Hello guitar students and teachers!
Here's a quick overview of how to set up your lesson space for an ideal zoom guitar lesson. I'm dividing tips into three levels. If you're new to Zoom or nervous with technology, start with Level Zero. If you've done a few lessons already and want to get to know your way around Zoom better, check out Levels One, Two, and Three for easy tips that can have a big impact
Level Zero - The Basics
1. Sit in front of your computer so that your entire guitar and head fit in the screen, as pictured. Use your self-view window and adjust your camera angle as needed. You'll probably need to sit further back from your computer than you're used to so that the whole guitar fits in the camera.
2. Login to your lesson and get started. Your default settings may be just fine for a quality first lesson. Your teacher will help you adjust them if needed.
Entire guitar, both hands, and head are all visible on the screen.
Level One - Small Changes, Big Improvements
1. Background
- Hold your classes in a quiet, simple space, free of distracting sights and background noises.
- Don’t use zoom backgrounds or blur effect in classes (unless you have a green screen). Special effects can omit part of your hands, instrument, or face and are more of a distraction than an asset.
2. Lighting
- Adequate lighting makes all cameras look better! Position lights you already have so that one is in front of you, and another is at your side.
- Avoid light sources from behind, particularly strong sunlight. Close the blinds or curtains if you have a window behind you.
3. Camera Angle
- Use a box or books to elevate your device so that your camera is at eye level
- If you use a mobile device for classes, be sure it is in landscape mode.
Level Two - Adjust Audio Settings
- Follow the screen recording to learn how to find your Zoom audio settings, then adjust them as indicated below.
• Automatically adjust microphone volume - Check
• Suppress Background Noise - Low
• Show in-meeting option to "Enable Original Sound" from microphone - Check
• High fidelity music mode - Check
• Echo Cancellation - Check if using speakers
• Uncheck *only* if you're using headphones
• Original Sound - once you exit Audio Settings, find the Original Sound button in the top left corner of your Zoom window. Turn 'On' for optimal audio if your lesson space is quiet. Turn 'Off' if you have background noise, and Zoom will filter out the noise and prioritize your instrument.
- Check out this tutorial on Advanced Audio Settings for more info: https://www.lessonface.com/content/advanced-audio-settings-zoom
Level Three - Extra Gear
1. Tripod or arm mount for your camera
- If you use a mobile device as your only camera for lessons, a tripod keeps your device stable and at the right height and angle.
2. Headphones
- If you have trouble with background noise, audio quality, or echo during classes, try using headphones. Even inexpensive headphones can help you hear better and eliminate noise in class.
3. External Mic and/or Camera
- If your built in mic and/or camera is of poor quality, buying a basic external mic or camera can make a big difference. If you're not sure which to prioritize, ask your teacher how things look and sound from their perspective
Hope this tips help you make the most of your device and Zoom lessons : ) Let me know what questions you have and share your own tips!
Leah
