Zoom Instructions

Getting Set Up for Your Online Lessons

To ensure your music lessons run smoothly, we use Zoom. Setting this up takes less than five minutes, and you only need to do the initial setup once.

Step 1: Download Zoom (First Lesson Only)

Before your very first lesson, you need to download the official Zoom app onto the device you plan to use for your lessons (laptop, tablet, or smartphone).

  • For Laptops/Computers: Go to zoom.us/download and download the Zoom Desktop Client.
  • For Tablets/Smartphones: Open your device’s App Store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and search for Zoom Workplace. Download the free app.

Step 2: Test Your Audio & Video

Once the app is installed, take a quick minute to verify your equipment is working:

  • Open the Zoom app on your device.
  • Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the corner.
  • Click Video to make sure your camera is positioned so I can clearly see your face and your piano keys.
  • Click Audio and use the “Test Speaker” and “Test Mic” buttons to make sure you can hear clearly and your microphone responds when you speak.

Step 3: Signing In to Your Lesson

You do not need a paid Zoom account to join your lessons. When it is time for your scheduled lesson, joining is simple:

  1. Locate the Studio Welcome Email invite I sent you.
  2. Click the Zoom Lesson Link provided in that message.
  3. The Zoom app will automatically pop open on your device.
  4. Click Join and click Join with Computer Audio (or “Call using Internet Audio” on tablets) so we can hear each other.

Note: You will be placed into a secure “Waiting Room” upon entry. Sit tight, and I will admit you to our private lesson room when it’s time for your lesson.

NOTES:

  • We will most likely have to spend a few minutes getting Zoom settings adjusted at our first lesson.
  • I do strongly suggest that you sign in at least 5 minutes before every lesson. You never know when Zoom is going to want to update something!
  • Zoom has a built-in feature designed specifically for musicians. Once you are signed into our lesson, look for a button on your screen that says “Original Sound for Musicians” and make sure it is toggled ON. This stops Zoom’s background noise filters from accidentally silencing your piano notes!
  • Do NOT have to electronic devices open two a Zoom meeting at the same time without muting one of them. This will create an impressive and annoying amount of feedback noise.