If you are considering music lessons online, there is equipment that you can purchase, which will enhance the experience and provide more visual and audio clarity. Prior to purchasing equipment, review the specifications for compatibility with your device.
Basic Equipment Checklist
- Computer or Tablet with charger
- Fast Internet Speed (at least 10 Mbps Upload Speed)
- Stand for Device
- Headphones
- Microphone
A Computer or Tablet that is connected to internet is required for online lessons. Downloading the Zoom and/or RockOutLoud app to your device and logging in prior to connecting to the lesson gives the best connectivity. For internet, an upload speed of at least 10 mbps is needed for online lessons. Click here to test the internet speed next to your instrument. Contact your internet provider if you need to increase your internet speed.
If you don’t have a table to properly place the device so that the teacher can visually see the student’s hands, here are two recommended device stands:
CTA Digital Floor Stand gives a tablet enough height for the teacher to see the student’s hands. Review the specifications for compatibility with your device prior to purchasing. If it’s not compatible, there may be a similar product available on Amazon.
The Samson LTS50 Laptop Stand (SALTS50) is able to adjust in height and the angle of the computer. Other options are available on Amazon but find one with similar height adjustments.
Headphones help students hear the teacher more clearly and prevent them from any distracting sounds that may happen in their environment. It also prevents feedback so that the teacher can hear the student more clearly. Review the size prior to purchasing.
Two recommendations include: AKG K240 Studio and Panasonic RP-HT-161-K. Be aware that you may need an adapter from 1/4″ to 1/8″ or one that connects to your tablet.
Microphones are an excellent resource for producing sound quality. The clearer the sound, the faster it is for the teacher to evaluate the necessary feedback to the student. Two recommendations:
Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone uses a USB port with a computer and allows for the teacher to hear the student’s piano playing and/or singing more clearly. The microphone is budget friendly and also available on Amazon.
Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone is a higher quality studio microphone and is compatible with an Apple iPad. This USB microphone is recommended for late-intermediate to advanced students. If used with an Apple iPad, it requires a USB connections adapter (ex. Apple Camera Connection Kit).
If you have additional recommendations to add to this list, please comment below!
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