Zoom For Music Instructors

I’ve been teaching Guitar students all across the USA and World for years (yes, from well before it became a necessity for many). If you’re a music instructor who’s been hesitant about making the leap, in this article I’ll share with you exactly how I do it, so that you can get up and running in no time!

Simpler is Better

You don’t need a separate mixing board for your Guitar signal, or a special headset mic, or two monitors, or anything else that might seem scary. I tried all that stuff a long time ago, and have figured out (through experience and actual student feedback) that simpler isn’t just easier for you - but it’s better for your students too. Read on for some specific equipment tips and setup hacks - it’s all a lot simpler than you might have thought.

Equipment

Camera

Here’s what I use: a Logitech C922 webcam. It’s super clear, and provides a slightly wider angle view so that your student can see more of your entire instrument.

The built-in mic is stereo, which is a nice extra (especially if you’re going to record any lessons to post on YouTube, etc.) Zoom also just started offering an option for stereo sound during streaming, so you can take advantage of it with this camera. It’s reasonably priced, usually under $100.

Computer

Any fairly up-to-date computer will do. A laptop is the simplest, although you’ll want at least two USB ports (more is always better in this department). A USB hub is a great workaround though, if you find you need more inputs. A desktop computer works great as well (and usually sports more than enough USB ports). Both of the machines I use (a Lenovo laptop, and an HP desktop) were around $300 apiece when on sale.

Writing Pad

Either wireless, if you sit further away from a computer (like I do): 

or wired if you’re using a laptop:

A writing pad is a necessity, as I’ll explain momentarily. The wireless one I use is by XP Pen, and the wired one is from a company called Huion. There are others out there, but I’ve found that these work very well.

TV (Optional)

If you’ve got a lot of students like I do, then just for your own comfort and sanity, you might consider using a TV for your monitor. It’s a lot easier to see, you can mount it at eye level, and you’re not hunched over a laptop while you’re trying to play. Here’s what it looks like for me; it’s a 40” screen:

Just use an HDMI cable out from your computer, into the TV input, and you’re good to go.

If It’s Not Documented, What Are They Paying You For?

The biggest problem with online music instruction from the student’s standpoint (and something they might not even realize until it’s too late) is when there’s no documentation of the lesson. What are they supposed to practice? What was that tip you gave them? If you didn’t document it for them, then the answer is...Who knows?!?!

To stand out from the pack (and to provide the best, highest-quality lessons for your students), you’ve got to write stuff down for them during the lesson! I achieve this feat by:

• Using a 90-page, blank Guitar manuscript PDF that I designed. You can easily create something similar, for your own needs.
• Using a separate copy for each student (their own book), with the student’s name as the .pdf filename
• Using a free PDF reader called PDF Xchange which allows me to write on the PDF in real time, just like a physical lesson book. Remember that writing pad? This is why it’s a necessity.
• Having the student’s book pulled up in PDF Xchange during the lesson, for easy screen sharing during the Zoom call. That way, the student can see exactly what I’m writing for them. 
• Using Dropbox to set up a separate shared folder for each student, so that their book updates automatically each time it’s saved. Then, they can access it at any time, on their phone, tablet, or wherever they have Dropbox.

Lighting

This can be the most important (and most frustrating!) part. If you’ve got a room with two windows opposite one another, that’s ideal for daytime teaching. If not (and if teaching in the evening / night time) you’ll need either:

1. Good lighting directly overhead, or
2. a ring light

My recording and teaching studio has only one window, and no overhead lighting unfortunately. So, I use a ring light:

For Guitar anyway, I find that having it a bit lower than Guitar-level is ideal. You might not need one that’s as big, if you play a smaller instrument and sit closer to the computer (like on a laptop). Your ring light will take some experimentation when it comes to placement, so get someone to help you by holding it up in different places around the room, while you check yourself out on screen.

Optional, But Cool

Tripod

Mounting the webcam on a tripod allows for more flexibility when it comes to camera placement. It also makes it easier to adjust the angle of the camera during the lesson.

Echo Speaker

I use this to easily play songs and jam tracks from my phone, when it’s helpful during the lesson. I do a lot of listening and on-the-spot transcribing for students during some lessons, so for me it’s a “must have”.

Rolling Desk

For more flexibility with your setup, use a small rolling desk. This works great for me, since I sit further away from the computer. It holds the keyboard, writing pad, and a wireless mouse.

Jump In

Follow the advice in this article, and you’ll find that getting started with teaching Guitar (or any other instrument) online isn’t as daunting as you might think. While hopefully some of these ideas will help you to create an ideal workflow, remember that all you need to get started is a laptop and a writing pad! Do a few lessons, start to get the hang of it, and you’ll see that Zoom lessons can work out even better for the student than “in person” lessons do. Most teachers (and students) who knock it? They just haven’t tried it!