I use Zoom, primarily, for teaching lessons online. However, there may be times when I use another platform such as Skype or WhatsApp.
For a successful online piano lesson:
- You will need a laptop computer with a camera, or a tablet, iPad, or smartphone to participate. Please be sure that the device is fully charged or plugged in at the beginning of the lesson.
- The device should be placed on a stable surface, angled so that the student and the keyboard are both in the camera view. (See an example here)
- Ideally, lessons should occur in a quiet environment, away from noises in the house like TVs, siblings playing loudly, other voices and conversations, etc.
- For young students, parents should be present at the lesson to assist with technology, and to help ensure participation.
Starting your online piano lesson in Zoom using a laptop:
- Please download the Zoom app to your device prior to the student’s first lesson.
- Well ahead of time I’ll send you an email invitation with a link to follow on the day of the lesson.
- At least 5 minutes before lesson time, click on the email link I sent.
- Select “Open Zoom Meeting”.
- I may be finishing up another lesson ahead of yours, so please be patient. I’ll join you in Zoom as soon as I can.
- While you’re waiting select “Join with Computer Audio.”
- Finally, to share video so that I can see you, please click on the video camera in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen