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Video Lessons

Video voice lessons can be fun, easy and convenient.  You can enjoy your lesson in the comfort of your home, studio or office, save money on gas and avoid horrible LA traffic – saving more precious time for practicing!

There are just a few things you’ll need to get started.  But before you make any purchases, please contact me to arrange the day, time and number of lessons you would like to sign up for.  My teaching schedule is limited, but I’ll try my best to find a time that works for you.

What you need:

 

  • a computer, phone, tablet with a built-in camera or external webcam
  • a microphone, either built-in or external
  • a high speed internet connection (DSL or cable). Very important.
  • application downloaded on your mobile device or computer

These are applications I currently use for lessons:

  • Zoom
  • Facetime

My preference is Zoom because of the ability to adjust settings. These are the audio settings I use. 

How to Prepare for the Lesson:

  1. Find a place where you have privacy, are free from distractions, and feel comfortable making noise.
  2. Position the camera directly in front of you. Make sure it is straight and securely placed.
  3. Position yourself so you are in the screen from your waist to just above your head. Vertical picture is preferred.
  4. Check that your video and microphone are working prior to the lesson. If you have an external microphone, that is preferred as the quality will be better.
  5. Have your music and/or homework organized before the lesson.
  6. If you have a music stand, position it directly in front of you and place your homework and pieces.  Have it high enough that you can see your music clearly, but low enough that it is not covering the picture from the collar bone up.
  7. Have an additional playback device for your accompaniments with your songs loaded and ready for playback. This could be a computer, phone, CD/Mp3 player, or tablet/ipad.  This is important because if I play recordings on my end, there will be a delay.  It is possible to playback on a computer where you are streaming the video, but it is not ideal.
  8. I will be able to give pitches and play exercises, but if possible, have a keyboard, piano, or digital piano on your end.  Virtuoso piano is a good app for an iphone or ipad.  For a computer piano, click here.

Important things:

  • Depending on your connection, there will be moments of lag and reconnecting.  They are usually minimal.  Check your internet speed here. It should be 15 mbps or more for a smooth connection.
  • Have a backup application for the lesson.  If one application is not working well or having a poor connection, have a 2nd one we can use quickly and easily.

If you’re skeptical about taking voice lessons via video, I suggest trying a one lesson as a trial before committing to a whole month (provided you have all the equipment you need without making any special purchases).  This format may not be for everyone.  Some students will still find a traditional, face-to-face music lesson is a better way for them to learn and progress.

  • My cancellation policy is the same as my traditional lessons:  A 24-hour cancellation notice is required in order to receive a makeup lesson. My only other requirement is that you practice.  There are no shortcuts to becoming a good vocalist.
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