As a team of music teachers who specialize in private instruction for beginner students, we know that life can get busy—and sometimes, a missed lesson is unavoidable. Fortunately, online makeup lessons offer a flexible and effective way to stay on track. But they come with their own set of expectations. In this post, we’ll share key online makeup lesson tips so your child gets the most out of every session.
What Is an Online Makeup Lesson?
An online makeup lesson is a virtual session scheduled to replace a missed in-person or regular online lesson. Whether due to illness, travel, or scheduling conflicts, makeup lessons help students:
- Maintain momentum in their learning
- Stay accountable to weekly goals
- Avoid falling behind in technique or repertoire
They can be just as effective as regular lessons—sometimes even more, since they encourage independence and focus in a new format.
Top Tips to Make Online Makeup Lessons Successful
Here’s what we recommend for getting the most out of an online makeup session:
1. Communicate early and clearly
Let your teacher know as soon as possible if you’ll miss a lesson. The earlier we know, the more options we have for rescheduling.
2. Set up the space in advance
Prepare your device, instrument, stand, and materials before the lesson. A quiet, well-lit space helps keep students focused.
3. Use the same platform as usual
Zoom, FaceTime, Skype—whatever platform your teacher uses, be ready to log in a few minutes early.
4. Stay flexible
Teachers often offer limited makeup slots. Being open to different days or times helps ensure your child gets their lesson in.
Do Makeup Lessons Really Matter?
Yes! Especially for beginner students, consistency builds skill and confidence. Skipping a lesson entirely can mean:
- Losing momentum in a piece
- Forgetting fingerings or rhythms
- Needing extra time to review in the next session
That’s why online makeup lesson tips like these can make the difference between progress and frustration.
If you’re curious about how music lessons evolve over time, check out our helpful breakdown of the music lesson timeline for beginners.
FAQ
Can we request a makeup lesson for any reason?
Most teachers allow makeups for illness, emergencies, or occasional travel conflicts. Always check your teacher’s cancellation policy.
Are online makeup lessons shorter?
Not necessarily. Many online makeup lessons are the same length as regular sessions, though availability might affect this.
What if we miss the makeup too?
Makeups are often a one-time courtesy. If missed, they usually aren’t rescheduled—so it’s important to show up prepared and on time.
Final Thoughts
With the right preparation and communication, an online makeup lesson can be just as productive and inspiring as an in-person class. These simple online makeup lesson tips help students stay on track, keep progressing, and continue enjoying their musical journey.
For more guidance on how music lessons benefit children and how to support their practice, this article from Yamaha Music provides excellent insight backed by decades of research.
