- Prepare your technology – update to the latest version of the video software you’re using (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime etc), do a test call beforehand, check sound and video quality and consider using headphones (with a microphone attachment) so your student doesn’t hear echoes.
- Set up your teaching area – make sure it’s free of clutter and distractions, as much as you can. If you have the luxury of a teaching room at home, consider creating a sign for the door so you’re not interrupted whilst teaching. Position yourself in a well-lit spot without too many shadows so you can be easily seen over video.
- Be organised - set up recurring calendar invites for all your pupils, ideally at the same time each week - routine is especially important for kids (and parents!) right now, and it means no additional stress trying to reschedule each week. It also helps if you have the video URL link and any meeting PIN numbers in the invites so pupils know they just need to click the link and the lesson will begin.
- Help set up your pupil - send a tutorial to pupils/parents on where to position their camera device so you can see your pupil properly – this is especially important for checking technique and posture.
- Be prepared - go over your lesson material thoroughly for added confidence. If the quality of the video picture is poor you can still hear if your pupil is having issues and you’ll know exactly how to fix it.
As a result of lockdown, instrumental teachers across the world have moved their teaching online. It’s probably something that you’ve already started doing in some capacity to make sure you have a steady income throughout this period of instability.
We spoke to music teachers across the UK to get their top tips on how to make online lessons as good as they possibly can be:
Before the lesson
During the lesson
After the lesson
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