A JUKEBOX GUIDE TO ONLINE MUSIC LESSONS

Although the majority of our teaching is done in-person, there are times when online learning is a valuable tool for us, such as during inclement weather. Online sessions can be highly effective when approached with the right tools and mindset, so we have written this guide with the aim to help parents and students make the most of the virtual learning experience.

1. Setting Up Your Home Music Space

Creating the right environment for online music lessons is key to having productive and enjoyable sessions.

• Choose a Quiet Space: Find a spot in your home with minimal distractions. A quiet room free from interruptions will help the student stay focused during the lesson.

• Camera Positioning: The teacher needs to see the student and their instrument clearly. Make sure the camera is placed at an angle that shows the student's posture, hands, and instrument. For piano players, a side view works well. Guitarists may benefit from a front or slightly elevated view. Make sure you have a music stand if required too.

• Good Lighting: Ensure the room is well-lit so the teacher can see the student and their instrument clearly.

• Reduce Background Noise: Turn off any background noises like TVs, fans, or other distractions. This will help both the student and teacher focus on the music and hear each other clearly.

2. Tools and Technology for Successful Lessons

Having the right tools will make a big difference in the quality of the lesson. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Reliable Device: A computer or tablet with a stable internet connection works best for online lessons. While phones can be used, the smaller screens make it harder to see details.

• Good Internet Connection: Make sure you have a strong internet connection. If using Wi-Fi, make sure the student is close to the router.

• Headphones or Speakers: Using headphones can help the student hear the teacher more clearly, especially when practicing with backing tracks or recordings.

• Music Software and Apps:

  • Zoom: At JukeBox, we usually use Zoom for online music lessons. Please see our help section on using Zoom at the end of this blog.

  • Tuner and Metronome Apps: Tuning apps are helpful for students in order to tune their own instruments without the presence of the teacher there to help.

3. Preparing for the Lesson

To make the most out of each lesson, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what parents and students should do:

• Have Materials Ready: Before the lesson, make sure all necessary materials are easily accessible. This includes sheet music, books, or music stands.

• Instrument Check: For string instruments, check tuning; for pianos, ensure keys and pedals are functioning.

• Warm-Up: A quick 5-10 minute warm-up before the lesson can get the student’s hands and mind ready for the session. Scales, finger exercises, or simple pieces are great for this.

4. Troubleshooting Technical Issues

Technical problems are inevitable in online lessons, but they can be managed smoothly with some preparation.

• Audio/Video Problems: If the sound is cutting out or the video quality is poor, check your internet connection. Switching to a wired connection or moving closer to your Wi-Fi router can improve performance. Make sure there’s no other streaming or heavy internet usage during the lesson.

• Sound Quality: On some platforms, the sound can be compressed, making the instrument sound strange. For Zoom users, enable the “original sound” setting to improve audio quality.

5. Parent/Guardian Involvement: How You Can Help

As a parent or guardian, your support can make a big difference in your child’s online music education. Here’s how you can help:

• Ensure Setup: Make sure the student is ready for their lesson with all the necessary materials and a properly tuned instrument.

• Remain close by: It is helpful to be easily accessible to the student should there be any technical difficulties, and to ensure that appropriate safeguarding measures are met.

Final Thoughts

Online music lessons offer a great opportunity to learn from home, but success depends on preparation and engagement. With the right setup and a supportive attitude, students can make just as much progress as they would in a face-to-face lesson.

Zoom Guide (step-by-step):

Your teacher will send you a zoom link via email. You can join the Zoom meeting from your web browser without downloading Zoom (if you want to join a meeting from an Android or iOS device, you must download the Zoom mobile app). You can either use the invite link provided or enter the meeting ID and passcode in Zoom.

Joining the meeting with the invite link:

1. Click the link to join the meeting.

2. If a pop-up window prompts you to open or install the Zoom desktop client, click Cancel.

3. At the bottom of the page, click the Join from your Browser link.

4. In the pop-up window at the top-left corner of the screen, click Allow to allow Zoom permission for your microphone and camera.

5. In the Your Name field, enter a display name.

6. (Optional) Select the Remember my name for future meetings check box.

7. Click Join.

Alternatively, enter the meeting ID and passcode in Zoom:

1. In your web browser, go to zoom.us/join.

2. Enter the meeting ID provided by the host/organizer.

3. Click Join.

   A pop-up window will prompt you to open or download the application.

4. Do one of the following:

   • Launch the meeting on the Zoom client if it’s already downloaded on your device.

   • Click Cancel in the pop-up window, then click Download Now to download Zoom before joining.

   • Click Cancel in the pop-up window, then click the Join from Your Browser link if you do not want to download Zoom before joining the meeting.

5. If prompted, allow Zoom to use your microphone and camera.

6. Enter a display name, then click Join.

7. (Optional) Select the Remember my name for future meetings check box.

8. If prompted, enter a meeting passcode, then click Join again.

Enabling Original Sound (Important for Music Lessons):

Zoom’s default settings compress audio, which can affect the quality of the sound, especially for musical instruments. Here’s how to enable “Original Sound” for better audio quality:

1. Click on the Settings Gear Icon: In the Zoom window, find the gear icon (usually in the top right corner).

2. Go to ‘Audio’ Settings: From the menu on the left, select "Audio."

3. Enable Original Sound: Scroll down to the section labeled "Music and Professional Audio." Check the box for "Show in-meeting option to enable ‘Original Sound’."

4. Enable in Meeting: Once in your lesson, click "Turn on Original Sound" at the top of the Zoom screen. This ensures that the sound of your instrument is clear and uncompressed.

5. For a more detailed explanation, visit Zoom Support

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

Here are solutions for common technical problems you might face:

• No Sound or Audio Problems: If you can’t hear the teacher or they can’t hear you, make sure your microphone and speakers are working.

  • Check Audio Settings: Click the arrow next to the microphone icon to select your correct microphone and speakers.

  • Join Audio Again: If you're still having issues, click "Join Audio" again in the bottom left and select “Join with Computer/Internet Audio.”

• Video Not Working: If your teacher can’t see you:

  • Check Camera Settings: Make sure your camera is turned on by clicking "Start Video."

  • Restart Zoom: Sometimes restarting the Zoom app fixes video problems.

• Lag or Delay: If the audio or video is lagging or cutting out:

  • Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure no other heavy internet use (like streaming or downloads) is happening at the same time. Move closer to the router or switch to a wired connection.

Enjoy your lessons!