Let’s Get Technical!
Tips for optimizing your On-line experience
Use a computer, and download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download. With a zoom account you can configure the settings for music performance, and access useful features for sharing and connecting to music resources that may be accessed in the lesson. To check for updates, open Zoom, click your account icon in the upper right corner and Select “Check for Updates”.
Zoom Settings for Music:
Click on the settings icon below your account icon and Select “Audio”. That will open the settings panel. Select ‘Audio’ – the third option down in the list on the lefthand side.
Under the “Microphone” heading, uncheck “automatically adjust microphone volume”.
For music performance, set “Suppress Background Noise” at LOW.
Under the “Music and Professional Audio” heading, check “Show In-Meeting Option” to enable “Original Sound”.
If you have fairly fast internet, check “High fidelity music mode”. If you don’t have have fast internet, leave it unchecked. When checked, this setting can consume greater network bandwidth, so an ethernet connection is strongly recommended.
Make sure “Echo cancellation” is not checked, to allow for playing a musical instrument.
“Stereo Audio” left unchecked will also increase network bandwidth.
Click the “Advanced” button at the bottom of the menu. Once you’re in the advanced section of the audio settings, make sure both options are set to AUTO (not Aggressive)
Once you are in the meeting, make sure you have turned ON the Original Sound button at the top left of the screen. It should be blue, and say “Turn Off Original Sound.” (Really!)
A high speed broadband or internet connection is necessary. The minimum internet speed required for online video calling is 1.5 Mbps - your internet is mostly stronger than that. Wi-fi can be used, but an ethernet cable connecting your computer to your router will prevent Wi-fi signal drops, and afford a more reliable connection.
Ask others in your household to restrict their use of the internet while you are having your session - this includes all web activity, streaming movies, videos, etc. You will increase the bandwidth of your connection - that is so necessary for music performance - and reduce the potential for latency and freeze-ups.
You might like to consider using a USB condenser microphone designed for live-streaming and/or external speaker. This will help you receive and transmit more detailed sound than through the mic or speakers built into your device.
In a lesson, position your camera (on your device) or an external camera, at a height and angle that allows for a view looking down onto your keys and hands, or in line with the harp strings and hands. (Be creative in finding things in your house, such as books, boxes, or even an adjustable ironing board.) For a recital or examination, the camera should be further back, affording a full profile of yourself and your instrument.
Ensure you have a pleasant environment to work in that is quiet, uncluttered and well lit (natural or artificial light should come from behind the camera.)
Enjoy finding your very best sound and “look”, and making the most of your on-line musical experiences!