Online singing lessons/classes are conducted exactly the same as the one-on-one private in studio singing lessons except they are run from the comfort of your own home, studio or anywhere wherever you may be!
All you need is a computer, tablet or mobile and a Wi-Fi or internet connection for effective online singing lessons. You may need a set of headphones, some speakers (if your speakers are not loud enough) and a webcam if you don’t already have these.
These classes are ideal if you live interstate or overseas, are on a tight schedule or just unable to travel to my studio.
Please note payment at time of booking is REQUIRED for all Online tuition bookings. If payment is not received at time of booking your booking will be cancelled.
Thanks for your understanding!
Set-up and Guidelines
What you need to know.
THE BASICS:
Online lesson platform is https://zoom.us for best audio and video quality.
It is preferred for you to run it on a computer (desktop or laptop), but the app can work on a tablet or phone as well. The platform behaves better on computer, has more sound options and the bigger screen is preferable for our purpose.
Messenger would be a good second option.
You must have a reliable internet connection for online singing lessons to work.
Wired internet connection is preferable.
If on wifi, reduce bandwidth usage on your network (no Netflix, gaming or downloading at the same time as your lesson) and set-up your device as close as possible to the router.
Always close ALL other programs and apps as these are using background memory and bandwidth. This is important on simpler machines like Chromebook and iPad, they don’t have the power to handle video conferencing well!
Internet Speed can also make a big difference. You can check your https://speedtest.net.
Remember you can get interference from being too close to an electrical box or the microwave!
You can use the Zoom platform and join our meetings in two easy steps:
Step 1: Download the app and create an account. This is free.
Ahead of our lesson, download and install the Zoom application. On your computer, go to https://zoom.us/download and click on the blue download button under “Zoom Client For Meetings”. Follow the install instructions. Create an account. This is free.
You can also download the app for your mobile device on the App Store and Google Play.
Step 2: You will receive an email confirmation of your lesson containing a Zoom link 5 minutes before your lesson. At time of lesson, click on the link and follow the instructions on the next two screens. I will accept you in the meeting when I am ready.
If you join early and I am still busy finishing another lesson, you’ll be put in a “Waiting Room” until I admit you. My teaching schedule can be tight, when I’m finishing with another student I will be with you shortly. Use this time to organize your music.
SETUP:
1) You will need two devices: One to host the call (desktop/laptop) and one to play back your accompaniment tracks (phone or iPad). You cannot play your accompaniment on the same device as the call, it will distort the sound.
If your device is not loud enough and you don’t have a speaker to plug into, stick your phone in an empty ceramic coffee mug. It will amplify it the sound.
We need to use tracks due to delays and lagging problems: The singing and the accompaniment have to come from your side. I will do my best to keep up and emailing accompaniment tracks and exercises ahead of time and before the lesson when needed.
2) You do not need a mic, but you can use head phones (wired preferable).
Your desktop/laptop microphone should be enough and headphones will prevent sound looping should that happen. Happy to help with suggestions for a mic if you need.
Remember a quiet environment is best!
3) Please arrange for the camera to be at eye level as much as possible, so that you do not have to look down and can keep good posture/alignment. Step away from the computer so that I can see you from the waist up, sitting or standing.
4) Keep your device plugged into the power source. We don’t want the battery dying during the session!
5) Have your music binder on hand, pencil, straw, water with you and ready to go. Whatever you need for an in-person lesson, you’ll need for an online lesson.
6) For younger students, I ask for you to set up your lesson space in a common, well-trafficked area of your house. If the set-up is in your bedroom, please keep your door open. I want to be able to say hello to mom or dad at the beginning and end of your lesson.
THE EXPECTATIONS:
1) The flow of online lessons is different from an in-person lesson. Most platforms only allow for one person to talk/sing/play at a time; we cannot make sound at the same time. This means that the way I will interact with you might be a little different than what you’re used to for in-person coaching. We’ll communicate a lot more with gestures and body language instead of words.
2) There is less room for spontaneity in online lessons. If we want to be productive, we have to plan ahead. This means words, sheet music and tracks ready to go. Make a plan for what you want out of your online coaching!
USEFUL RESOURCES FOR VOCAL EXERCISES AND BACKING TRACKS
https://www.appcompanist.com : a great resource of vocal exercises and transposable accompaniment tracks for musical theatre singers. Basic download and use of vocal exercises is free.
https://pianotrax.com : A great resource for musical theatre tracks.
https://youtube.com : Karoake You may or may not be able to find the right track/key for you.
https://karaoke-version.com: great sounding tracks for pop music, cheap
