top of page

Setting Up for Online Lessons

Zoom settings guidance last reviewed: May 2026. Zoom updates its interface periodically — if something looks different on your screen, let me know.

Your Zoom Link

Your Zoom link is unique to each lesson and generated automatically when you book. You’ll find it in your confirmation email and your 48-hour and 24-hour reminder emails. You don’t need a Zoom account to join — just click the link at your lesson time.

​

If you can’t find your link, check your confirmation or reminder emails before getting in touch.

Before Your First Lesson

A few things worth doing before your first online lesson:

  • Download the Zoom app if you haven’t already — lessons work best on the desktop app rather than a browser: zoom.us/download

  • Test your audio and video using Zoom’s built-in test feature

  • Read through the Zoom audio settings below — getting these right makes a significant difference to lesson quality

  • Make sure you’re in a quiet space with a stable internet connection

Zoom Audio Settings for Singing Lessons

Zoom is designed for speech, not music. Its default settings apply noise suppression and audio compression that can interfere with how your voice sounds — which matters in a singing lesson. The settings below override these defaults and give you a cleaner, more natural sound.

 

Step 1 — Open Zoom Audio Settings

Open Zoom on your desktop. Go to Settings (the cog icon) → Audio.

​

Step 2 — Uncheck Automatically Adjust Microphone Volume

This gives you manual control over your input level rather than letting Zoom adjust it mid-lesson.

​

Step 3 — Enable Original Sound for Musicians

Under Microphone Modes (or Audio Profile, depending on your version), select Original Sound for Musicians. This disables Zoom’s noise suppression and audio filters so your voice is transmitted more naturally. Once enabled, this setting will persist between sessions — you shouldn’t need to reset it each time.

​

Step 4 — High-Fidelity Music Mode (optional)

If you’re using a wired ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi, you can also enable High-Fidelity Music Mode for improved audio quality. This uses more bandwidth, so it’s not recommended on Wi-Fi or slower connections.

​

Step 5 — Echo Cancellation

If you’re using headphones (recommended), leave Echo Cancellation unchecked. If you’re using speakers, enable it to prevent feedback.

 

A note on newer Zoom versions: some recent versions show a Live Performance Audio option alongside Original Sound for Musicians. This reduces latency further but requires a stronger connection and better equipment. If you see it and want to try it, go ahead — but Original Sound for Musicians is sufficient for most students.

Camera and Positioning

Your teacher needs to see your upper body clearly — posture and breath are part of what’s being assessed in a lesson.

  • Position your camera at eye level, roughly an arm’s length away

  • Make sure your head, shoulders, and upper torso are all visible

  • Face a light source — natural light from a window in front of you works well; avoid sitting with a window behind you as it creates a silhouette

  • A plain, uncluttered background keeps the focus on you

Equipment

You don’t need specialist equipment to take online lessons — a laptop with a decent built-in microphone is a workable starting point. That said, audio quality makes a real difference to how effectively your teacher can assess your voice.

​

Microphone

A USB condenser microphone is the most practical upgrade for most students. It plugs directly into your laptop and gives a cleaner, more detailed sound than a built-in mic. Reliable options include the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ and the Rode NT-USB. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Blue Yeti is a widely used entry-level option.

​

Built-in laptop microphones are not recommended — they lack the clarity needed for accurate feedback on vocal tone and technique.

​

Headphones

Wired headphones are strongly preferred over wireless for lessons. Bluetooth headphones introduce a small delay (latency) that can make it harder to stay in time and harder for your teacher to assess your timing accurately. Any wired headphones with reasonable audio quality will work well. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X and Sony MDR-7506 are both reliable choices.

​

Internet Connection

A stable connection is more important than raw speed. If you’re on Wi-Fi and experiencing drop-outs, try moving closer to your router or using a wired ethernet connection if possible. A minimum upload speed of around 10 Mbps is sufficient for a smooth lesson.

​

Microphone Position

If you’re using an external microphone, position it roughly 12–18 inches from your mouth. Too close and it picks up breath noise; too far and the detail in your voice is lost. A boom arm makes this easier to adjust.

On the Day

  • Join the lesson via the Zoom link in your confirmation or reminder email

  • Join a few minutes early to check your audio and video are working

  • If you’re running late, send a WhatsApp or text to 07814 776159 — don’t email, as it may not be seen in time

  • If you experience a technical issue during the lesson, let me know immediately so we can try to resolve it. If the issue is on your side and the lesson can’t continue, it will be treated as a missed lesson in line with the Terms of Business. If the issue is on my side, the lesson will be rescheduled or refunded.

Terms of Business

Full details of the technical issues policy for online lessons are in the Terms of Business.

▶  Read the Terms of Business

bottom of page