Online Lessons - set-up guide
What you will need:
1. Your Instrument (electric players will also need an amplifier)
2. A good Wi-Fi internet connection. If your connection is prone to bandwidth issues, ask others who use the connection NOT to stream or play online games during your lesson time. This will help ensure you have the bandwidth available for Zoom.
3. A laptop/desktop or tablet, with a webcam.
4. An updated version of the Zoom meetings app.
Step-by-step instructions are available below for adjusting the Zoom settings for music lessons.
Printer - optional
A printer may also be useful if you want to print out the lesson materials that are emailed to you. However, as these will be in PDF form, many students like to just use them in their tablet or computer and open them that way, without the need for a paper copy. Others like to have a paper copy to write on and take notes.
Laptop/Desktop/Tablet
Ideally you should be using a laptop or desktop with a webcam for lessons.
An iPad will work fine, but you should find a way to prop it up for the best camera angle. The default angle provided by your folding iPad case is NOT ideal as the camera will angle upward when leaning back. Find another way to prop it up such as an iPad mount or prop it on some books, etc.
Phone - not ideal
While it is possible to use your smartphone, the screen is too small for it to be ideal, especially if you put it far enough away so I can see you and your instrument.
Camera setup - Proper framing
You should set up your camera view so I can see your face and both hands as you hold the guitar/bass/ukulele in playing position, while seated comfortably.
Make sure there are no windows or bright lights in the shot behind you, as these will turn you into a silhouette.
Before Your Lesson
Fingernails
Clip-On tuner
Fingernails
If you have long nails trim them. You won't be able to fret cleanly using your fingertips if your nails are long. Sorry ladies, but your lovely French tips will have to go.
Tune Up!
Clip-On tuner
Fingernails
Tune your guitar. If you don't know how to do this, I will help you.
Download a tuning app. Guitar Tuna is very popular - but you don't need to buy any of the subscriptions they try to sell you with it.
Clip-On tuner
Clip-On tuner
Clip-On tuner
You could also buy a cheap clip-on tuner like a Snark. It will clip to the headstock of your guitar.
How to set up zoom for music lessons on a computer
Open Zoom App
Click the blue "+" sign "join" button to join the Zoom lesson meeting room.
A smaller new window will pop up.
Enter Meeting Info
Enter the meeting number provided by your instructor, and your name.
Click the blue "Join" button, then enter the password provided by your instructor.
You will then be moved to the Lessons Waiting Room.
Your instructor will bring you to the main lesson area when it is time to begin your lesson.
Open Zoom Audio Menu
On your first Zoom lesson you will need to adjust the audio settings in Zoom.
Click the little 'up' arrow next to the microphone in the lower left corner of your Zoom app window.
A menu will pop up.
Click on "Audio Settings."
Change Audio Settings
1. UN-CHECK the box that says "Automatically adjust microphone volume.
2. Click the button to enable "Original sound for musicians."
3. Exit the Audio Menu and return to the main Zoom Screen.
Enable Original Sound
At the top of the main Zoom screen there should now be an option that says "Original sound for musicians: off."
Click on it to turn Original sound ON.
If it says "on" you are all set.
You will need to check to make sure your original sound is "ON" each time you have a music lesson.
How to set up zoom for music lessons on an ipad
Open Zoom Audio Menu
Click the settings gear in the upper left corner of your Zoom app window.
A menu will pop up.
Click on "Audio."
Select Original Sound
Select Original Sound
Select "Original sound."
Exit the Audio Menu and return to the main Zoom Screen.
Join Meeting
Enter Meeting Info
Select Original Sound
Select the blue "Join Meeting" button
Enter Meeting Info
Enter Meeting Info
Enter Meeting Info
Enter the meeting number provided by your instructor.
Select the "Join" button.
Enter Meeting Info
Enter Meeting Info
Enter the passcode provided by your instructor.
Select "Continue."
You will now enter the waiting room. Your instructor will move you into the lesson room when it's time for your lesson to begin.
Audio & Video Enabled
Audio & Video Enabled
Audio & Video Enabled
When you are moved into the lesson room. touch anywhere on your screen to access the Zoom control menu.
Make sure the microphone and camera are enabled and do not have a red line through them.
Audio & Video Enabled
Audio & Video Enabled
Select the three-dot "More" button.
Enable Original Sound
Audio & Video Enabled
Enable Original Sound
Select "Enable original sound."
(If it says "Disable original sound," that means it's already enabled, so do nothing).
Return to to your main Zoom screen.
Enabling "original sound" will allow your instructor to hear your guitar. This step is necessary because Zoom by default silences all sound detected that is not the human voice.
If you forget to do this step, your instructor will remind you.