Video Lessons - Technical Requirements …

Plenty of detailed info will be sent out to anyone interested in video lessons and any problems can be worked through during the video call, however here are the main things to consider if you are thinking about having video lessons:

  1. Instrument - You will need your own instrument! Many pupils like to have a few lessons using the instruments available at the Jam Jar before committing to buying their own. Although having lessons from the comfort of your own home is great, you will need your own instrument right from day one along with a suitable space to do the lesson in. If you would like to try a few lessons before purchasing an instrument I do have a drum kit for hire along with a few guitars.

  2. Zoom - I use Zoom for my video lessons as I find that it has the best audio options. You will need the Zoom app downloaded to the device that you will be using for your lessons.

  3. Video - You will need a camera and will need to ensure that both you and the instrument can be seen clearly in the picture. Built-in tablet/laptop/phone cameras are fine but it’s worth spending some time figuring out the best place to set the camera up so that you can be seen and so that you can see the screen.

  4. Audio - If you have instrument microphones and an audio interface then that is absolutely fantastic! However for most people the inbuilt microphones on most modern devices do the job providing you are able to adjust a few settings. Most video call apps including Zoom come with default settings designed for meetings. It is absolutely essential (particularly for drummers) that you adjust these settings to make the software more suitable for picking up musical instruments. This is quite easy to do and I can give you advice on this in advance of your first lesson.

  5. Sheet Music - I will send any sheet music or written materials ahead of the lesson. You will need to be able to print these or have them on a device that you can read off. I would not recommend using the same device for the Zoom call and for reading off as you will be constantly changing between windows. You will also need a music stand to put your music on.

Questions?

To discuss video lessons further or to book a lesson, please head over to the Contact page.