Make your online lesson great with our top 10 tips!

Social distancing means creative learning
--Liz Jackson Hearns

I've been watching the entire industry of private music education move online the last few weeks and as we prepare to do the same tomorrow, I want to share a few tips so that you will have the best experience possible.

I see trepidation and resistance from some of my colleagues and their private students. On the one hand, I feel for them! This is a big shift for many people, in the midst of a national emergency and global pandemic. Maneuvering to an entirely different platform for learning is understandably a little nerve-wracking. 

Thankfully, we've already been doing this for years! The Voice Lab has been offering online private lessons since our doors opened in 2014. Our current online students are already pros at taking advantage of the benefits of online learning and we will continue to serve you, whether we're together in the same physical room or the same virtual room. 

So! How can we work together to give you the best experience possible?

1. Set the stage
Make sure you’re in a safe space to play and get creative. The in-studio lesson is a place where you know you have freedom to experiment and try new things as you learn. Carve out that precious learning space for yourself at home, too!

2. Prepare
Have your music, books, notes, youtube tracks, and instrument ready before your lesson. I also recommend joining the virtual lesson room a few minutes early to leave time for any technical hiccups. Also be sure to set up as close to (or plugged directly into) your router as possible. This give you the greatest chance of having all the WiFi speed for our lesson. Consider turning off any other device or app that may simultaneously be using the WiFi. 

3. Ping-pong with your teacher
In online meeting applications like Zoom, it's difficult to sing/play/vocalize along with your teacher because there is lag and the sound tends to cut out for one or both of you. Instead, ask your teacher to demonstrate for you and then continue in a call-and-response manner. This will ensure you both can hear each other.

4. Give yourself some room
We want to see your torso and your head to work with you on breathing, poise, and technique. In that lovely space you have created for your online lesson, check to make sure you can sit tall or stand. It is so tempting to try to do an online lesson from your bed or your couch, but I promise you'll have a much better experience if you can engage with your whole body. 

5. Use two devices if you can: one for audio and one for video
If you have the option of using two devices (yep, you can be logged in to the same account, in the same virtual lesson room, on two devices) this is a huge help for ensuring quality audio and video without feedback.

6. Set the camera straight on
We want to see your beautiful face! Angling the camera so that it is level with you helps us see how your breath and poise are showing up for you.

7. Check the lighting
If you have a window or ceiling light behind you, it can be very difficult for your teacher to see you. Check to make sure your light sources are in front of and above you.

8. Consider your audio
There are so many ways to use audio with online learning platforms! I invite you to experiment and find the best solution for you and your teacher. Ear buds, gaming headphones, computer or device speakers, all have different benefits and drawbacks.

9. Not in a moving vehicle. Period. We will not teach you if you are driving. Because we love you.
This one is pretty important. It's a-ok to pull over if you absolutely need part of your lesson to be from the car. See tips 4, 6, and 7. :) 

10. Don’t stress!
You’ll have an awesome experience even if your lovely nostrils are back-lit and your cat walks all over your music or your copy of One Weird Trick. We got this.