Creating a Good Student Setup for Online Music Lessons

Tips on how to get a student set up for online music lessons

By Robert Boer, Director of MusicTutorOnline.

Teacher of Piano and Music Theory at MusicTutorOnline.

Six tips to help you make the most out of your online music education.

There are differences in setting up for various subjects. During your free intro here at MusicTutorOnline, we will discuss subject-specific details concerning setting up for lessons with you before starting your online music lessons.

In this post, we would like to provide you with general tips suitable for all subjects.

TIP 1: LIGHTS

Our teachers need to observe you closely and check your hand position, posture, finger placement, and other aspects. Every teacher will discuss this with you individually, as each subject has specific requirements. However, here are some things you can always do:

• Ensure you are in a well-lit room.

• Don't sit in front of bright lights or a window. It will be hard for your teacher to see you clearly with a bright light behind you. If you have to sit in front of a window, it is best to close the curtains and turn on the lights.

• If there is not enough daylight, it is best to sit under lights or have light in front of you. (Not behind you)

TIP 2: ENVIRONMENT

If possible, try to find a quiet spot in your home where you can enjoy your lessons undisturbed, away from distractions. This will help you enter the right mindset.

When in a lesson, make sure you have everything you need nearby:

• Your lesson books.

• Water and snacks.

• Pencils, sharpeners, rubbers, highlighters.

• Manuscript paper.

It will save you a lot of time.

Technology can also be an aid. Why not download a free app that serves as a metronome, tuner, or timer? (Essential tools for musicians).

TIP 3: CAMERA POSITION

• Place your device on a nearby table.

• Use some books under your device if needed.

• Having a solid music stand on which to place your device is another excellent option.

• A tripod for your phone, tablet, or external webcam is another great option worth exploring.

For an optimal viewing experience, we recommend using a larger screen, such as a laptop or desktop. This will enhance the visual aspect of your learning, as you will see your teacher in greater detail.

A phone or tablet can serve as a (second) camera to capture certain angles that your teacher needs to see.

Some of our students and teachers are in class with two devices.

Example for piano classes

Device 1: Phone, tablet, or laptop/desktop: The camera captures your hands, fingers, arms, and other body parts for your teacher to assess your posture.

Device 2: Tablet or laptop/desktop: Placed directly in front of you on the piano stand or on top of the piano to capture your face and to see your teacher directly in front of you.

When calling in with two devices, ensure that one has its microphone turned off and volume set to a low level. This is needed; otherwise, there is a possibility of feedback/echo.

TIP 4: INTERNET

A (reasonable) fast and stable internet connection is essential since video conferencing demands a lot from your internet connection. Being as close as possible to your WiFi router helps if your internet connection is troublesome. If your WiFi is sometimes unstable, connecting your computer directly to your router with an Ethernet cable is worth exploring. For more information, please refer to our TECH TIPS post.

TIP 5: HEADPHONES

We recommend using headphones. Sometimes, when headphones are not used, an echo can occur. The sound coming out of the speakers and then being picked up by the microphone can cause that. In-ear or over-ear headphones are both ok. Try it out, and use what you find most comfortable and works best for you. With headphones, your experience listening to your teacher play/sing and talk will dramatically improve, and you may feel more immersed.

TIP 6: MICROPHONE

We recommend investing in an external microphone if you like to go all out. It is especially recommended for more advanced players. There are excellent-quality USB microphones that are very easy to use - simply plug in and play. External microphones can dramatically improve the sound of your playing when recording yourself and during online lessons. Recording yourself is one of the most effective educational tools for improving your skills. Working on sound balance and sound quality with your teacher is easier when you use a good microphone during your online lessons.

We hope you enjoyed reading our tips and always welcome any feedback and questions. Please email us at info@musictutoronline.com

For more tips on learning music online, visit MusicTutorOnline's Blog at https://www.musictutoronline.com/blog (blog category: "Learning Music Online.")

Thank you for reading!

Please feel free to leave your comments below.

Sincerely,

Robert Boer

Director of MusicTutorOnline.

©MusicTutorOnline