How online lessons work

Lessons are taught using online video conferencing tool Zoom. It’s is free for students to use, you simply need to download the app or software to your device.

Private lessons are a one-on-one video conference with your teacher, and group lessons are a video conference with several student participants and a teacher mediating.

When you book a lesson you will be sent a link to a Zoom meeting, which you will use to log in to the lesson with your teacher at your scheduled time.

Equipment you need

computer, tablet or smartphone with built in camera and microphone

A smart phone is fine for music theory or songwriting lessons, however a tablet or computer is recommended for instrumental and vocal lessons so you can clearly see what the teacher is demonstrating.

You can connect an external microphone to your device if you wish, but this is not essential.

Good internet connection

A good internet connection is required for a productive lesson. If you are using WiFi make sure you are in an area of your house with a strong signal, and minimise other tasks like streaming or downloading while the lesson is in progress.

Headphones / earbuds

Lessons work best if both you and the teacher are using headphones to minimise audio echo. If you prefer to hear your acoustic sound while playing or singing you can experiment with only using one headphone.

Your instrument

You will need access to your instrument, so make sure you can set up in a room with access to your piano or guitar amp (if required).

Extra device for playing music / backing tracks / metronome

It’s useful to have an extra device available to use so you don’t have to switch away from the video feed too often. If you are using your computer for Zoom you can keep your phone or tablet handy for other tasks like reading sheet music, playing backing tracks, quick google searches, etc.

Music stand

Metronome (app or device)

Guitar tuner (app or device)

Music (printed or digital)

Setting up for your lesson

setting up zoom

10 minutes before your first lesson click the Zoom meeting link in your booking email on the device you plan to use for the lesson. Set up the Zoom software as instructed, either installing an app on your tablet / smartphone or software on your computer.

See https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193 for more information on joining a Zoom meeting.

Setting up your room

Get comfortable:

  • water

  • notepad & pen

  • your instrument, already in tune

  • music

  • computer / device fully charged or plugged into power

Find a good spot to place your main device so your face and instrument can be seen in the video. You might need to experiment with a music stand or books stacked on a table to find the right height.

Any light source should be behind your device, not behind you. If needed turn a lamp on to provide additional lighting to your face and instrument.

Put your music stand at a good height for reading music, so you can maintain good posture while playing and talking.

Preparing material for your lesson

To get the most out of your lesson time you should plan in advance what you would like to work on. Print or download music for any songs you would like to start learning, or make a list of questions that have come up in your practice.

If it’s your first lesson as a beginner you might not have much to prepare, but you can still make a list of a few songs you’d like to learn or goals to work towards.

Before your lesson starts tune your instrument and / or warm up your voice lightly.

How to book

Bookings can be made online any time.

Lessons are non-refundable, but can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the start time.