REMOTE LEARNING DEEP DIVE

With school closings, decisions to remain close to (or at) home, many are turning to thoughts of remote piano lessons – and we’ve connecting with experienced professionals to offer this service.

While a remote lesson is NOT the same as an in-person one, many have found it’s an acceptable alternative given some of the conveniences it offers.

How it works:

1. Teacher and Student both sign up for and sign into a remote video application.
   We’ve found advantages to Skype vs Zoom, Facetime, etc.
   1. 4/18/20 Update:  Consider Zoom for Group lessons.  The Gallery View in Zoom is suitable for group class interaction.
2. Teacher and Student position computer/iPad to the view desired by teacher.
3. Teacher/Student connect at their pre-arranged lesson time, verify they can hear/see each other – and onto the lesson.

Remote Lesson Setup Tutorial from Steinert’s Education Team member Patrick Elisha

Pros:

• Learn from the comfort and safety of your home.
• Time saved in traveling to and from lesson location.
• You can play on your own piano (not always a plus!…)

Cons:

• Physical separation may limit certain types of critique depending upon quality and orientation of the technical setup.
• Initial setup and occasional internet hassles.
• Audio/Video quality depends upon quality of tools used.  Recommend separate microphone (see tips below).

Technical Requirements/Setup Tips:

Household: 

1. Fast/Consistent internet connection.  Use https://projectstream.google.com/speedtest to check your connection speed.  Microsoft  (owner of Skype) suggests that at least 1.5 mbps upload and download speed works for a person-to-person HD Skype session – but more (10 mbps +) is great.
   >>>>ALSO – limit other heavy streaming use during lesson times (Netflix/Video).
2. Sufficient Lighting but not too bright that can’t see definition between keys.
3. Table to the left side of piano to hold computer/laptop and microphone (see tech setup below).

Preferred Tech Setup:

1. Quality video-capable laptop (in 2020 – almost all are) or iMac set off to side of piano on separate table able to see player/hands.
   Note: iPads can be used, but does not allow the ability to turn off volume “auto-adjust” – see below.  
2. Download Skype for your device (Laptop/iPad)
3. Get a separate microphone. Recommend: Either the Zoom H1n or Yeti Blue (links to Amazon purchase pages). Place on table rather than piano to limit vibration.
4. Skype:  Turn OFF – auto adjust microphone in Skype.  (Settings/Preferences>Audio Video).

Helpful Tips: 

1. Use open-ear headphones (more immersive experiences).  Do not use Bluetooth audio/speakers for listening (Bluetooth audio devices impose a significant delay that matters when interacting (but not when JUST listening).
2. Anticipate occasional quality drops or freezes –  it only takes a few seconds to reconnect the call.

Sign up for remote learning options at M. Steinert and Sons