Unless you have no other option, always opt for a laptop or desktop PC or Mac computer rather than a phone or tablet.
Aside from the larger screen size, desktops and laptops tend to have superior built-in microphones and speakers. You'll also have the option of connecting an external mic if you wish.
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Mic
In our experience, built-in mics even on phones and tablets, are sufficient for most lessons. So unless you're tech-savvy and can troubleshoot, expanding your set-up may cause more problems than it solves. Keep it simple.
That said, an external microphone and student to more accurately hear and imitate the tone of your instrument.
A USB microphone is the easiest, and cheapest improvement you can make to the sound. You can plug these directly into your computer or laptop without the need for any mixer or interface.
If you're looking for another step up, invest in an XL microphone. Bear in mind that these tend to be much more expensive, and will also require additional hardware/an interface.
Headphones
Rather than using your devices' built-in output, we recommend both parties use good quality headphones to improve the sound.
They're also essential if using an external mic, to avoid feedback.
Wireless headphones are recommended, to avoid entanglements.
Additional webcams (pros only)
Depending on your instrument, and techncially competent, you might consider an additional webcam. This allows you to cut between your hea , for instruction, and your instrument, for demonstration. On a piano, the demonstration camera could be an overhead mic capturing your keyboard perfectly. ON a guitar, this could be trained at the fretboard.
A simple keyboard shortcut will allow you to cut between the two at will.
2. Choose your platform
There are several great virtual teaching platforms out there, and they're all free to use.The most popular video call platforms are: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Skype.
If your student doesn't have a preference and you need to choose one, bear the following in mind:
- Some apps require both parties to have accounts. At the time of writing, Zoom doesn't require the student to have an account, making it the easiest to access - just send your student the link.
Skype and Google Meet requires student to have account. Facetime requires both users to useaa Mac computer.
- Call length is restricted on some apps (unless you pay). At the time of writing, Skype has no limit to call length. Google meet has a 60 minute limit. Zoom is limited to a measly 40 minute calls, in the free version.
- Some apps have a "record" feature. This is a really useful feature and a major bonus of online calls. Your student can watch back your lesson afterwards.
At the time of writing, all the Zoom, Skype and Google Meet let you do this. Facebook and Whatsapp don't currently have this feature built into the app, but it's possible using 3rd party software.
- Choose an app with highly customisable audio settings. In our experience, Zoom is the best due to its highly customisable audio settings. Enable "High Fidelity Music Mode" and "Use Original Sound".
You can also disable "Echo cancellation". This setting suppresses background noises - ideal for conversation but will make sound from an acoustic instrument cut in and out.
Zoom can also pick up a stereo signal. This means you could use external mics and split voice and guitar into left and right. Skype is less configurable and can only pick up a mono signal.
There are several great virtual teaching platforms out there, and they're all free to use.The most popular video call platforms are: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Skype.
If your student doesn't have a preference and you need to choose one, bear the following in mind:
- Some apps require both parties to have accounts. At the time of writing, Zoom doesn't require the student to have an account, making it the easiest to access - just send your student the link.
Skype and Google Meet requires student to have account. Facetime requires both users to useaa Mac computer.
- Call length is restricted on some apps (unless you pay). At the time of writing, Skype has no limit to call length. Google meet has a 60 minute limit. Zoom is limited to a measly 40 minute calls, in the free version.
- Some apps have a "record" feature. This is a really useful feature and a major bonus of online calls. Your student can watch back your lesson afterwards.
At the time of writing, all the Zoom, Skype and Google Meet let you do this. Facebook and Whatsapp don't currently have this feature built into the app, but it's possible using 3rd party software.
- Choose an app with highly customisable audio settings. In our experience, Zoom is the best due to its highly customisable audio settings. Enable "High Fidelity Music Mode" and "Use Original Sound".
You can also disable "Echo cancellation". This setting suppresses background noises - ideal for conversation but will make sound from an acoustic instrument cut in and out.
Zoom can also pick up a stereo signal. This means you could use external mics and split voice and guitar into left and right. Skype is less configurable and can only pick up a mono signal.
