

Wyzant is a well-rounded tutoring platform that provides access to a wide range of tutors for different instruments and skill levels. The platform is popular as it facilitates online lessons and allows students to take in-person music classes. All you need to do is filter your teacher options by location to find one near you. 

Pricing

Wyzant's pricing varies based on tutor qualifications and experience. Depending on your chosen teacher, you can get lessons for between $37 to $60 per hour on average. 

Unique features

• Extensive network of tutors from which to choose
• Offers personalized tutor-student matching
• Provides a Good Fit Guarantee, which allows you to pay for your first lesson after taking it (this way, you don't have to pay for a lesson you aren't satisfied with)

5. Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that connects individuals globally to professionals, offering a wide range of services. While it's not primarily a platform for online music education, it's helped many aspiring musicians find expert tutors. 

Pricing 

The platform has a wide range of pricing, which varies based on the teacher and the services offered. Charges range from $40 to $90 per lesson, with lessons ranging from 20 minutes to 90 minutes. 

Unique features

• Wide variety of freelance music instructors specializing in vocal training, instrumental music lessons, and more
• Offers flexible lesson types and structures
• Allows you to pay for each lesson individually

6. MasterClass

 MasterClass is a streaming platform that gives students access to video instruction from industry professionals. It's among our top options because it allows aspiring musicians to get guidance from people who've already made it in the music industry. 

Pricing 

MasterClass employs a subscription pricing model, with membership starting at $120, billed annually. The subscription gives you access to class workbooks, video content, and other MasterClass resources. 

Unique features 

• Provides high-quality video content 
• Offers courses taught by some of the most successful musicians in the industry 

7. ArtistWorks

ArtistWorks is an online platform that provides access to music teachers like classical pianist Hugh Sung, acoustic guitar courses from player Andy Mckee, and many others. The platform contains Video Exchange Learning technology, which allows students to submit practice videos to their teachers and receive feedback. 

Pricing 

The platform employs a subscription pricing model. Students can pay for a monthly subscription of $29, a three-month subscription of $99, or an annual subscription of $279. 

Your chosen subscription determines whether you have access to personalized teacher feedback — the monthly plan doesn't provide access, the three-month option allows up to five submissions and feedback, and the annual plan allows unlimited submissions and feedback. 

Unique features

• Gives learners access to material from a roster of professional musicians
• Incorporates a Video Exchange for asynchronous learning

8. Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning community with courses on all sorts of topics, including music production and instrumental music courses. While Skillshare isn't focused on music education in the same way other platforms are, it's on this list because of its many positive student reviews and popularity.

Pricing

The platform has a freemium pricing model — you get the first month for free, after which you'll be billed $32 monthly or $168 annually. With this subscription, you get access to a wide range of courses. 

Unique features

• Provides a wide range of courses covering various aspects of music and music production
• Offers access to a community of like-minded creators 

9. Udemy

Udemy offers flexible, pre-recorded courses with a diverse range of courses covering various instruments, genres, and skill levels. Students benefit from expert instruction, convenient access to course materials, and interactive learning features such as discussion forums and peer feedback. 

While lacking personalized feedback compared to traditional lessons, Udemy provides supplementary resources and fosters community engagement. Its self-paced format accommodates busy schedules, making it suitable for learners seeking instruction at their own pace. 

Pricing 

Udemy runs a pay-per-course model. This means you have full control over the courses you take and pay for. 

Unique features 

• Provides a vast collection of courses suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced-level musicians 
• Allows students to choose courses based on their needs

A closer look at Trala's specialized approach

Different people have varying opinions on how long it takes to learn musical instruments. Some argue it takes 10 to 15 years to master an instrument, while others claim it takes less or more time. Still, everyone agrees that proper guidance and consistent rehearsals are vital to instrument mastery. Trala is a top choice for many students because it helps with both.

Elevate your online music lessons with Trala's expertise

Mastering any instrument can be a challenging process. But, as Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Your first step to improving your skills is finding the right learning platform. 

While each platform discussed here is a suitable option, Trala is a superior choice for all aspiring violin players. Trala stands out because of its interactive one-on-one lessons with expert teachers, adaptability to different students' goals and skills, and supportive community. 

Sign up for Trala today to learn everything from the fundamentals of violin play and ear training to ensemble playing and performance.