• laptop (preferred)
• tablet (Apple devices tend to be able to accommodate speed better than android)
• not preferred, but possible, since technology is always improving:
  • phone – small screen size
  • Chromebook – known to have issues with many video conferencing platforms

We are dependent on our respective internet upload/download speeds – the faster the internet, the faster the connection, the better the quality. Try these tips:

• check your internet speed at www.fast.com
  • minimum download speed for Zoom is 10-25 Mbps
  • minimum upload speed for Zoom is 3 Mbps
• if possible, use an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi
• if it is not possible to use an ethernet cable, bring your device and router closer together
• re-boot your router once in awhile
• minimize your household’s internet usage during your lesson time, i.e. no Netflix or gaming, Instagram, another video conference call
• Bluetooth devices can interfere with Wi-Fi
• microwaves operate on the same frequency as Wi-Fi and can also interfere

• Camera position. Set up your device at the side of your instrument (high or low end, simulating the view from the “teacher’s chair”) and elevated to provide a slight downward view so that most of your keyboard and both hands are in view.
  • It is most important for me to see your hands, but it is also very helpful for me to be able to see your head/shoulders, elbows, and bench position. Once in a while, I may ask for a head-to-toe view so that I can assess pedalling, and this can be achieved by moving your device further away from your instrument.
  • If the camera is a slightly behind you, your front shoulder will block the view of your hands when you play.
  • Some students sign in a second device to the Zoom call so that they can place my face on the music rack right next to their music.
• Lighting. If there is a window or lamp behind you, your camera will focus on that and you will appear as a black silhouette on camera.
• Household sounds. Do your best to have your lesson in a quiet space. Other conversations and certain frequencies, i.e. unloading the dishwasher or microwave beeps, are picked up quite well by Zoom.
  • Parents, if you need to ask me something during a lesson, please come on camera so that you are close enough for your mic to pick up your voice.