Online Lesson Resources

Home Lesson Setup Guides

Quick Tips:

  • Find a designated, distraction-free learning space and minimize all possible noise, such as fans, air conditioner, dishwashers, fire trucks, barking dogs, TVs, etc.
  • Have a reliable device that’s fully charged or has a power source.
  • Place your camera, laptop, tablet, or phone in landscape orientation (horizontal). If at all possible, use a tripod for your device or sit the device on something sturdy and stationery like an extra music stand or a tripod that can handle your camera.
  • Have a light source to be in front of you, such as facing toward a window.
  • Music Students: Make sure the entire instrument is in the shot. If you have a bow, make sure the bow does not go out of the shot. The camera should be angled at the same level as you and your instrument.

Starter Guides:  For Parents  |  For Students

Instrument-Specific Lesson Setup:  Piano  |  Violin/Viola


Technology Requirements

All online lesson students must have access to a device with up to date audio/visual capabilities. This includes a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or cell phone with a working camera and microphone. Zoom is George Mason University’s recommended platform for video/conference calls. For best performance, click here for our recommended technical requirements.  

  • Operating Systems
    macOS 10.13 or newer
    Windows 10
    Chrome OS
    Apple iOS and Android
  • Computer Speed and Processor
    Use a Mac five years old or newer, or other device three years old or newer, if possible.
    4 GB of RAM
    2 GHz processor
  • Internet Speed
    Minimum of 1.5 Mbps download and 800 Kbps upload

Zoom Audio Settings for Music Lessons

Zoom Desktop Client Version 5.2 or newer (Recommended)
General settings, only need to set before the first time:
●  Go to settings, then audio, then advanced
●  Click “Show in-meeting option to ‘Enable Original Sound’
●  Click “High fidelity music mode”

During the lesson:
Toggle top left to “’Enable Original Sound”

Zoom Desktop Client Version 5.1 or older
General settings, only need to set before the first time:
●  Go to settings, then audio, then advanced
●  Disable “Suppress Persistent Background Noise”
●  Disable “Suppress Intermittent Background Noise”

During the lesson:
Toggle top left to “’Enable Original Sound”

Step-by-Step Instructions  |  Check Your Zoom Update


Zoom Starter Guide

Helpful Links

FAQs

Best Connectivity Tips

  • The device needs to be as close to the router as possible, preferably connected through ethernet cable.
  • All other programs on the device need to be closed so that the video chat is the only program running.
  • Minimize bandwidth use in the home – if the student is in a Zoom class, their sibling is streaming a show, if anything is uploading to the internet, and the parent is also on a web call, this will all reduce the video quality.

Desktop/Web Browser View

Tablet View

Smart Phone View