Online Lesson Guide
This guide is meant to walk you through the optimal setup for your zoom lessons. If you'd like any additional support or prefer to go over this together, please feel free to get in touch.
What you'll need:
*I recommend connecting to Zoom with a laptop, as there is an important audio setting that you'll need to adjust which is only accessible on the desktop app. If you don't have a web cam on your laptop, you can connect an action cam (GoPro), or there is a way to connect your phone to the laptop to act as a webcam. (Free apps - for Andoid: DroidCam, for iPhone: epocCam)
If possible, I also recommend having a second device available for lessons. You can use this device to connect to an external speaker to play music during the lesson. It also may be helpful for viewing my blackboard and any written exercises from a more comfortable viewing angle or directly in front of you.
What you'll need:
- Laptop with webcam*
- Headphones
- (optional) Phone or Tablet
- (optional) External speaker (bluetooth, or wired) or an Amplifier
*I recommend connecting to Zoom with a laptop, as there is an important audio setting that you'll need to adjust which is only accessible on the desktop app. If you don't have a web cam on your laptop, you can connect an action cam (GoPro), or there is a way to connect your phone to the laptop to act as a webcam. (Free apps - for Andoid: DroidCam, for iPhone: epocCam)
If possible, I also recommend having a second device available for lessons. You can use this device to connect to an external speaker to play music during the lesson. It also may be helpful for viewing my blackboard and any written exercises from a more comfortable viewing angle or directly in front of you.
Camera setup:
You will want to set up your main device/camera so I can see you and the drum kit :) An ideal placement is off to the side of the kit about 3 -4 feet off to one side and raised up just above the height of the kit and angled down. This angle will help me have a good view of you from behind the kit so I can help you with technique and posture. If that's not feasible, just do your best to get as much of the kit and yourself as possible.
You will want to set up your main device/camera so I can see you and the drum kit :) An ideal placement is off to the side of the kit about 3 -4 feet off to one side and raised up just above the height of the kit and angled down. This angle will help me have a good view of you from behind the kit so I can help you with technique and posture. If that's not feasible, just do your best to get as much of the kit and yourself as possible.
Audio setup:
Acoustic Kits
For an acoustic kit, the set up is straight forward. Plug your headphones into your laptop. Your onboard mic should pick up the drums and voice fine. (Optional) Have your 2nd device (phone or tablet) nearby and connect it to your external speaker.
If you have an audio interface for your laptop and an external omni-directional mic, you can place your mic about 2 feet in front of, or behind the drums at chest level for an optimal sound. You then also have the option of plugging your 2nd device (phone or tablet) into the 2nd input of your interface so you can play music and we can both hear it, without the need for an external speaker or amplifier.
Electronic Kits
For electronic drum kits, the easiest option is to plug into an amplifier so you're main device's microphone can pick up both the kit and your voice.
If you have a 2 channel audio interface and an external microphone, you can just plug your drums (line out, or phones) into input 1 and your mic into input 2 then both signals will be heard at the same time. If you would like to purchase an audio interface. There are some options available at Long and McQuade
If these options are not possible, it gets a little more complicated. >> Here are some options for how you can connect your kit
How to Connect to Zoom
**Important: please download the Zoom app for your Laptop and create an account
Download the Zoom App
Find it here: https://zoom.us/download
Select the 'Client for Meetings' option, and download the Zoom Installer.
Once you've created your account and installed the app on your laptop, open the app and sign-in (do not join meeting yet). Once you're signed in click the gear icon to access settings.
Next Select Audio from the left side menu.
- Ensure your microphone volume is turned up
- Un-check 'Automatically adjust microphone volume'
- Set Supress background noise to 'Low'
- Check 'Show in-meeting option to 'Turn On Original Sound'
- If you are using Headphones, you can check the box to 'Disable echo cancellation'. If not, please leave this checked.
- (Optional) If your internet connection allows, you can check 'High fidelity music mode', and 'Use Stereo Sound'. This will send me the best audio quality signal from your end, but will use more bandwidth.
Now you're ready to connect!
Join the Zoom Meeting link that I've provided. You'll be able to use the same link each time you connect.
Once you're connected make sure to join audio and start video. Once you're in we can tweak any settings that we need to optimize.
Lesson Media - Dropbox
For all students, I provide you with a link to a personal Dropbox folder where I upload all of the lesson materials, notes, and songs.
Before you join your lesson, make sure to have your Dropbox folder open on your laptop or main device. I will be sending you screen shots of the blackboard as we go, as well as any other lesson material. I also record video clips to demonstrate lesson material which I send to you after the lesson for your reference. Think of it like your digital binder, or lesson book. All lesson materials are saved in folders for each lesson for easy reference.
If you can't find your Dropbox link, or Zoom Room link, just send me a quick email and I'll pass those on :)
Ok, that's it, looking forward to seeing you online for your next lesson!
Join the Zoom Meeting link that I've provided. You'll be able to use the same link each time you connect.
Once you're connected make sure to join audio and start video. Once you're in we can tweak any settings that we need to optimize.
Lesson Media - Dropbox
For all students, I provide you with a link to a personal Dropbox folder where I upload all of the lesson materials, notes, and songs.
Before you join your lesson, make sure to have your Dropbox folder open on your laptop or main device. I will be sending you screen shots of the blackboard as we go, as well as any other lesson material. I also record video clips to demonstrate lesson material which I send to you after the lesson for your reference. Think of it like your digital binder, or lesson book. All lesson materials are saved in folders for each lesson for easy reference.
If you can't find your Dropbox link, or Zoom Room link, just send me a quick email and I'll pass those on :)
Ok, that's it, looking forward to seeing you online for your next lesson!