BASIC SETUP

• Please check that your Zoom app is updated:
  1. Open Zoom app.
  2. Click on zoom.us (the app name at top-left of computer screen).
  3. Click on ‘Check for Updates…’ from drop-down menu.
  4. Alternatively, you can download the latest version from www.zoom.us.

• The recent Zoom updates have a ‘Original sound for musicians’ option in the Audio settings that is important so that we can both hear the music being played clearly and without interruption. See below under AUDIO for detailed instructions.

• You need reasonably fast internet to avoid connectivity issues. Wired internet is best. Wifi is also usually fine (move close to modem if possible). Using Data for a Zoom session is often problematic.

AUDIO

• For better sound output (ie, hearing me or others during the workshop), use earbuds or headphones, which will allow you to hear more details. Bluetooth headsets are not recommended, as they will add lag time, so wired headsets are preferable.

• For better sound input* (ie, when you play), it’s best to use an external mic, and to turn on the Original Sound for Musicians option. Here’s how to do that:
  1. How to get there: zoom.us > Preferences > Audio > look under ‘Audio Profile’ section and click on the button ‘Original sound for musicians’.
  2. Below ‘Original sound for musicians’, check off both ‘High-fidelity music mode’ and ‘Echo cancellation’, but leave ‘Stereo audio’ unchecked (unless you have a super-fast internet connection and don’t mind using a huge amount of data!). You can check THIS IMAGE to compare your audio settings to the ones I find work well.
  3.After you close the Preferences window, look at the top-left corner of the Zoom meeting window, and click the option so that it says Original Sound for Musicians: On.

* NOTE: Since these suggestions are for improving the sound when you play, you don’t necessarily need them during the group workshop (when you will mostly be muted). We can check these settings at the beginning of the first private lesson.

• If the sound level is too soft or too loud, and the computer volume doesn’t seem to help, check the Zoom app volume level in the Zoom audio settings (in Zoom app, go to Preferences > Audio > Output Volume slider).

• To unmute yourself for a moment, you can press-and-hold the space bar while you’re talking.

VIDEO

• Speaker View vs Gallery View: In the top-right of the main Zoom meeting window, you can toggle between Speaker View (the speaker’s image is big, everyone else is small), and Gallery View (everyone is the same size).

• Pin Video: If you want the workshop presenter’s image to remain large (even if others are speaking), hover the cursor over top-right of the presenter’s image, click on the 3 dots that appear, then select “Pin Video”.

RECORDING

• If you want to record the workshop, you’ll need to use a computer (Zoom doesn’t allow recording on tablet or smart phone).

• You are welcome to record all or parts of the workshop. At the start of the class, I will enable recording privilege for each participant (this has to be done individually, once the participant is present). If you click on ‘Record’, Zoom will automatically convert the recording to both video and audio files after the meeting is finished.

CHAT

• I will not generally be monitoring the chat, so please use it sparingly. For most inquiries or comments, email is best!