You want to play together, but you can't get in time with each other? That's not because of you, your teacher or SIRIUS. Making music at the same time over the internet is physically impossible. That's true for every video call, including Zoom, Teams or FaceTime.
Why is that?
Every sound takes time to reach the other person. This delay is called latency.
Physics: Data travels through fiber optic cables at about two thirds of the speed of light. It can't go any faster. That alone adds about 1 millisecond of delay for every 125 miles (200 km), and the data never takes the direct route.
Technology: Your computer has to record, package and send the sound and picture. Along the way, many routers pass the data on, and at the end it's unpacked and played again. Every step costs a few milliseconds.
There and back: If your teacher plays along with you, you only hear their playing after twice the distance. Your notes first have to reach them and then their notes have to come back to you.
On a video call, that quickly adds up to 100 to 300 milliseconds. But musicians notice from about 20 to 30 milliseconds that they're no longer together.
For comparison
In 30 milliseconds, sound only travels about 33 feet (10 meters). Even in a large orchestra, musicians at one end hear those at the other end noticeably later. That's why there's a conductor. Over the internet, the distance is hundreds of miles.
How your lessons still work
Take turns: Your teacher plays first, then you play. That way you hear each other without interference.
Accompaniment on your side: If there's an accompaniment or backing track, it plays on your device, not your teacher's. Then you're in time with the accompaniment, and your teacher hears both together.
Metronome on your side: Whoever is playing has the metronome and counts themselves in.
Play first, then discuss: Play a piece all the way through. Then your teacher gives feedback. Talking during playing arrives late and throws you off.
Use recordings: Record yourself between lessons and send the recording to your teacher.
How to keep the delay low
Use wired headphones. Bluetooth headphones often delay the sound by another 100 to 200 milliseconds.
Connect your computer to the router with a LAN cable.
Close other programs and tabs. Learn more in My connection is unstable. What do I do?
For teachers
Plan exercises where only one person plays. Give short, clear instructions and say clearly when your student should start and stop.