With the right setup, you're heard clearly and your teacher sees exactly what your hands are doing. Here you'll find tips for all instruments and especially for singing, piano and guitar.
For all instruments
Internet: Connect your computer to the router with a LAN cable or sit close to the router.
Headphones: Wired headphones prevent echo.
Microphone: An external USB microphone sounds much better than the built-in one.
Camera: An external HD webcam gives a sharper picture than the laptop camera.
Lighting: Put a light source in front of you, not behind you.
Room: Curtains, rugs and shelves absorb reverb.
Turn off filters for music
Video call filters often mistake music for background noise. Here's how to turn them off: My instrument or voice sounds choppy. What do I do?
Setup for singing
For singing, clear sound and a good view of your posture and breathing matter most.
Microphone: A USB microphone, for example the Rode NT-USB or Blue Yeti, about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in front of your mouth.
Camera: Facing you and far enough away that your upper body is visible. That way your teacher can see your posture and breathing.
Settings: In the classroom under Settings, turn off Suppress background noise and Auto gain control. That way quiet and loud notes sound natural.
Setup for piano
For piano, your hands matter most. It's best to use two cameras.
Camera 1: From the side, so your posture is visible.
Camera 2: Above the keyboard, so both hands are visible. Learn more in How do I connect a second camera?
Microphone: A condenser microphone, for example the Audio-Technica AT2020, above the middle octaves.
Digital piano: With a MIDI cable, the other person sees every key on the classroom piano. Learn more in How do I connect my MIDI keyboard?
Mount: A tripod with a boom arm helps you position the camera above the keyboard.
Setup for guitar
For guitar, both hands need to be clearly visible: your fretting hand on the fretboard and your strumming hand.
Camera: From the front with a little distance, so the whole guitar is in the picture. A second camera from the side or slightly above shows the fretboard in more detail.
Microphone: A directional microphone, for example the Samson Go Mic, about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) from the sound hole.
Electric guitar: With an audio interface, for example the Focusrite Scarlett, the sound goes straight into your computer.
Lighting: Light the fretboard and body well so details are visible.
Before every lesson
Upload sheet music, tabs and exercises to the Cloud beforehand.
Check your camera and microphone with the tech check.
At the start, quickly ask whether the picture and sound come through well.
Something doesn't sound right? Learn more in My instrument or voice sounds choppy. What do I do? and How do I prevent echo in lessons?.