How to Get Set Up for Your Online Lesson

We’ve taught tens of thousands of lessons online and know exactly how it works! Here’s how to set up and get the most out of your upcoming online lesson.

Get Connected on Google Meet

Our lessons take place via Google Meet. It’s incredibly reliable, easy to use, and works on almost any device right through your web browser—no software downloads required!

• On a Laptop/Computer: You don’t need to download an app. Just click the lesson link in your reminder email to open it in Google Chrome, Safari, or Edge.
• On a Phone or Tablet: Download the official Google Meet app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store ahead of time.
• Test it Out: If you haven’t used Meet before, log into your Google account and start a “New Meeting” by yourself to make sure your camera and microphone are working perfectly.

Get Your Audio Settings Right

Google Meet has built-in smart audio settings designed to filter out background noise. While this is great for a business meeting, it can accidentally filter out the sound of your instrument or singing!

Before your lesson starts, you’ll want to adjust your settings:

1. Click the three dots (More options) at the bottom of your Meet screen and select Settings.
2. Click on Audio.
3. Locate Noise Cancellation and turn it OFF. This ensures your teacher can hear every note you play.

General Tips For Online Music Lessons

1. Be in a quiet place: The quieter, the better. Make sure you can clearly hear your teacher and they can hear you.
2. Eliminate distractions: Avoid high-traffic zones in your house where family members or pets might interrupt your focus.
3. Use a laptop if possible: Laptops stand up by themselves, have larger screens, and make it easy to angle the camera exactly where your teacher needs to see (like your hands on the keys or frets).
4. Using a tablet or phone? Use a stand: Prop it up on a music stand or use a simple device holder. If you want to get fancy and have a mic stand, you can use a smartphone adapter clip to get the perfect angle.
5. Plug in your device: Video calls drain batteries much faster than standard web browsing. Plug your device into a charger so it doesn’t die mid-lesson!
6. Manage your Wi-Fi bandwidth: Unless you have a super-fast connection (100 Mbps or higher), ask others in the house to pause heavy streaming or online gaming during your lesson time.
7. Turn on the lights! Make your room as bright as possible. Good lighting significantly improves video quality and helps your teacher check your posture and technique.
8. Be prepared: Have all your music books, sheet music, and a pencil handy before the call starts so you can easily take notes.

Tips for Young Learners

1. Parents, stay close by! For younger students, we ask that a parent be present for the whole lesson. Not only will you help navigate the technology, but you’ll also know exactly what your child needs to practice at home during the week.
2. Designate a “Lesson Space”: Creating a distraction-free zone is vital for younger minds. Set up a consistent, dedicated space specifically for music. If they play piano, this is easy! For instruments like violin or guitar, choose a specific corner of the room or a dedicated chair. Building this routine is the secret to long-term success.

We Can’t Wait to See You!

Online lessons bring the classroom right to the comfort of your home, making it easier than ever to build skills, express your creativity, and have a blast doing it. Once you’ve got your Google Meet setup ready, take a deep breath, get excited, and get ready to make some music. We are thrilled to help you take these first steps—let’s get started!