Online Lessons

I offer online lessons via Zoom, FaceTime and Skype. Whether you are choosing to stay at home due to health reasons, inclement weather, lack of transportation, travel, etc., these remote lessons are always available. In fact, sometimes you don't even need an instrument for online lessons, as there are plenty of things to work on without playing!

What do you need for Online Lessons?

• an iOs device (laptop, iPad, iPhone), or an Android phone or tablet, or a laptop with clear camera and microphone. I highly recommend using an external microphone to greatly increase sound quality; headphones (not bluetooth) are very helpful to help you hear nuances in sound when I play. If you have an external microphone, that would be very helpful to help me hear nuances in your sound more clearly.

• high speed internet - if you are able to plug in with an ethernet cable instead of using wifi, that is optimal for stability.

• a quiet place to have your lessons with no distractions such as people walking around or cooking supper.

• try to ensure that no one else is streaming videos, in an online lesson, etc. during your lesson so that you have the strongest bandwidth.

• close as many applications on your device as possible so it doesn't have to work so hard during the lesson.

• if you have theory homework, this must be sent in as a PDF no later than 24 hours before your next lesson. You are more than welcome to hand it in earlier!

Camera Tips for Online Lessons

For Pianists:

• place the device to the side and slightly in back of you so that you are showing a clear view of the piano keys and your fingers. Also try to place the camera slightly higher than the keys so I can see the tops of your fingers and also your face, torso and legs/feet.

• You may need to place the camera at least 5 feet away from the instrument in order to get the best angle.

For Flutists:

• place the device so that I can see your face, the entire flute and upper torso while standing. You likely will need to be at least 5 feet away from the camera.

• place your music stand either under whatever is holding your device (ideal so that you are playing straight on to the camera) or else slightly to the side of the camera. It's best not to arrange the stand so that I can only see the side of your face.

For everyone:

• make sure you are in a well-lit room and avoid having light come from in back of you, as your camera will automatically dim my view of you. Instead, sit facing the light source.

• experiment with camera placement well in advance of the lesson and find what works best for you.

What Materials Do I Need for Lessons?

All students:

• metronome – an essential tool! My assignments include practicing with a metronome.

• well-lit place to practice. Try to practice in a spot where you can concentrate and see your music well.

• pencil and eraser – for use at the lesson to mark in tips for yourself and at home to complete theory assignments (a must!).

• binder with 5 sheets of music staff paper and to store your weekly lesson notes

Piano students: piano should be tuned a minimum of once per year.

Flute students: flute should be inspected and repaired a minimum of once per year.

· cleaning rod

· thin, lint-free cotton cleaning cloth (not j-cloth, cheese cloth, or kleenex) – best option is a men’s handkerchief.

· small soft paintbrush to gently clean fluff between keys

· pad cleaning paper for removing sticky residue under the pads. Cigarette paper is a cheaper alternative; just don’t use the sticky side

· tuner (not mandatory, but highly useful)

· music stand – an absolute must; please do not place music on a bed or table, as this contributes to poor posture and poor tone

If you need any help or suggestions about what to get and where to get these items, please contact me. I’m more than happy to help.