Online Learning Tips!

Online learning is fast becoming our new reality. This week we have moved to online lessons across the Gunnedah Conservatorium. Here are some tips we have put together to assist you set up your home space for music lessons.

Online learning is fast becoming our new reality. Many students have already had their first Zoom session this week and found it easy to adapt to this type of learning. Maybe they have found it easier than their teachers ;)

Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your next lesson with your teacher. 

What you need 


  • A computer, tablet or smart device with a camera. If you have a separate webcam you might like to use that. A computer is better than a tablet / phone, but tablets and phones will still work.
  • Ideally, headphones with an inbuilt microphone (e.g. Airpods, headphones with inbuilt mic, or even the earpiece with mic that comes with most smartphones). If you don't have any of these things, you can still use the in-built mic on your computer or device.
  • For private lessons, and solo performances in group classes, you need to play backing tracks from your end. It's much easier to to play your backing tracks from a separate device (e.g. a phone with bluetooth speakers connected). If you don't already have a streaming service, you can sign up for a Spotify account (there is a free version). If possible, please download your backing tracks prior to the lesson so that you aren't streaming them while also streaming the video.
  • Any sheet music or music books you have been working with.
  • Water (for singers).

TIPS

  • Let family members know that you'll be on a video call and ask them to keep background noise to a minimum. Ideally, ask them to stop streaming high-demand media like Netflix, YouTube, music or online gaming while you're having your lesson.
  • Please help us to provide a professional experience by being mindful about what students are wearing - dress as you would for an in-person lesson (no pjs / singlets etc).
  • Please also consider where the appropriate place in your house is for your lesson. A room where a door can be closed is ideal (so that singers don't feel like everyone in the house can hear them!), but we'd also prefer students aren't in bedrooms if possible.
  • If you have technical issues, don't panic - just try to rejoin using the same link or Meeting ID.
  • If a lesson has to be abandoned due to technical issues, we will reschedule it.
  • For piano, try to set up your camera so that your teacher can see the keys (think about where their eyes are when they sit next to you in a lesson)
  • For singing, try to set up your camera so that your teacher can see you from the waist up (and ideally position yourself so that you're standing for your lesson)