Physical music mentorship is the best for me.

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When it comes to choosing between physical music mentorship and online music tutorials, it's a tough choice for me, especially because i haven’t had enough experience with one to declare which is the best. But then, I'll try to answer this based on my own perspective and what I’ve experienced personally.

Looking back to my time in primary and secondary school, I had the chance to attend music classes, and I must say, they were some of the best learning experiences I’ve had. There's just something about being there, surrounded by real musical instruments that works for me. Being able to touch, see, and play the instrument literally made all the difference. For example, when learning to play the piano or guitar, it’s crucial to learn the different keys and finger placements by actually interacting with the instrument. Now, without this experience, I don’t think someone can truly become very good at playing. That feeling of playing the music, feeling the instrument beneath your fingers, and hearing the sound come to life in is just something i don't think online learning can fully replicate.

On the other hand, I know online music tutorials offer more flexibility. You can literally just sit in your home, grab your phone or laptop, and start learning at your own pace. For some people, this is a huge advantage, especially when you do have a busy schedule or when it’s hard to find a physical music class nearby. You can literally go over the same lesson multiple times, rewind, pause, and move forward whenever you’re ready, which can be incredibly helpful for some learners.

However, I personally find that online learning often comes with a lot of distractions. One moment, you’re getting into the groove of a lesson, and then the next moment, your phone vibrates with a call or a notification. It’s easy to get distracted. And i believe if you’re learning music, the risk of losing focus is real because you might miss out on important details that could affect your progress. Whereas, in a physical class, it’s easier to stay focused because you have your tutor right there in front of you, guiding you through the process, correcting you in real-time, and encouraging you to keep going.

Another downside to online music tutorials i would say , is the unpredictability of network issues. Here in Nigeria, for instance, internet connection can be so annoying. You might be in the middle of a class, and suddenly your connection drops. This could lead to missing crucial parts of the lesson, which might be frustrating, especially if those missed parts are vital to understanding the whole concept. That’s a problem that doesn’t happen with physical classes, where you can directly ask your tutor questions if something isn’t clear and you would get immediate and clear answers.

The major thing that stands out with physical music mentoring is the level of personal attention you get from your tutors. They can literally observe your playing in person and immediately point out areas where you need to improve. They can tailor the lessons specifically to your progress, teach you in a way that would be easier for you to understand, and offer tips based on what they see. I do believe this a more practicalized approach, and sometimes, I feel like that makes all the difference in helping you grow as a musician. Although, Online tutorials can try to achieve the same thing through feedback in the comments or email, but it’s not the same as having a tutor right there with you, offering immediate and constructive feedback.

Another advantage of online music tutorials is that, You can have access to a wide variety of materials, from free YouTube tutorials to premium courses that dive deep into specific techniques or styles. You also have the opportunity to learn from some of the best musicians globally, which is an advantage you wouldn’t have in a physical class. But at the end of the day, I still think it depends on your learning style and goals. If you’re someone who thrives on structure, immediate feedback, and hands-on practice, physical music mentorship might be the better option. But if you prefer flexibility, convenience, and the ability to learn at your own pace and time, online music tutorials could be just what you need.

In the the end, both options have their strengths and weaknesses, and so choosing the right one depends on your personal preferences, schedule, and goals. But for me, physical mentorship is the best because i believe it offers a more immersive and focused learning experience.

Thanks for reading.

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