Is it Better to Learn to Play Sound Baths In Person or Online?
As experienced sound bath trainers, potential students often ask us whether it’s better to learn how to play sound baths through an in-person or an online training. The answer depends on the quality of the instruction and the student’s learning preferences. But, through our decade of experience offering soundbath practitioner trainings, we have found that a well-designed online course provides a more effective and flexible learning experience. Here’s a comparison to help you decide.
The Key to Effective Sound Bath Training: A Qualified Teacher
The effectiveness of any sound bath training—online or in-person—hinges on the teacher’s qualifications, experience, and ability to create an effective course. A skilled instructor can put together a comprehensive course and deliver it clearly and effectively. Someone can play well, but not be able to teach. Or, someone may have little experience playing but attempt to skip right to teaching. As sound baths have become popular, there has been a rise in sound bath training courses that are taught by people with little experience working in the field. A qualified teacher will have at least 10 years of experience offering regular group sound baths and will teach how to play sound baths in a way that offers consistent results. Assuming you’re choosing a course led by a qualified teacher, let’s explore the pros and cons of each learning method.
In-Person Learning
Pros
- Hands-on practice: Immediate access to instruments for real-time practice.
- Direct feedback: Teachers can observe and correct techniques on the spot.
- Group connection: Learning alongside others gives a sense of community and offers shared insights.
- Instrument choice: Students can hear and try some instruments before purchasing.
Cons
- Limited review: Missed information can’t be revisited unless clarified by the teacher or a classmate later.
- Memory reliance: Students must recall the information without instant access to it.
- Fixed schedule: Learning is confined to specific days, and personal factors (e.g., fatigue, illness) can impact focus.
- Travel and time costs: Courses may require travel, adding expenses and logistics.
- Pace of class: The course pace may not suit every student’s needs.
To make the most out of an in-person training, students should arrive prepared. Be well-rested, take detailed notes, get instruments as soon as possible and practice what you learned right away.
Online Learning
Pros
- Flexible pace: Learn at your speed, pausing or rewatching as needed.
- Repeat content: Review videos and materials multiple times to master techniques.
- No travel costs: Take the course where you want, and save on travel costs.
- Learn on your own time: You can practice and study on your own time, fitting it in with your life’s schedule.
- Comprehensive resources: Many courses include additional resources to set students up for success.
Cons
- Need instruments: Students need their instruments to apply techniques.
- Limited live feedback: Without in-person observation, technique errors may go unnoticed.
- No group interaction: Online formats may lack the community feel of in-person classes.
- Instrument selection: Students may not hear instruments in person before buying.
A quality online course can mitigate many of the cons. For example, our Group Soundbath Player™ Certification Course offers unlimited technique assessments where students submit practice videos for personalized feedback, an instrument consultation (online or in-person) to guide instrument selection, and unlimited Q&A on course content for those who purchase the Advantage Package upgrade.
Our Experience: Why Online Excels
We offered in-person sound bath training for eight years and believed it was the gold standard. However, we’ve seen remarkable results after transitioning to a fully online course. Our online program is more comprehensive, allowing students to revisit materials, practice at their own pace, and retain information better. Students who complete our online certification course often master techniques faster and perform more confidently than those trained in person.
Key features of our online course, depending on the course option chosen, include:
- Comprehensive video lessons covering sound bath techniques and theory.
- Technique assessments for personalized feedback on practice videos.
- Instrument consultation to help students choose the proper setup.
- Ongoing support through Q&A platforms and optional in-person playing lessons.
While we still offer in-person lessons for hands-on guidance to our students, our online course delivers a superior learning experience for most students due to its flexibility and depth.
Which Is Better for You?
Suppose you thrive in group settings and value immediate feedback. In that case, in-person training may suit you, provided you’re prepared to take notes and practice diligently afterward. However, if you prefer flexibility, repeatable content, and the ability to learn at home, a high-quality online course like ours is likely the better choice. Prioritize acquiring your instruments early to maximize practice time regardless of the format.
The best option for you will depend on your ability to self motivate, whether you have instruments, your learning style and what your schedule is like. Our online course eliminates many traditional drawbacks of online learning, making it a great choice for aspiring sound bath practitioners.
Ready to start your journey? Explore our online Group Soundbath Player™ Certification course and discover the right path for you. Learn more here.