Remote Instruction for the Conservatory of Music Students
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Environment and Equipment Considerations:
1. Select a designated learning space which can be as distraction-free as possible. The rest of your household should know not to interrupt you or make extra noise while the lesson is happening. You should be able to simultaneously see on the screen your teacher and your music without needing to move or contort your body.
2. You need a reliable device with a reliable Internet connection. A larger screen is desirable.
3. Have a surface on which to put the device at or below eye level.
4. Have a way of propping up your device.
5. Turn on "do not disturb” on your device.
6. Your space should have bright lighting in front of your face, not behind.
7. Do not use earphones or earpods, use only the screen and speakers. The teacher may be using earphones to better hear your playing.
8. When you are playing, stand at a 45 degree angle to the camera so the teacher can see your hands and embouchure.
9. Arrange your music stand to facilitate the above.
10. Have a pencil and a notebook.
11. Have a metronome - you must have a separate metronome device (you cannot use your phone for both purposes simultaneously). The teacher cannot use a metronome from their end, it will not be synced up!
12. Have all your music ready. Put in measure numbers if they are not already in your music. Prior to the lesson, if necessary, send your teacher a scan of your music with measure numbers.
13. Send your teacher a list of all the music you are currently working on AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so they have it ready for your first lesson.
14. Ask your household to refrain from streaming services, etc. during your lessons. Limit Internet usage in the household as much as possible during your lesson to keep the connection as uninterrupted as possible.
Etiquette During the Remote Lesson:
1. When you play your instrument, step a few feet away from your device. When it is time to talk, come closer to the device. If you play too close to the microphone, the sound will be distorted on the teacher's end.
2. You will have to take turns talking and playing! You cannot noodle on your instrument while the teacher is talking and you cannot play at the same time. The teacher will always tell you the exact amount of music they would like you to play. If the teacher would like you to stop playing, they will raise their pencil rather than speak. Keep an eye out for this gesture.
3. The teacher will create a document during your lesson of what you should be practicing and things to be aware of during your practicing so that you can both access it in future lessons.
4 If the internet connection fails, the teacher will contact you (refrain from calling the teacher). They will text or email you if you cannot re-connect and reschedule the lesson for a different time.