Online Lessons
How to get the most out of your online lessons
Whether using Skype, FaceTime, or Google Duo, making the transition from live lessons to online lessons can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you make them just as successful!
Some phone/tablet holder options to consider if you plan to use online lessons for an extended period of time.
Piano Lessons
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•Create a quiet environment, just like you want your child to have in a music studio lesson, so they can hear the instructor and focus on the lesson.
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•Have good lighting. Dim lighting slows the frame rate and can cause video delay.
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•Avoid using bandwidth during the lesson. Streaming other videos, downloading large files, and other things that use significant amounts of bandwidth in the house can cause video glitches.
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•Update your device ahead of time.
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•Figure out your camera positioning set-up ahead of time. The camera should provide a view of the top of the keys from and angle where the hands will not be blocking each other. The teacher will need to be able to see exactly which keys the student's hands are on.
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•Have all your materials ready. Make sure you have all your books, a pencil, a notebook to write assignments, and a metronome or metronome app (on a separate device).
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For more in-depth information, check out this article (disclaimer - Some of these tips are directed more towards teachers than students).
Ideal View options if you have the space/equipment:
Good View
If short on space, this view is also ok.
Voice Lessons
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•Create a quiet environment, just like you want your child to have in a music studio lesson, so they can hear the instructor and focus on the lesson.
​
•Have good lighting. Dim lighting slows the frame rate and can cause video delay.
​
•Avoid using bandwidth during the lesson. Streaming other videos, downloading large files, and other things that use significant amounts of bandwidth in the house can cause video glitches.
​
•Update your device ahead of time.
​
•Figure out your camera positioning set-up ahead of time. The student will need to stand or sit up straight with the screen in front at face level.
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•Have all your materials ready. Make sure you have all your music, a pencil, and a notebook to write assignments.
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•Have a separate device for playing recordings. Because of possible video lag or pitch distortion, the student will need to sing along with recordings during the lesson. Recordings will be prepared and sent ahead of time so you can transfer them to the device of your choice.
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