How to get the best out of online singing lessons
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Since the pandemic the world has really opened up, and online lessons can work brilliantly when we get the set-up correct. To help us get the best out of online voice lessons, here’s my go-to checklist:
What do I need?
Essentials:
A computer or laptop with a camera and built in microphone, or a tablet or smartphone.
To sign up to an account with Zoom: https://zoom.us/freesignup/
Really useful extras:
An external microphone (for example a USB plug in one) can often offer better sound quality, but I do ask you to check your audio input settings on Zoom before the lesson begins.
In your Zoom Audio Settings it helps to UNCHECK the box Automatically adjust microphone volume
In Advanced Settings (under Audio Settings) UNCHECK Disable Echo Cancellation
If you have headphones, it may help you to wear these to avoid feedback.
Don’t worry if you haven’t got either of these, usually the in-built microphones work well and you should be able to hear me clearly without headphones.
A second device - a smartphone or tablet is ideal, to play backing tracks on. Please remember to keep the volume on it fairly low and place it away from the computer/device that you’re using Zoom on - you need to hear it more than I do. I need to hear you!
To improve the overall quality
If using wifi to connect ideally have your lesson as close to the router as possible.
Try and turn off other devices that are using wifi while you have your lesson.
Aim to keep background noise to a minimum - a busy road, humming fridge, tumble drier, washing machine…
Try and position yourself with light in front of you, rather than behind. As lovely as a silhouette is, it stops me seeing your face, lips and jaw, and I can’t do my job properly if I can’t see those!
Ideally you’ll have space behind your screen to stand up and move around a bit, just like we would do in a face to face lesson as it’s important for me to be able to check in with your posture.
Don’t position your screen so low that you have to look down to see me. Eye level if possible!
Time savers
Send me your sheet music in advance.
I can’t accompany you live at the piano online, so find backing tracks in the appropriate keys to match your sheet music - I can help you if you need - and have the links ready.
Make a note of timings in the backing tracks too, for example, introduction, each verse, each chorus.
Have a notebook handy to write down lesson notes.
What to expect
Slightly more a cappella work and call & response learning than usual. It has a positive impact on your ear training!
We’ll both need to take our eyes off the screen every now and again for a minute or so, otherwise it just gets too much. We don’t stop the lesson though - we can still hear each other!
In most other ways, lessons will be no different from face-to-face!
I predominantly use Zoom, as the screen sharing options are useful, but I can also teach over FaceTime or WhatsApp Video or Skype. After you’ve booked a lesson I will send you a link, which you need to click on a couple of minutes before your lesson needs to start.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Laura x
