Online lessons will be conducted through a platform called JamKazam. This platform allows student and teacher to work together remotely in real time.
Real-time audio is especially important for vocal study, as you will be able to hear and sing along to voice exercises the moment I play them. There is no audio delay as there is over Zoom and other online meeting applications.
For piano students, real-time audio means that I can shape your playing instantaneously, count along to help with your rhythm and tempo, and observe your hand technique and posture accurately with no audio or visual delay.
What is required is a solid internet connection, wired headphones, and the downloading of a no-delay audio program, which I will help you with. For voice students, you may want to invest in a USB microphone, which is a fun tool to have.
What equipment do you need?
All students signing up for remote lessons will need a JamKazam subscription. This is a platform that allows for top-speed audio transmission with no delay. The app will be downloaded and used on a Mac or PC computer, rather than a tablet or phone.
Students who wish to sign up for online lessons using JamKazam will need:
*A computer (Mac or PC) *A pair of wired headphones *Fast Internet service (wired Ethernet or fast WiFi)
A strong internet connection is critically important. It is preferable to have wired Ethernet, but an excellent WiFi set up with fast upload and download speeds could work.
How do you get the best sound for online lessons?
To optimize sound, students taking online music lessons may enjoy additional equipment, such as:
*An external microphone *XLR Microphone cable *Microphone stand *Music stand *Audio interface *An external webcam (this is optional, but it does make for better video)
These items are not essential for online lessons, but they will help optimize a student's sound and make it clearer.
Remember, the most essential items for successful virtual lessons are fast internet service and wired headphones. You can start with a wired headphone set that has a mic attachment. This is the kind used by many gamers. You can also use wired Apple ear buds.
Starting out with a simple headphone-mic combo set will work great, but remember, it must be wired.
If you decide to invest in the above audio items, I am happy to guide you as you purchase these tech components and help you set them up in a quick and efficient way.
Prospective Students
I accept students of all levels, ages, and abilities. I only ask that regardless of what level of training you come in with, you understand that music education takes time, effort, and commitment.
There will be some weeks where you do not have much musical homework to get through, and other weeks where you will have quite a bit to accomplish before our next lesson.
I let the student’s progress, interests, and goals guide our lesson plans, and I hope that no matter where we are in our studies, you take each assignment and task seriously, no matter how big or small.
Lesson rates
I understand that commitment to online lessons is an important decision to make, especially when you haven’t met the teacher yet and may need to purchase specialized equipment before you even begin. For this reason, I offer all new students a free lesson as we start our journey together.
The first lesson is a meet-and-greet, and it is free of charge. We will meet over an application like Zoom or Google Duo to introduce ourselves, discuss your music goals, and chat for a bit. I will also discuss my teaching methods, and you will have a chance to ask me questions.
If you decide to continue with lessons after we meet, we will spend the next lesson setting up your equipment remotely and optimizing your sound. This lesson will be at least an hour, which will give us time to streamline your equipment and set your levels, as well as work through some exercises and music materials.
Lesson rates depend on how long you would like the lesson to be, and how frequently we meet. There are significant discounts for students who pay for a lesson package consisting of four or more lessons. Payment is accepted via Zelle, Chase QuickPay, and Venmo.
For adult students whose workplace offers educational reimbursements, I am able to provide an official invoice from my company, which will expedite the processing.