Guide to Online Singing Lessons

What do I need?

Essentials

  • A computer or laptop with a camera and built-in microphone, or a tablet or smartphone

  • A Zoom account (free is fine): https://zoom.us/

Really useful extras

  • An external microphone (for example, a USB plug-in mic) can offer better sound quality.
    If you use one, please check that Zoom is using the correct audio input before your lesson begins.

  • In Zoom → Settings → Audio:

    • Turn OFF Automatically adjust microphone volume

    • Set Background noise suppression to Low (or the least aggressive option available)

  • In Advanced Audio Settings (within Audio):

    • Enable “Original Sound for Musicians” (this allows Zoom to apply less processing to your voice)

    • Make sure the Original Sound button is turned ON during the lesson (you’ll see this in the Zoom window once you’re in the call)

  • If you have headphones or earbuds, it can help to wear these to avoid feedback.

Don’t worry if you don’t have an external mic or headphones, built-in microphones usually work well, and you should be able to hear me clearly without headphones.

Backing tracks & second devices

  • A second device (smartphone or tablet) is ideal for playing backing tracks.

  • Keep the volume fairly low and place it away from the device you’re using Zoom on.

  • You need to hear it more than I do - I need to hear you!

To improve the overall quality

  • If using Wi-Fi, try to have your lesson as close to the router as possible

  • Turn off or pause other devices using Wi-Fi during your lesson

  • Keep background noise to a minimum (busy road, humming fridge, tumble drier, washing machine, etc.)

  • Position yourself with light in front of you, not behind… (As lovely as a silhouette is, it stops me seeing your face, lips, and jaw, and I can’t do my job properly if I can’t see those!)

  • Ideally, have space behind your screen so you can stand up and move around a little, just as we would in a face-to-face lesson

  • Don’t position your screen so low that you have to look down to see me - eye level if possible

Time savers

  • Email me your sheet music in advance if you’re using it

  • I can’t accompany you live at the piano online, so please:

    • Find backing tracks in the correct keys to match your sheet music

    • Have the links ready (I can help if needed)

  • Make a note of timings in the backing tracks (introduction, verses, choruses, etc.)

  • Have a notebook handy for lesson notes

What to expect

  • Slightly more a cappella work and call-and-response learning than usual (This has a really positive impact on your ear training!)

  • In most other ways, lessons are no different from face-to-face

I predominantly use Zoom, as the screen-sharing options are really useful. I can also teach via FaceTime, or WhatsApp Video if needed.

Get in touch here if you have any questions!