Virtual Lessons

About Virtual Lessons

We are proud to offer virtual lessons to our in person members, and now we are offering this stellar service to students exclusively, right from the get go. This is great if you want to learn:

• Piano

• Guitar

• Bass

• Drums

• Ukulele

but you may be located in a different area. We are proud that our students take lessons locally, but we also have students in locations throughout the US! We have all been grateful for the virtual option during these new times, and are happy to continue to meet families no matter where they are. Creativity through technology is our new currency of the future and it is a privilege to instill the lifetime passion for music that we hold so dear.

If you would like to enroll in virtual lessons exclusively, our enrollment form has that option for you. You will be with other students also enrolled virtual lessons exclusively.

Please observe the following regarding our expectations for virtual lessons:

WHAT YOU NEED:

• If student is under 18, Parent must be present and actively involved for all lessons

• Supplies/Needs

  • Strong internet connection

  • Better Practice Open

  • Printed and assembled Practice Pad

  • Printed and assembled Reference Book

  • Need two devices: Tablet for viewing lessons, and phone for teacher to view your hands. If you need hardware so that your phone will stay above your keyboard please reach out.

• Download Zoom, have the app on Smartphone/tablet

  • Write down username and password and keep at piano

  • Write down your teacher’s zoom code and keep at piano (located on Home page of Better Practice)

  • PLEASE Test Run before first actual lesson!

• Backup option: Have extra Android, Iphone, computer, or tablet

• Check your audio settings here:

WHAT TO DO - Our Expectations:

• Be at piano 15 minutes before lesson in case you have internet issues. Be ready to join the meeting 10 minutes before the lesson, to be considerate to your instructor and your classmates.

• The Zoom code for your Teacher is posted on Better Practice and in My Music Staff lesson reminders, along with their password.

• Life Coach (Parental) Involvement:

  • As you know from working during COVID, this scenario is much different than class.

  • You MUST BE distraction free. Close doors, send siblings out, let everyone know in the house what is happening.

  • Distractions include food and gum! We kindly request to please refrain from eating.

  • WE NEED TO SEE YOU. If your student is under 18, you, the parent, must be in the camera screen view in order for this to work.
    IF we can’t see you, we can’t proceed.

  • Your student needs your interaction for instructions and involvement.

  • Please be sure all other devices in the house are disconnected from the internet so that your audio and video streaming is current.

• Lost Connection - Our teachers will always have the zoom room up and running, so join back in as soon as possible. In the event that you missed content, please connect with a classmate for the work.

MAKE IT EASY - Our Recommendations:

• We highly recommend two cameras; utilizing a gooseneck for a phone above the piano and an additional camera and large screen in front of you to see our cameras up close. This will also allow you to see our whiteboard notes and read assignments at the end of class.

• While you can find goosenecks on amazon, the best gooseneck parts come from snakeclamp.com, where you can mix and match bases for the best fit for your room.

• This is a weighted base that will sit on top of a table, a gooseneck attachment, and then a smartphone holder for the top. This is the sturdiest option as a lot of Amazon products can be flimsy. Especially with the mass production since many people are staying home. There are other base options such as a clamp if you have a different set up.

• (Here's an amazon link to some other options if you'd like something cheaper.)

We are able to participate in lessons virtually with the best program in existence! The world is at our fingertips!