Celebrating 14 Years of Lessonface

Fourteen years ago, the Lessonface team set out to make it easier for people to learn from great teachers, wherever they were. Today, Lessonface is celebrating 14 years of online lessons, creative exploration, new skills, long-term growth, and a community of students and teachers who continue to make the platform what it is.

Recently, we asked our teachers and students to complete a Back to School Survey about their experiences on Lessonface. More than 350 responded; over 200 students and over 150 teachers. We share their answers as insights into how people use Lessonface.

What is Lessonface?

"Lessonface is an amazing platform with amazing teachers," answered Roselyn, a student respondent in our 2026 Back to School Student Survey.

Lessonface is an online learning platform that connects students with teachers of the arts for live, personalized lessons and classes. Students can learn music, languages, and more from teachers around the world.

Connecting Students With Great Teachers

The name, Lessonface, refers to the founding tenet of the platform: Connecting students to great teachers is the heart of our mission. Though online, lessons are face-to-face. To ensure we have great teachers, not only does Lessonface remove geographic constraints, but we pledge to treat teachers equitably, keeping our fees as low as we can. 

This means, as student Jill Bianchet-Smith wrote in her survey response, "I have the world's greatest instructors." 

A Community of Experienced Teachers

From conservatory professors and alum, to Grammy-winning artists, Lessonface's instructor roster is truly incredible, and we're especially proud of the long relationships we have maintained with many instructors, even as we welcome in new ones every day.

What goals do students have when they start online lessons?

According to our Back to School Teacher Survey, students' goals range significantly, from casually exploring new and unique hobbies, to auditioning for top conservatories across the globe.

Why Do Students Take Online Lessons?

Among more than 150 responses, the most common goals teachers reported were:

1. Improving technique
2. Learning for fun
3. Building long-term proficiency
4. Preparing for performances
5. Preparing for college or conservatory
6. Maintaining an existing skill

That range is one of the things we love about learning. There is no single reason to take a lesson, and exploring new skills is for absolutely anyone at any age or stage who is willing to put in the time and practice. 

What Students Say About Learning on Lessonface

Ryan Gonciarz, a Flamenco guitar student with Leopoldo Delorenzi, shared that he started his musical journey over a year and a half ago, adding, “I never believed that I would be able to play this style of guitar, but after weekly lessons and personalized practice videos from Leopoldo, I'm really experiencing the joy of playing Flamenco.” He also noted that the Lessonface platform is “so intuitive and easy to use.” 

A multi-instrumental student shared, "I have consistently used lessonface for close to 5 years with multiple teachers. It has been a great tool for me that has allowed me to learn how to play the Oboe, piano, classical guitar and singing. I started at ground zero on a lot of these and got to a place where I was performing solos in orchestra and at church. People are amazed at the progress I’ve made all from my own home. It’s been so rewarding! I know I wouldn’t have made this progress had I had to drive somewhere for lessons. Mainly because I’m just so busy. But also because the quality of instructors in my area is poor. Lessonface allowed me to find some real quality instructors that have helped me to reach my fullest potential." 

What do teachers value about teaching on Lessonface?

At the heart of our Lessonface community are our incredible teachers, and as a Public Benefit Company, a key component of our mission is treating teachers equitably. 

Lessonface Flute Teacher of the Year Erika Andres has taught over 9,700 lessons on Lessonface during her 9 years on the platform. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Erika has worked with students ranging from 6-year-old beginners to advanced flutists over 65, and has even authored two musical storybooks, titled "Flutie's Family Reunion" and "Flutie and Pickle's Journey Through Time.”

Reflecting on her experience, Erika shared, “Lessonface rocks and I am so happy to teach on here!”

Jason Fawks, Lessonface Accordion Teacher of the Year, has received over 590 5-star reviews over the course of 8 years on the platform. Expressing his gratitude, Jason shared: “I am just so thankful for all of you at Lessonface that make my online teaching career not only possible but successful as well. Keep up the great work!”

Another long-time Lessonface instructor reflected on their decade with the site, calling it a “great, rewarding experience for both my students and me. It has been a pleasure teaching on Lessonface for the past 10 years!”

Here’s to another year of learning together! 

Thank you to all of the incredible students and teachers who make our community so special. 

Ready to join us for our 14th year? 

Get started on your new journey here.