Tips for a Good Class Experience

Get your DEVICE ready:

If you have never used Zoom before or are unsure about mute/unmute, use "Get Started with Zoom!" to get going; then come back here and continue.

Want to ask a question during class? Please use the CHAT! The Chat button is the icon to the right of the green Share icon. You can type your question and the teacher will call on you or answer via Chat. (Be ready for a quick unmute!)

AUDIO SETTINGS FOR LIVE MUSIC (that's you!):

Open Zoom and click on Settings (⚙). Under "Audio", make sure the speaker and microphone are set for the equipment you'll be using during class; if you're using the speaker and mic on your device, select "Built-in" for both. Check at least the first two boxes at the bottom; the third is your choice.

Use your real name as your "screen name". If you normally have "SackbutMaster1610" or your email as your screen name, the class host may not know who you are and not want to admit you to class! If you didn't log in with something that shows your real name clearly, you will need to edit that. Still under Settings, click "Profile", and then "Edit Profile" - this will bounce you to Zoom.com (where you may need to log in again) and find "Profile". Then click "edit" to the right of whatever name it has for you. Then you can enter your first and last name, and add a picture of yourself if you so choose. Click "Save Changes" and you're all set!

You can also do this right when you click "Join Meeting" - the window that pops up for you to enter the Zoom meeting ID also has a preview of your screen name, and you can change it there.

You have been preparing and we don't want technology issues to get in your way! Make sure, WELL in advance, that you:

• Are using an external microphone. Even a borrowed USB mic is enough, as it is a step up from the built-in mic on any device.

• Test your internet speed (www.speedtest.net or www.fast.com for example) and verify that it is at least 80 Mbps or more. Satellite or DSL connections (while fine for a talk-only meeting) are not going to be fast enough this, and your performance may skip or even freeze as you play.

• Hardwire your computer to your router, or sit in the same room as your WiFi router to get the strongest signal possible. This is not essential but highly recommended.

• Test out your setup over Zoom with a friend (hopefully a fellow musician) and get their feedback! You can tweak audio settings at www.zoom.us.

If you find you are having issues with feedback or an echo, go to ADVANCED and set the Echo Cancellation to AUTO.

• In general, but ESPECIALLY with these new audio settings, it is imperative that you get rid of background noise! Close doors and windows, banish the cat, dog, parakeet, and loved ones to other rooms. Don't run machinery (laundry, dishwasher, even a desk fan) near your playing area. You get the picture. Quiet is good.

• Set up your music stand and playing chair near your computer/device. You need to be able to reach it to mute and so forth, but you also need room to play.

• If you plan to read your music from an iPad/tablet, plan to use a different device (your computer would be best) for connecting to the Zoom meeting.

• Please bear in mind that we want to see you! If your back is to a window or lamp you'll just be a silhouette. If you are giving an example for the class, they will really want to be able to see your instrument/hands/bow/keyboard/etc. as best as is possible. Experiment with lighting and camera placement beforehand.

• Please bear in mind that if your video is running, we CAN see you....

As you normally would before a workshop class, get the handouts in order to your liking (they will be linked on each class's page beforehand), get plenty of rest and have a cup of coffee, warm up and tune before class begins, and have within reach whatever you would want to bring to class - a glass of water, a pencil, more coffee.... ;) And HAVE FUN! We are so glad you’re here!