Optimizing Zoom Lessons

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​Setting up for online lessons: 

• Before your lesson, set up on a rug, about 1 1/2 bow lengths away from your computer, with the music stand to the left of your, facing the computer.
• Check that your image displays the top of your head down to the bottom of your bow hand, with the tip on the E string.
• Have a light source shine ON you, not behind you.
• Test your computer's webcam, mic and speakers.

Optimizing your sound:

• Hook up ethernet, which is more reliable than WiFi
• Set your speaker's volume at about 60%
• An external mic, including that on an iPhone, can improve the quality of your sound.​

 Zoom Sound Settings:
These settings work on PCs. MACs have different settings, and iPhones have fewer options. Ultimately, you need to play around with these settings to see what works best on your system, and get feedback from your Zoom participants.
*Keep in mind that Zoom's audio options frequently change with Updates, so these suggested settings may not be current.

• "Turn on original sound" (upper right). This usually improves the sound, but not always. *See below for how to set this up.
• Audio Settings:
  • Microphone: Unclick "Automatically adjust volume" and set volume between 60 and 100%.
  • Audio profile:  Select "Original sound for musicians" (which gives you the option to toggle "Original sound for musicians" On or Off.
  • Unclick "High fidelity music mode." Selecting "Echo cancellation" is sometimes helpful. Unclick "Stereo audio."
  • Go to "Advanced" (audio settings).
  • "Signal processing by Windows audio device drivers": ON 
  • "Windows system audio enhancements": This is a relatively new option. Not sure whether "Auto", "On", or "Off" is better.
  • "Echo cancellation": Auto​ or Low usually works better.
  • Audio capture and playback API:  This is a relatively new option. Not sure whether "Auto", "Session API", or "Runtime API" is best.