Get Started with Zoom!

So how do I "Zoom"?

Download Zoom to your computer, or get the Zoom app on your iPad/tablet by clicking here. (Zoom is only ok on a phone and we do not recommend trying to use it for classes if you are performing.)

• Once installed, you can join a class meeting by opening Zoom on your device and clicking "Join Meeting", or just clicking the class link provided. Enter the Zoom meeting ID and password provided. Click the bar that says "Join Audio by Computer". In most instances you will have to wait a minute for the meeting host to let you in. Congratulations, YOU ARE ZOOMING!

• If you leave the meeting for some reason, you can re-join by repeating this process.

You can still participate without downloading Zoom, if you are having difficulties.

• Go to zoom.com and click on "Join a Meeting" in the menu bar at the top of the webpage.

• Type in the Zoom meeting ID and password when prompted and click the blue Join box. In most instances you will have to wait a minute for the meeting host to let you in. Congratulations, YOU ARE ZOOMING!

LEARN to MUTE/UNMUTE your microphone, as the teacher will ask you to mute and unmute yourself at various times during the class. It's simple:

• Move your cursor anywhere over the Zoom window during the meeting, or tap your screen if you are using a tablet.

• You will see a row of icons at the bottom (or top, for iPads/tablets) of the Zoom window.

• On the far left is the microphone icon. Click on it to mute (a diagonal red line will appear through the icon); click again to unmute.

• If on a computer, you can also unmute yourself by pressing the space bar - keep it down while you talk.

LEARN to HANDLE THE VIDEO: To always see the teacher as the larger image on your screen, move your cursor to the teacher’s image (iPads/tablets: touch the teacher’s thumbnail image) and click on the three blue dots. Choose “Pin Video”. To see whoever is currently speaking or playing, select “Speaker View”. You can also turn off your video if you don’t want to be seen: click on your video icon (next to the microphone icon - on a tablet it may be under “More”). You’ll still be able to see the teacher and class but they won’t see you.

For OPTIMAL SOUND, attach an external speaker to your computer, use a bluetooth speaker, or use headphones or earbuds – try leaving one side off so you can still hear yourself.

If you plan to play for the class at all, an EXTERNAL MICROPHONE gives clarity to your sound. Check your sound with a friend on a test Zoom call to find the best placement.

(Click the picture for more info!)

(Click the picture for more info!)

Zoom provides a multitude of helpful tutorials, videos, FAQs, and live support on their help site.

If after following these steps and checking with Zoom you still need us, shoot us an e-mail at Click here to show mail address. The earlier the better!

Once you've got this page under your belt, make sure you go back to Tips for a Good Class Experience for some specialized settings!