So, you are ready to take guitar, bass or ukulele lessons but you can’t take them in-person. That’s totally fine. That’s why I offer lessons online via Google Meet or Zoom.

Although online learning is simple and effective, there are a few things you should know to help make the whole process smoother.

1. Device. You need a laptop, tablet or phone with Google Meet or Zoom installed. Be sure to keep the app updated.
2. Settings. Some settings may need to be adjusted so that Google Meet and Zoom do not filter out music automatically.
   • If using Google Meet, turn off noise cancellation like this:
     
     1. Click More options (three dots) at the bottom.
     2. Select Settings > Audio.
     3. Toggle Noise cancellation to off. 
   • If using Zoom on a PC or Mac, turn off noise cancellation like this:
     1. Open Settings: Launch the Zoom app and click your profile picture, then select Settings.
     2. Audio Settings: Click the Audio tab.
     3. Original Sound: Under “Microphone modes,” select Original sound for musicians.
     4. Configure Options: Check the boxes for High-fidelity music mode (for better quality) and Echo cancellation (if not using headphones).
     5. In-Meeting Activation: In a meeting, click the Original Sound for Musicians button in the top-left corner to turn it On.
   • If using Zoom on a tablet or phone, turn off noise cancellation like this:
     1. Open Settings: Tap the More menu (three dots) and go to Settings > Audio.
     2. Enable Original Sound: Toggle on Original Sound for Musicians.
     3. In-Meeting Activation: During the meeting, tap More and select Enable Original Sound.
3. Fast internet. You need a download/upload speed of at least 6 Mbps each. For the best experience, 20Mbps is preferable (use Speedtest.net to find out what your speed is). 
4. Lighting. Make sure your space is well lit. It is helpful to have a lamp on your desk at eye level and facing you so that you are well lit from the front. Avoid having any strong light sources behind you as that will cause you to fall into a silhouette and make it hard for me to see what your hands are doing.  
5. Frame. Position the camera so that you are fully in frame and then some. A good rule of thumb is to frame yourself in the video so that you can see 12 inches to the left and right of your head, body and guitar. This will allow you to move around a bit and still be visible.
6. Quiet. If possible, choose a space in your home that is quiet and away from household foot traffic and noises. Google Meet and Zoom are designed to make even the quietest noises very loud, so any off camera activity will be heard and distract us from the lesson.
7. Headphones. Google Meet and Zoom also do what’s called “ducking.” That is, it mutes the other person when it thinks you are talking, and vice versa. Sometimes, however,  when I’m speaking  and my voice is coming out of your device’s speakers, it will trick Google Meet or Zoom into thinking that you’re the one who is talking and mute me. That pesky phenomenon is completely solved by using headphones or earbuds, when possible.
8. Documents. I’ll be sending your sheet music and other lesson materials in PDF form often. If possible, print out the PDF or a use a second device to view the PDF.

I know that it may seem like a lot, but really these are easy steps to take to make the learning process smooth and fun. I hope to see you in an online lesson soon!

For more information about me and the guitar lessons that I give in and around Anne Arundel County, visit www.ewguitar.com.