Getting Started With Online Lessons

What do I need to begin?

In order to have a successful online lesson or class, there are three requirements:

1. A reliable high-speed internet connection

2. A capable device (ideally with an external microphone)

3. The Zoom Meetings application with correct settings

So let’s break down these three requirements further in the sections below…

1. A Reliable High-Speed Internet Connection

There are three components of your connection we are concerned with. Click a button below to run a speed test first:

So what do these numbers mean?

• Ping - This is how long in milliseconds it takes for a signal to travel from your computer to the host server and back. Good ping values will be under 50ms.

• Download Speed - This is how quickly your device can transfer information from the internet. Good values for video calling will be above 40 Mbps.

• Upload Speed - This is how quickly your device can send information to the internet. This is typically the limiting factor for home internet connections. An upload of 4 Mbps will work for calling, but over 10 Mbps is ideal.

All my speed test results look good, anything else?

A video call takes a lot of sustained bandwidth, so it is vital to reduce data-hungry activities running on your home network. These include:

• Video Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, etc.

• Online Gaming through computers, mobile devices, or game consoles such as Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch

• Cloud Storage Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, AirDrive, or OneDrive

• System or Software Updates on your devices, even in the background

2. A Capable Device and External Microphone

So do I need to buy a new device for online lessons?

In short, probably not. Most computers and mobile devices made within the last 3 years should be able to run Zoom Meetings without a problem. There are a couple considerations to make when selecting a device to use for your online lessons, though:

• Screen Size - A larger screen size will allow you to more clearly see demonstrations such as bowings and fingerings- and allow you to clearly read music or handouts when shared onscreen. A screen size over 9” is ideal for lessons- and larger, higher resolution screens will make your lesson experience as close to in-person as possible.

• Speakers - In addition to being able to see clearly during an online lesson, hearing clearly is important. Make sure your device audio is loud enough you can hear demonstrations while you are playing. If your device is too quiet, consider adding external speakers or wearing wireless headphones.

• Webcam - Most cameras on devices today are perfect for video calls, so I do not generally recommend students purchase a dedicated webcam. If your camera is 720p or better, it will be great for online lessons. If your device does not have a camera, or if it is not suitable for lessons, the Razer Kiyo or Logitech CM720 are excellent choices.

• External microphone - As a teacher, this is the most essential item! Having a good quality microphone permits an authentic assessment of the sound you are making on your instrument- and allows me to hear nuances such as ringing tones, articulations, and fine intonation.

These are the microphones I highly recommend from experience:

3. The Zoom Meetings App Configured Correctly

First, you’ll need the Zoom App.

You can click the icon above or find the App through your device’s app store. There are native versions of the Zoom Meetings program for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS- or you can use the browser version with some reduced features.

Okay, I have the App, now How do i Join?

• Use your Wifi network and not your data plan before joining a call. Zoom uses lots of data!

• Join your by clicking the invitation link or entering the Meeting ID.

• As a security measure, enter the password you have received through your invitation email.

• For screen name, please type your first and last name.

  Nothing silly, please!

• Press join!

Now that you’re in the meeting, there are a few very important settings:

• Make sure to give the app permission to use your camera, microphone, and speakers!

• If disabled, please enable your video and sound

• If you are using a phone, iPad, or Android tablet, that’s it. There are no more advanced options.

• If you are using a Mac or PC, continue below! There are some extra settings that will enhance the audio quality substantially.

What are these special settings for Mac & PC?

Let’s open the audio options. This will be in the lower-left corner of your screen, and you can open the menu by clicking the up arrow next to the mute button.

Thank you for reading this guide to set up your device for online lessons!

let’s get started!