Online lessons are a great way for us to work when we can't meet in person. Please read through and implement the following tips so that we can be effective and efficient with our time!
Setup:
Supplies: Have your notebook, pen/pencil, and a metronome on hand (along with ALL your music), as well as your lesson assignment page from the previous week. I also recommend page tabs (sticky colorful tabs) to mark your assignments if you are in the Faber Piano Adventures series.
Zoom Audio Settings:
If applicable: Email or text your theory assignments (if applicable) prior to the start of lesson time.
- I need to see the player and the piano.
- Ideal setup is laptop (not phone/tablet due to sound quality!) on a sturdy table. Position on the right side of the keyboard. Height should allow the camera to view the keyboard (hands) and the player's entire upper body. The player will be able to see me as well by glancing at the screen.
Supplies: Have your notebook, pen/pencil, and a metronome on hand (along with ALL your music), as well as your lesson assignment page from the previous week. I also recommend page tabs (sticky colorful tabs) to mark your assignments if you are in the Faber Piano Adventures series.
Zoom Audio Settings:
- Move microphone input to about 70% to the right. Test it by speaking and playing!
- Do NOT select "Automatically adjust microphone volume"
- Select "Zoom optimized Audio" and "Low" background noise suppression
- Do NOT select "Original sound for musicians" unless you have 2 external microphones (1 for the piano and 1 for your voice) connected to the laptop
- Minimize distractions and noise during lesson time. The audio is already somewhat compromised, so making it as "clean" a sound as possible is helpful to both of us.
- Maximize your internet speed. Consider a wired connection. You may also benefit from minimizing other internet use during lesson time so that it doesn't slow down our connection.
- Optional: consider using wireless headphones
- Log onto Zoom a few minutes early and make sure the audio settings (below) are set. You will be directed to the waiting room until your lesson time begins.
If applicable: Email or text your theory assignments (if applicable) prior to the start of lesson time.