E-learning can 'keep musicians playing'

Musicians who are unable to make lessons due to unforeseen circumstances can still receive tutorship thanks to online training methods, an educator has said.

Laura Williamson, a piano teacher from Richland Township in the US, has adopted the use of Skype technology as an alternative for when her pupils are prevented from attending sessions, the Tribune-Democrat reports.

If people cannot get to her due to sickness, bad weather, transportation problems or otherwise, lessons can still be taught over the internet.

Ms Williamson enhances her classes with state-of-the-art software to connect instruments and for videoconferencing.

"The internet can only get better and better," she said. "You just need a high-speed internet connection and a web cam."

She has already used this form of help to advance other teachers and is planning to extend this service through additional distance learning courses.

Earlier this month, the Courier reported that Glow, a Scottish national intranet, received 250,000 hits from school students seeking study support when snow forced institutions to close.