Set up
your space.

Create a “studio” in your home. Perhaps you already have a music room or playroom set up for music. If not, find as quiet a space as possible to use for lessons.

If possible, find a room free of TVs or other screens and distractions from other household members. A room with carpeting or rugs is usually the best to cut down on noise. Think bedroom, playroom or closet as opposed to a kitchen or family room.
Familiarize yourself and your student with Zoom. See details below.

Be sure you have the following:

Instrument
Books and Music Sheets
Music stand or something to hold music. For instance a tall stool in place of a stand. Drummers and piano players may even be able to rest their music on some part of their instrument as a last resort.)
Metronome
Ask your instructor if there is anything else they will need to complete lessons.

Zoom Tips for Success.

1. Create a Zoom account with a login and password.

2. Download the Zoom app.

This will provide a much better experience than running the software in a web browser.

3. Prepare your space.

Make sure your room is isolated with little distraction or noise. Request family members to avoid walking through or creating noise that would make it hard to focus.
If your instrument is portable, a room with carpeting will help control echo and create clearer communication.

4. Prepare the camera.

Make sure your device has a stand or is positioned in a way to see the instrument as well as close enough to hear the student/instructor. Use a table or desk to position laptops, or consider purchasing an inexpensive iPhone tripod stand to improve your view.
If you are able to log in on two separate devices, one can be for teacher/student view and one can be aimed at the instrument. Be sure to only have one of the devices’ microphones join the meeting.

5. Audio Clarity.

You may consider whether earbuds or headphones are better for clarity in audio. Consult your instructor and trouble-shoot together to determine your most ideal setup.

6. Remove all other devices from internet connection to free up bandwidth for your video call.

Before your lesson start time, ask family members/roommates who may be using bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming services, online gaming consoles, etc. to pause their online sessions if possible.

7. Having Technical Difficulties?