Getting the Best out of Zoom

(Keep this information handy when doing Zoom sessions.)

Everyone who used Zoom for music lessons during the pandemic quickly learned to hate it. But, the people at Zoom have figured out ways to improve it for musicians. The main problem was the condenser microphone built into your computer. It made everything loud, softer. .. and everything soft, louder. It also filtered out many of the overtones in the sound that musicians need to hear.

If you plan to do your Zoom session with all parties only speaking, nothing needs to be done. However, whenever either party is playing music, both parties will need to adjust the Zoom sound settings.

Here are some simple steps that users should follow to prevent musical sounds from becoming distorted, too soft, or completely cutting out:

DESKTOP COMPUTER OR LAPTOP:

• Scroll down the list of settings, then click on “Audio.”
• Scroll down a bit, then uncheck the box for “Automatically adjust sound volume.” Click on “Original sound for musicians.”
• Make sure that the “Echo cancellation” is checked.
• Close out of the settings screen by clicking the little red dot in the upper left corner. You are now good to go!

Some extra tips when playing an instrument:

• Do not play in a small room or sit too close to the computer.
• Louder instruments such as brass should not be pointed directly at the computer. Point 30 to 90 degrees away from the computer if needed.
• Make sure that the regular computer volume is not turned up too high. Usually, setting the volume bar at 50-60% is best.
• Avoid playing in rooms that are excessively resonant. Echoes can cause chattering.
• Do not use earbuds. The sound is terrible.

NOTE: Musicians wanting the best possible sound when playing an instrument should consider buying a separate interface unit with USB cable such as the Yamaha AGo6MK2B 6-channel mixer, plus one or two microphones (one for speaking, and one for playing). This unit can be purchased through www.DenverPercussion.com for around $229. They also sell microphones, and can suggest the best ones for different instruments.

iPAD or Android Tablet:

• If possible, download the free app from the Zoom website: Zoom Workplace
• After joining a meeting, touch on “More” at the bottom right of the screen. Touch on “Audio Settings.”
• Touch on “Original Sound.” Touch “Done.”
• You are good to go!

iPHONE or Android Phone:

• After joining the meeting, touch “More” in the bottom right of the screen. Touch “Settings.”
• Touch “Audio.”
• Touch “Original sound.”
• Return to the meeting by touching the arrow in the upper left, then touch the X in the upper left corner.
• You are good to go!

IMPORTANT:  It should be noted that several countries have attempted to block Zoom within their borders.  This includes Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and China.  A possible solution is to download an inexpensive app such as Let’s Vpn.

For all Zoom sessions (masterclasses and private lessons), strongly consider purchasing a small ring light that can be mounted to the top of your desk computer or laptop so that you have good front lighting. These can be purchased from Amazon for around $30. They have settings for colors of light and dimness/brightness. These will make you look your best in whatever room you will be working.