Voice lessons are going to be online only for quite some time. Creating the right environment can have a huge impact on your online voice lesson, regardless of your available equipment. While there are improvements that cost money (newer devices, better webcams, microphones, upgraded audio inputs, etc.), any device you have available now can give you an excellent result. Here are some guidelines:

1. Create a quiet space for your lessons. A noisy environment makes it difficult to make music and to communicate with each other.

   • Ask household members to hang out in another room while your lesson is happening, if possible.

   • Can you move to a quieter place? That’s sometimes a good option.

2. Have all your supplies ready to go.

   • Take some time to have everything ready and organized

   • Things you will need

     • sheet music/lyrics

     • a device with a camera and the Zoom app

     • a device to play accompaniments

       • YouTube has lots of good accompaniment tracks

       • There are often downloadable accompaniment tracks available with your music books

       • sometimes teachers will provide recordings to play on your end of the meeting

     • pencil, water, etc.

   • A music stand is very useful, and setting up a small table with your supplies keeps everything close by.

3. Choosing your Zoom device:

   • Any phone, tablet, or computer you have available right now will work.

   • If you have multiple devices (computer, phone, or tablet), try them out to see which one gives the best sound and picture.

   • Some prefer a laptop for the biggest view, but sometimes a newer phone could be better if your laptop is an older model, has less memory, or has a lower quality microphone.

4. Make sure your internet connection is consistent.

   • Can you plug in an ethernet chord? That’s the best way to have a clear connection.

   • If not, check to make sure you are getting a very clear wifi signal.

     • Sometimes just moving your device to the other side of a table can make a difference. 

     • You may need to move to a spot closer to the wifi router.

     • Occasionally, electronic interference can affect wifi, such as running a microwave, so check to see if that could be an issue if you are experiencing a choppy connection.

   • Ask others to refrain from streaming video or downloading files while you have your lesson. This leaves more bandwidth for your lesson.

5. Set up Zoom. Adjust Zoom settings so that original sound is turned on. This way, the sound is clearer for your teacher. Here’s a blog post on how to do that on a computer, tablet, or phone. If your teacher can hear more dynamics and other details, you’ll get more out of your lesson.

6. Make sure you can hear your teacher and yourself.

   • Some people use headphones or a speaker so that the sound is clearer. If you use headphones, make sure you can still hear yourself sing by using open back headphones.

   • Another option with headphones is alternating one ear on, one off; just be sure to switch ears once in a while.

   • Or, some people have audio inputs or USB microphones that include a direct monitor setting that feeds the microphone sound into the headphones.

7. Set your camera/device in a stable spot so that your teacher can see from head to hips. Seeing your torso and face helps your teacher address any technical issues.

   • Is there a table available for your device? 

   • Can you use a box or books to lift it to the right height?

   • Is the angle just right? Sometimes finding the right tilt for the device is the key to a good set up. It can be tricky to tilt a tablet; can you prop it against something to get the right angle?

   • If you are too close it’s hard to assess posture and breathing issues because all that’s visible is your face. 

   • Light sources should be in front of you rather than behind where they can put you in shadow.

   • Here is an example of a good angle for a voice lesson (taken from the perspective of the device):

The good news is that things that can make a huge impact on the quality of an online lesson are free! If you have a little money to spend and want to upgrade:

• Intermediate and advanced singers may find it useful to invest in a microphone and/or audio interface so that your teacher can hear you sing more clearly. Even an inexpensive USB microphone can make a big difference in the sound quality. These can also be useful for recording yourself. The best mic for you will depend on your budget, the type of singing you do, and any other uses you might have for it.

• Can you upgrade your internet? This can help create a more stable environment for your lesson. A better router or a wifi extender can also help with this.

If you take a few minutes to set up well, you can have a better lesson experience. See you online!