Why are there no distance learning programs at music colleges? ~ "Can music be studied online?" Considering the issue ~ "Can music be learned online?

In recent years, many universities have established correspondence courses, making it easier for working people to study. So why don't music colleges offer correspondence courses?

Some might say, "If you can study by correspondence, won't more people want to study music seriously while working?" Some might say, "If they could study by correspondence, wouldn't there be more people who want to study music seriously while working? In reality, however, almost all music colleges do not offer correspondence courses. This is not a mere coincidence; there are reasons rooted in the characteristics of music education.

In this issue, we will take a deeper look at the question, "Why does distance learning not exist in music colleges?" Let's take a deeper look at this question.

1) "Practical skills-based approach" of music colleges is incompatible with distance learning.

A music college is essentially a "place to improve performance skills," with emphasis on practical education rather than lectures.

In general, distance learning at a university is more focused on practical training than on lectures,
Students watch online lectures and submit reports and examinations,
Students watch online lectures, submit reports and exams, earn credits, and graduate,
Students then obtain credits and graduate,
The basic flow of a correspondence course is as follows: students watch online lectures, submit reports and exams, earn credits, and graduate.

However, in music schools, it is difficult to learn the skills to play a musical instrument online.
It is difficult to learn the skills of playing a musical instrument online.
It is difficult to acquire detailed skills without direct instruction from professors.
Face-to-face practice in ensembles and orchestras is essential.

For example, even if a student is told to "learn" the bowing of a violin or the touch of a piano through a video, the subtle nuances, posture, and power of the instrument cannot be completely conveyed through a screen. Even though online lessons are available, they are no match for an environment where students actually make sounds with a professor and receive instruction.

In other words, the form of "distance learning at a music college = online performance instruction" is not realistic.

2) Because music is a study of "learning with the body

Many of the disciplines in which distance learning is possible are "primarily theoretical.

For example, philosophy, literature, history, economics, law, etc. are taught by reading literature, accumulating knowledge, and constructing logic,
For example, philosophy, literature, history, economics, and law are taught by reading literature, accumulating knowledge, and formulating logic.
Online discussions and report submissions are also sufficient for learning.

However, it is not only "knowledge" that is learned at a conservatory.

Improvement of performance technique (fingering, body use, vocal technique)
Sense of ensemble (sound exchange with co-stars, understanding of spatial resonance)
Improvisation and nuances of expression (live performance, experiencing the acoustics of the venue)

These are not mere "theory," but techniques to be acquired through actual physical exercise. In distance learning, this "physical learning" is fundamentally lacking.

For example, what if athletes were told that they would learn exercise techniques through correspondence courses? They could learn technical theory, but it would be difficult to learn how to actually move their bodies through a screen. The same is true of music, which is a discipline that must be learned by ear and body, and thus is not suited to a correspondence course.

3) "Sharing the environment" is essential for music

In the study of music, sharing the actual acoustic space is very important.

For example,
String quartets and orchestras cannot be performed remotely.
Choral and chamber music are performed while feeling the echoes of the space.
Piano sound is totally different from listening to it in a real hall and through headphones.

In a correspondence course, this "realistic sound sharing" is completely lost; the sound heard through Zoom or YouTube is completely different from the actual performance. The intensity of the sound, the resonance of the instruments, the subtle nuances, and other essential elements of music are lost.

Given this, the limitations of "learning music online" are obvious.

④ Some fields of music are suited to correspondence...

So is "distance learning at a music college" completely impossible? Not quite.

In fact, there are some fields of music that can be studied at correspondence universities and colleges.
Music theory (harmony, music theory, music history)
Composition and arrangement (DTM, film music, game music)
Music pedagogy (teaching methods, research on teaching materials)
Music business (copyright, management)

Since these are mainly theory and knowledge rather than practical skills, they can be adequately studied through correspondence courses.

However, since "a college of music = a place to train performers," it is difficult to obtain a diploma only through correspondence courses. Even if a correspondence course curriculum is enhanced, if practical skills instruction is omitted, it can no longer be called a "music college.

If you want to learn music in earnest, "Lesson Grid" is the best choice!

However, it is also true that attending a music college is a hurdle for those who "want to learn music seriously as a hobby! However, it is also true that attending a music academy is a hurdle for those who want to learn music seriously as a hobby. For such people, we recommend the "Lesson Grid.

What is Lesson Grid?
An online platform where you can take individual lessons from professional musicians and instructors.
You can choose your favorite instruments and genres, and arrange lessons freely.
Flexible and professional instruction without face-to-face meetings.

Even if a correspondence music college does not exist, it is possible to receive high-quality music education by utilizing online lessons. If you want to receive professional lessons at the level of a music college, the best solution would be to use a service like Lesson Grid.

◆ Summary: It is inevitable that music colleges do not offer correspondence courses.

＜ Why are there no correspondence courses in music colleges?
Practical education is essential, and online courses are not sufficient.
Music is a "physical learning" discipline.
If ensemble and acoustic sharing is lacking, learning will not be complete.
If you want to learn seriously as a hobby, the lesson grid is the best choice!

In order to learn music deeply, "experience in a real place" is indispensable.
If you are going to utilize online, make good use of options like the Lesson Grid!