How do Zoom lessons work?

The content of the lesson remains the same as an in-person lesson: we’ll begin with a vocal warm up and technique work before moving into repertoire and performance coaching. See “What To Expect” under the Lessons menu for more information on lesson content and my approach to teaching.

While the content remains the same, some adjustments have to be made to accommodate the remote video platform. These adjustments include an increased focus on ear training and tuning, an increased responsibility for the student to take an active part in the lesson by engaging in somatic awareness, home practice, and being ready with questions and observations. All good things 🙂

Zoom Nuts & Bolts:

I recommend accessing Zoom via computer. Simply click on the invitation link a few minutes before your lesson in order to download the Zoom “client.” Once installed, you’ll be able to join your lesson. There’s no need to create a Zoom account in order to access your lesson, but you can do so if you like.

• A couple of pointers to make sure that your lesson runs smoothly:
  • Ensure that your internet connection is stable.
  • Find a distraction-free space to have your lesson.
  • Turn on “ORIGINAL SOUND.”
    • In Zoom’s audio settings (sometimes located under “advanced audio settings”), select “Show in-meeting option to ‘Enable Original Sound’ from microphone.” When Original Sound is on, audio enhancements such as background noise suppression (which corrupt sustained sounds, like singing) are turned off.

 Equipment: 

• While not necessary, it is helpful if the student uses two devices for their lessons: a computer for the Zoom platform, and a phone (or tablet / computer) to playback their accompaniment / minus track.
• An external microphone is not necessary. I repeat, not necessary 🙂
  • But, if you have an external mic, feel free to use it. I prefer to hear your voice within the natural acoustics of the room you’re in – so if you’re using a mic that can capture the full ambient acoustics of your surroundings, that is preferable to being close mic-ed and improves my ability to assess the details of your vocal technique.
  • If you’d like to purchase a reasonably priced mic, I recommend Blue’s “Snowball” mic. The Yeti is another recommended mic, but has a higher price tag.

Here is a helpful video series reviewing various mic options for optimizing your voice online:

Accompaniment

• I recommend the app Appcompanist as a tool for home-practice and adjustable backing tracks. The “Low-Cost” subscription is $3.99 and offers warm-ups, exercises (including the Vaccai method), and a vast library of musical theater and classical music repertoire accompaniment.
• YouTube and Musicnotes can also work well. (It is impossible to play the music on the teacher’s end of the recording because of the time lag / delay, and only one sound source can be heard at a time.)
• Asking a local or remote pianist to record your accompaniments is another great option. I recommend San Diego pianist, Chasen Pado.