Like in many areas of today’s daily life, the use of digital media plays a growing part in the field of music education. However, often this so-called „online teaching“ in the field of music education is typically seen merely as a replacement in a situation where classroom teaching is not possible or universities require „blended learning“ — the inclusion of digital media into classes — only to fulfil certain criteria that allows the institution to improve its position in university rankings. Here lies the problem: online teaching is a different teaching and learning environment with its own possibilities and boundaries that cannot be only seen as a compromise or a gimmick. 

Thus, the use of digital media in music education needs different strategies and methods compared to classroom teaching in order to make it a beneficial and pedagogically sensible way of teaching. In my presentation, I will discuss strategies and methods on how online teaching can be a useful, self-standing tool for music educators. My exploration is based on over five years experience with single and group music lessons online. Keywords: Online teaching, music education