How to choose the best online music classes

From curriculum structure to time commitment, here are seven dimensions you should consider when selecting an online music program.

May 5, 2025

In today's digital age, learning music has never been more accessible. Online music classes offer flexibility, variety, and often, greater affordability than traditional in-person lessons.

Whether you're a complete beginner looking to pick up your first instrument, an intermediate player wanting to refine your skills, or an advanced musician seeking specialized instruction, the online world provides countless opportunities to pursue your musical passion. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right online music class for your specific needs? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when selecting the perfect online music education experience.

Determine your musical goals and learning style

Before researching online music classes, take some time to define what you want to achieve.

Define your musical objectives

You can read online listicles or look up program reviews—but just because a program is highly rated doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. Ask yourself following questions before you start evaluating your learning options:

Skill level: Are you a complete beginner, intermediate player, or advanced musician looking to specialize?
Instrument focus: Which instrument do you want to learn? Piano, guitar, violin, voice, or something else?
Genre preferences: Are you interested in classical, jazz, rock, folk, electronic music, or another genre?
Timeline and commitment: Do you want to polish your skills ahead of a specific event, or are you looking for long-term musical development?
Professional aspirations: Are you studying for personal enjoyment, or do you plan to pursue a career in music?

Understand your learning style

Everyone absorbs information differently. Consider how you learn best:

Visual learners benefit from watching demonstrations and reading music.
Auditory learners excel when hearing explanations and musical excerpts.
Kinesthetic learners need hands-on practice and interactive feedback.
Social learners thrive in group settings and interactive environments.
Independent learners prefer self-paced instruction with minimal supervision.

The most effective online music class for you will align with both your musical goals and preferred learning style.

Types of online music classes available

The online music education landscape offers several distinct formats, each with its own advantages. Options include:

Pre-recorded video courses
Virtual private lessons
Interactive apps
Online music schools and conservatories

One fast-growing source of online music instruction for students ages seven through adulthood is Interlochen Online. A component of the world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen Online offers three types of online programs: four-week courses, private lessons, and certificate programs. These engaging and flexible offerings allow students to choose the option that best fits their age, skill level, learning style, and musical goals—all while tapping into the expertise of a global leader in arts education.

Key factors to consider when choosing online music classes

Instructor qualifications and teaching style

The quality of instruction is perhaps the most crucial factor in your musical development. When evaluating a program, take a moment to examine the instructor’s credentials, such as:

Educational background: Look for teachers with degrees in music and first-hand experience as performers, composers, songwriters, or recording artists.
Teaching experience: How long have they been teaching? What institutions have they taught at? Do they have experience teaching online?
Performance career: Active performers often bring valuable, real-world insights.
Teaching philosophy: Does their approach to music education align with your goals?
Student testimonials: What do previous students say about their experience?

At Interlochen Online, every instructor is a working professional musician with a deep passion for sharing their knowledge with developing artists. These dedicated artist-educators bring decades of expertise to their roles as teachers—enabling them to provide the personalized feedback you need to meaningfully grow as a musician.

Curriculum structure and content depth

If you’re interested in an online course, evaluate the program’s content to ensure it aligns with your musical objectives:

Skill progression: Does the course have a logical progression from fundamentals to advanced concepts?
Technique focus: Is proper technique emphasized to prevent injuries and build good habits?
Theory integration: Is music theory incorporated in a practical and applicable way?
Repertoire: Does the course cover musical styles relevant to your interests?
Supplementary materials: Are there practice tracks, sheet music, or additional resources provided?

For beginners, a structured, comprehensive curriculum is particularly important. Advanced students might prioritize specialized content in their area of interest.

Interlochen Online’s four-week courses and certificate programs are thoughtfully designed by expert instructors and cater to a wide range of learning styles. Each learning module combines readings, video recordings, class discussions, hands-on activities, and a live class meeting to foster an engaging and inspiring learning experience. Courses range from introductory level classes to in-depth studies of a particular genre, topic, or instrument.

Feedback and assessment

The most effective learning happens when you receive timely, specific feedback on your playing. Consider how each program assesses your progress:

Live feedback enables you to receive real-time corrections from your instructor.
Recording reviews require students to submit video recordings for instructors to assess asynchronously.
Automated feedback uses technology to provide an instant analysis of your playing.
Peer reviews are opportunities to receive feedback from other students in your class.
Self-assessment tools enable you to measure your own progress using clear, predetermined benchmarks.

Interlochen Online’s programs incorporate several of these methods to maximize your artistic growth. Students frequently cite the feedback they received from instructors and peers as one of the most beneficial aspects of their experience.

Time commitment

Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of online music education. No matter how much time you’re willing—or able—to invest in your artistry, you can find an online program that fits your busy schedule. Whether you choose a 15-minute tutorial or a multi-week course, you can meaningfully improve your musicianship on a timeline that works for you.

If you’re looking for flexible music instruction, look no further than Interlochen Online. Private lessons can be scheduled on an a la carte basis: Sign up for as many lessons as you’d like and add more at any time. Each four-week course includes five hours of instruction per week; you can choose to complete the course material in one or two longer sessions, or work on your coursework a little bit each day. Certificate programs combine three four-week courses—creating a longer, deeper learning experience.

Tangible takeaways

Improving your skills as a performer or creator is always the primary objective of musical training. But if you’d also like to demonstrate your commitment to your craft in a tangible way, you may wish to explore programs that offer certifications or school credit.

When you take a certificate program from Interlochen Online, you’ll earn a credential from one of the world’s leading arts education organizations that can be showcased on your résumé, LinkedIn profile, or college applications. High school students can also receive high school credit upon completion of the program.

Technology requirements and platform usability

Technical considerations can significantly impact your learning experience. Ask yourself the following questions as you assess potential programs:

Device compatibility: Does the platform work well on your preferred devices?
Internet requirements: What bandwidth is needed for smooth video lessons?
Interface intuitiveness: Is the learning platform easy to navigate?
Video quality: Can you clearly see details like finger positioning and technique demonstrations?
Audio quality: Is the sound clear enough to distinguish subtle musical nuances?

The Interlochen Online learning environment is designed to be both intuitive and engaging—while evoking the beauty and serenity of Interlochen’s northern Michigan campus. Curious about how it works or how well it will function on your device? Try a free course demo.

Cost and Value

Online music education comes at various price points and pricing structures. Some common payment models include:

Subscription models: Monthly or annual fees for ongoing access
One-time purchase: Pay once for lifetime access to your course
Pay-per-lesson: Schedule individual sessions and pay as you go
Free options: Enjoy free access to content such as YouTube tutorials, how-to guides, and more

Don’t just look at the price tag: It’s also important to weigh how much value the program provides relative to the cost. Some important questions to think about include:

How comprehensive is the instruction?
What additional resources are included?
Is there a community aspect or forum access?
Are there opportunities for performance or feedback?

The most expensive option isn't always the best—look for a program that provides both value and alignment with your goals.

Making your final decision

After researching your options, take these final steps:

Take advantage of free trials or sample lessons before committing
Read student reviews to see what learners with similar goals thought about their experience
Attend an information session or speak with an advisor to learn more about program offerings
Consider combining approaches such as downloading an app to help with your daily practice and taking monthly live lessons

Remember that the "best" online music class is ultimately the one that keeps you engaged, motivated, and making progress toward your musical goals. Many successful students combine multiple learning formats to create a customized, well-rounded learning experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right online music classes requires thoughtful consideration of your goals, learning style, preferred format, and practical constraints like budget and schedule. By taking time to evaluate the instructor qualifications, curriculum structure, feedback mechanisms, technical requirements, and overall value, you can find an online music education experience that not only teaches you skills but inspires a lifelong musical journey.

Whether you choose one-on-one virtual lessons with a dedicated teacher, a comprehensive online course, or an interactive learning app, the digital age has made quality music education more accessible than ever before. The perfect online music class awaits—one that will transform your musical aspirations into tangible skills and deep musical understanding.