Here are some tips to getting the best sound quality for your lesson via Zoom, so you and your music teacher can both hear each other nice and clear!

1. Use a computer rather than a phone or tablet

Did you know that Zoom on the computer offers you more advanced audio settings than on the phone or tablet? If you use your computer instead of your phone or tablet for you music lesson, you will have better control of the sound quality.

2. Use headphones (and an external mic if you can)

Using headphones during your music lesson means that there is less of a chance of getting feedback (that annoying, squeaky noise that can sometimes happen during your call). If you have an external mic, it will give you a generally nicer sound quality, but if not, the mic on your computer should do its job. I use one of those headphones that come with mic - got both in one headset!

3. Know your Zoom audio settings

To access your Zoom audio settings, click on your profile photo in the top right corner of Zoom, select Settings, and select Audio in the left sidebar. There are three things that we want to change here:

a)Uncheck the box next to 'Automatically adjust microphone volume (while you are here, test your microphone level too by making sure the correct mic is selected and speak into it - the Input Level should be green)

b) Click on the Advanced button in the bottom right corner, and check the box next to 'Show in-meeting option to "Enable Original Sound" from microphone. Once checked, you will see an "Enable Original Sound" button appear in the top left corner of your screen during your lesson. Make sure you click on this button for each of your lessons.

c) In the same Advanced window as b), make sure you select:

-'Disable'for 'Suppress Persistent Background Noise'

-'Disable' for 'Suppress Intermittent Background Noise'

-'Auto' for 'Echo Cancellation

4. Update your Zoom

Make sure you are using the latest version of Zoom! Do this by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner of Zoom, then click 'Check for Updates.

5. Make sure your teacher (or pupil) do the same!

These steps will only work for you if your teacher/pupil also do the same! So share this page with them and show them how to get the best audio from Zoom.

Do you have any other tips on using Zoom or other video conferencing tools for teaching/learning music online?Drop me a messageand let me know!