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Online music classes for adults: how to choose
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Pianoforall
For piano or keyboard: a self-paced course built around chords and rhythm, so you play songs early, according to the vendor.
What kinds of online music classes are there?
| Format | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Self-paced video course | Learning songs and skills at your own speed for a one-off price | No live feedback on technique |
| Live one-to-one lessons (video call) | Technique, posture, exams and accountability | Highest cost per hour; teacher quality varies |
| Group or cohort classes | Motivation, playing with others, set start dates | Fixed times; pace may not suit you |
| Apps that listen to you | Short daily practice and note reading | Subscriptions; can feel like a game |
| University-style online courses | Theory, history and musicianship | Often more listening than playing |
| Free videos | One song or one technique | No path, so it’s easy to drift |
Most adults who stick with it combine two: a structured course for the path, and occasional live feedback or a group for motivation.
Step 1: What do you actually want to play?
Write one sentence: “In six months I want to…” For example: play ten pop songs on piano with chords; sing a song in tune at a family party; solo over a blues backing track on guitar; pass a graded exam.
Your sentence decides the format. Songs with chords point to a chord-based course. Exams point to a teacher and an exam syllabus; boards such as ABRSM and Trinity offer exams you can submit by video. Singing in tune points to a course with daily vocal exercises and some way to hear yourself back. If you’re torn between instruments, read piano or guitar first?
Pianoforall
For piano or keyboard: a self-paced course built around chords and rhythm, so you play songs early, according to the vendor.
Step 2: How do you check a course before paying?
- Syllabus: is there a clear lesson order from beginner upward, or just a pile of videos?
- Sample lessons: watch a free lesson. Can you follow the explanation at normal speed?
- Materials: are there downloadable sheets, backing tracks or audio to play along with?
- Rhythm: does it teach timing and strumming or accompaniment patterns, not just which notes to press?
- Teacher: is the person named, and can you find their background outside the sales page?
- Level: is it really for beginners? Some “beginner” guitar courses assume you know basic chord shapes.
For piano specifically, our best way to learn piano online compares the main options in more detail.
Step 3: What will it really cost?
Online music learning is priced in three ways, and the cheapest-looking option isn’t always the cheapest over a year:
- One-off purchase: pay once, keep access. Check for order bumps and upsells at checkout, and whether any monthly membership is added.
- Subscription: a monthly or annual fee. Set a reminder before any free trial ends, and check the renewal price.
- Per lesson: live teachers usually charge by the lesson or in blocks. Ask about cancellation rules.
Add the cost of your instrument. For piano, a 61-key keyboard is fine for a first few months; an 88-key weighted digital piano is better long-term (see keyboard vs piano for beginners). Also check the refund window: courses sold through ClickBank, for example, show their refund terms on the order form.
Red flags to avoid
- Promises like “play any song in days” or “perfect pitch in a week”.
- No sample lessons and no named teacher.
- A countdown timer pushing you to buy “before the price goes up”.
- Recurring charges that aren’t clear before checkout.
- No mention of practice: every honest course says you’ll need to practise most days.
How much practice will you need?
The format matters less than regular practice. Short, focused sessions of 15–20 minutes most days usually beat one long session at the weekend, because skills like finger independence and pitch control build with repetition and rest. Our guide on how long it takes to learn piano as an adult gives realistic timelines, and how to practise guitar efficiently has a simple session plan. Age is rarely the barrier people fear; see can you learn piano at 50 or 60?
Where our picks fit
We cover three self-paced courses, each for a different goal:
- Piano and keyboard: Pianoforall starts with chords and rhythm styles so you play songs early, rather than classical sight-reading first.
- Singing: Singorama is a structured course of audio lessons and daily vocal exercises. Check whether a monthly membership is offered at checkout.
- Guitar soloing: the Minor Pentatonic Guitar Course is for intermediate players stuck in one scale box, not complete beginners.
To see them side by side, read Pianoforall vs Singorama and our roundup of the best online music courses for adult beginners. None of them can watch your hands or hear your voice, so consider an occasional live lesson to check your technique.
A 4-week trial plan
- Week 1: do the first five lessons; practise 15 minutes a day; record yourself once.
- Week 2: learn one simple song or exercise all the way through.
- Week 3: add a rhythm or accompaniment pattern; record again and compare.
- Week 4: decide: are you practising most days and hearing progress? If not, change format before the refund window closes.
Common questions
Are online music classes good for adults?
Yes, for most adults. They’re flexible and cheaper than weekly in-person lessons. Add occasional live feedback to check technique.
What is the best online music class for beginners?
It depends on your goal: a chord-based course for piano songs, a daily-exercise course for singing, or live lessons if you want exams.
Can you learn an instrument online without a teacher?
You can learn a lot from a structured course, but a teacher can spot posture, tension and vocal strain that you may miss.
How much do online music classes cost?
Self-paced courses are often a one-off payment; apps are subscriptions; live lessons are paid per lesson. Check upsells and renewals before you buy.
How long should I practise each day?
15–20 minutes most days is a good start for adult beginners. Consistency matters more than long sessions.
What we’d look at next
Pianoforall
For piano or keyboard: a self-paced course built around chords and rhythm, so you play songs early, according to the vendor.
Singorama
For singing: a structured course of audio lessons and daily vocal exercises for breathing and pitch.
Not sure which fits? Take the 30-second quiz or see our comparisons.
Related comparisons: Pianoforall vs Singorama · Best online music courses for adult beginners
More articles
- How long does it take to learn piano as an adult?
- How to sing better: 9 tips for beginners
- How to start soloing with the minor pentatonic scale
- Piano chords for beginners
- The best way to learn piano online as an adult
- Keyboard vs piano for beginners
- Can you learn piano at 50 or 60?
- How to expand your vocal range
- How to sing on pitch
- How to sing from your diaphragm
- Guitar scales for beginners
- How to practise guitar efficiently
- Should you learn piano or guitar first?
- Singorama review: is it worth it?
Get the free PDF
A 4-week practice plan for piano, guitar or voice: how to split 15 minutes a day, warm-ups, a metronome routine and a progress log.