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Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Configuring Zoom for Music Lessons

                                Configuring Zoom for Music Lessons

  
 

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image courtesy of Phil La Viola

  Ever since the start of the Covid 19 music teachers have been switching to online teaching. I’m sure the switch from live one on one to the virtual classroom must have been hard. For those music teachers and students who have not yet made the move to online music lessons I’ve compiled a list of materials you need and certain configurations  you need to make in Zoom. Hopefully all these recommendations will make your first time online teaching experience run more smoothly.

1. Desktop computer, laptop or even a smart phone: The faster the device with a great sound card is preferable but not necessary when starting out. Work with what you have and upgrade to a better and faster computer when you can financially afford it.

2. Buy a good quality microphone: A good quality mic will ensure you are getting a clean and clear sound and will make sure your  getting great sound quality. Either a good USB mic or one you can plug into an interface.  Below are some examples you can purchase one online. 

Amazon Link:


Amazon Link:
Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone


3.  Interface: The interface is an important one to get.  More so for a music teacher than the student. Most students who are beginners won’t be interested in spending a lot of money on equipment. Most likely the student will only be using their stock sound card and USB mic that they just plug into the computer or laptop. Some students might just rely on their android or i phone for the lesson. So the sound quality on their end might not be the greatest. For the music instructor who has a large clientele base is definitely worth the investment. The interface will allow you to mic your guitar or piano in a more professional manner and achieve a studio quality sound. Here some links to affordable interfaces that you

Amazon Link: 

Behringer UMC202HD U-Phoria USB Audio Interface

 

 

Both teacher and student should do step #4

4. Zoom Configuration: Both parties should take the time to configure your audio setting in Zoom. This will give us the best sound quality and get rid of any delay in sound. It also will allow us to perform or jam in real time. To configure Zoom please follow the instructions in the 2 pictures below

       

  Step 1:  

Go to your Zoom Settings which is indicated by the grey wheel on the right hand side and click on Audio. Once you are on the Audio page, click on the Advanced Tab in the bottom right hand corner.


 

Step 2:
Under Audio Processing:  Disable Suppress Persistent Background Noise and Suppress intermittent Back ground Noise.
Leave Echo Cancellation on Auto


Please Note: All web cam lesson are done through Zoom. You must all ready have it installed on your computer or you can down load the program from the provided link for Desk Top: https://zoom.us/download  
Download for android phone: Zoom For android
Download for i phones: Zoom for Apple


 
Guitar6music.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.ca.