Judith Thompson-Bouchard

Maybe you're starting out online lessons and looking to figure out what's needed for it to run as smoothly as possible, perhaps you have already started them and are looking to tweak your setup so that you can get the most out of each lesson. Or maybe you are unsure if you have what is needed for you to participate in an online lesson. Below are a couple of things that can help you get the most out of your online lessons. 
 

#1 Configure your account on the secure “ForteLessons” Platform

ForteLessons was made with the express purpose of online music lessons, guaranteeing high quality audio and video. As a result, they configure the settings to work for your instrument and/or voice. It also tries to eliminate background noise so that the person you are talking to won't hear unnecessary sounds, such as traffic, noisy neighbours, or other background sounds. 

To access ForteLessons the following is required:

• Desktop or laptop computer - Google Chrome v100 or later
• iPad - Safari v15.4 or later
• Android & iPhone are not supported

#2 Headphones

This has several benefits for you, as well as your teacher. Using headphones delivers a cleaner sound allowing you to hear more precisely what is happening as opposed to what your computer speakers are capable of. It also means that your microphone won't be picking up any sound coming out of your speakers.

#3 Position your device

Make sure that your device is set up so that you, as well as your piano, can be seen. There should be a clear image of your hands, as well as the keys on the piano. 
We also want to make sure that your laptop/microphone is not too close to your instrument. Different mics have different sensitivities or capabilities, once something gets too loud, it overwhelms the mic and distorts the sound. You can see how loud it's registering on your computer by looking at the microphone level that is in your audio settings. 

#4 hardline connection

A hardline connection provides you with a more stable internet connection and at times, a faster internet connection. If your piano is not near your router, you can invest in a powerline adapter. This essentially uses the electrical wiring in your house as a long ethernet cable, allowing you to get a hardwire connection throughout your entire household.

#5 Lighting

You don’t need to go out and purchase any professional lighting equipment, but simply having a light in your room and having it turned on can make a huge difference to your image. While most cameras are able to compensate for light changes in different settings, cameras inside most laptops are unable to compensate and as a result, the picture becomes notably worse. So making sure that you are lit up, and that there is lighting on the keyboard will go a long way to helping your teacher see what's going on   

#6 Microphone
This step is completely optional and is geared towards those who are serious about getting the most out of each lesson. This allows for your sound to be captured much better, allowing for your teacher to hear more details in your sound. It also means that you will have the ability to create decent recordings of yourself playing your repertoire, whether that be for an online recital, an audition, or for recording a video you want to upload to YouTube. 

There are a number of relatively inexpensive USB microphones which work great and capture your sound well. It is something that has gained popularity over the past couple of years and most large name manufacturers of microphones have even started creating USB versions of some of their microphones. If you want recommendations on what mic's to check out, you can click this link here to see several affordable options. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me.

#7 Webcam (optional)

This step is also completely optional and is geared more towards those who are serious about getting the most out of their lessons and are looking to upgrade their setup. Webcams, just like microphones, are something that are already in most devices. That being said, they can be rather limited at times. They won't ever hinder your lesson (provided that they aren't broken or damaged) but a clearer image can help your teacher catch slight imperfections with your technique that will help you out. You can also click this link here to see several affordable options.

If you have more questions about how to get yourself set up for online learning please feel free to contact me here. I am more than happy to discuss with you how to get yourself set up prior to your lesson, as well as tweak any settings in the lesson as well.