What you need for an online violin lesson
- Your violin
- A video enabled device
- Strong internet connection
- The video chat software downloaded and ready to use. Settings for the software should be adjusted to maximize the audio quality.
- Try to arrange your schedule to allow for potential extra time. If the technology needs to be troubleshooted, then I may allow us to go overtime to makeup for the lost time.
Camera Setup
Before the lesson, please check that your camera is setup at a good angle. The camera should be pointing towards your right side and I preferably need to be able to see both of your hands while you play. Like in the picture bellow. Also, make sure your light source is facing you and not behind you. A light source from behind makes the person on screen look very dark.
Microphone Setup
We want to have the best audio quality as possible. Please check the audio settings inside the video chat software and make sure that it is NOT compressing the audio. Here is a video that explains the best Zoom setup for music lessons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEAb4G063sM
Also, if it is within your budget, please consider purchasing a decent USB microphone. If you do use an external USB mic, you need to check the audio settings of both your computer and the video chat software to make sure that the microphone is selected as the input device. If it is not selected, then I can't hear you! Here is a link that explains how to select a microphone as your input device on Mac OS: https://hirevuesupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360028433311-Microphone-Settings-Mac-Apple-
How to select the mic you want in Zoom: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362623-Changing-settings-in-the-desktop-client-or-mobile-app#:~:text=Click%20the%20drop%2Ddown%20menu,you%20want%20Zoom%20to%20use.
Also, if it is within your budget, please consider purchasing a decent USB microphone. If you do use an external USB mic, you need to check the audio settings of both your computer and the video chat software to make sure that the microphone is selected as the input device. If it is not selected, then I can't hear you! Here is a link that explains how to select a microphone as your input device on Mac OS: https://hirevuesupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360028433311-Microphone-Settings-Mac-Apple-
How to select the mic you want in Zoom: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362623-Changing-settings-in-the-desktop-client-or-mobile-app#:~:text=Click%20the%20drop%2Ddown%20menu,you%20want%20Zoom%20to%20use.
How do I know if I have a fast enough internet speed?
Not everyone understands the tech lingo for internet speeds, but the simple way to understand it is to compare the numbers for download speed and upload speed. According to this website, for a 1080p quality video (high quality) you need to have at least 1.8Mbps (up/down) in order to have a stable connection for a one-on-one conference call via Zoom. For a group call you will need at least 2.5Mbps download speed and 3.0Mbps upload speed. https://www.reviews.org/internet-service/zoom-technical-requirements/
So how do you know if your internet speed meets these requirements? Well there are handy websites where you can test your internet speed! Google search the name of your internet provider and "internet speed test". Here are the links for Shaw and Telus.
Shaw: https://speedtest.shaw.ca/
Telus: https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/article/speed-test
So how do you know if your internet speed meets these requirements? Well there are handy websites where you can test your internet speed! Google search the name of your internet provider and "internet speed test". Here are the links for Shaw and Telus.
Shaw: https://speedtest.shaw.ca/
Telus: https://www.telus.com/en/bc/support/article/speed-test
What should I do if my internet is not fast enough?
- Check how many devices are connected to the internet at the same time in your household. Then disconnect/turn off the internet for the devices that you are not currently using. Redo the internet speed test and see if there is any improvement.
- Connect your computer to the router directly through an ethernet cable. Then redo the internet speed test and see if there is any improvement.
- Check you internet bill and see what speed (in Mbps) you are paying for. Sometimes what you pay for and what you are actually receiving are two different things, and if you are getting lower speeds than promised you should contact your internet provider.
- Try using an internet booster device. I personally do not know much about these devices, so I cannot vouch for their effectiveness. But I know they exist, so it might be worth looking into.
- Increase your internet plan with your provider.
