Since Zoom naturally turns on noise filtering that doesn't recognize an instrument from a car horn, we have to turn on "Original Sound for Musicians". Using a phone or tablet will be similar to the desktop recordings below.
Push play for the following videos by clicking the button in the middle for a demonstration:
Screen Recording 2026-01-18 172130.mp4
Turning on "Original Sound for Musicians" for demonstration and turning it off between ("Noise Cancellation").
Turning on "Original Sound for Musicians" in "Audio Settings" and making sure none of the other boxes are checked.
Screen Recording 2026-01-18 172235.mp4
Setting up Zoom for the camera
If we have the camera at this angle, the lesson website will be updated throughout the lesson so the student can see their immediate work in front of them.
BEST: can see both hands and face at the same time
For guitar students, seeing the entire torso is helpful as the whole body determines the arm, wrist, and hand positions for successful playing.
If the camera angle doesn't allow for seeing the face and the hands at the same time, it's better that I can see the hands and then the camera is adjusted back to the face between demonstrations.
Only seeing one hand is not optimal but we'll make it work! What counts most is that your body position doesn't change to accommodate the camera.
Please have water, a comfortable environment, as few distractions as possible, and patience with your learning process. See you during our first lesson together!
Lesson website
After our first lesson concludes, a lesson website will be created so that the practice between lessons (where ≈ 80% of progress is made) is supported. This link will then be sent to you so that you can access your materials and digital classroom via Zoom.
Since each student has their own goals, lesson websites are customized for unique challenges while tracking progress. The lesson website can be accessed from any device without having to log in. The only identifying feature of the website is the student's first name, but it is not searchable on Google; only those with the link can access it.
Current and previous work will be on your website under the "Setlist".
Objectives will be clearly stated and encouragement freely given.
Any screenshots taken during the lesson will be included, as well as explanations.
Each song will have a YouTube video for the audio that can be slowed down & gradually sped up for practice.
Supplemental materials will be included to help with further support between lessons.
Students are encouraged to contact between lessons if there are any questions, challenges, or victories they want to share.