A Students Guide To Online Piano Lessons

The best set-up for online lessons is a computer or laptop with a digital camera and tripod. This isn’t workable for many piano students and students often prefer to set-up for once a week online piano lessons without much investment, using a device they already have – either cellphones or tablets.

So here’s some ideas to help you with setting up for online lessons, with no additional expense.

Position 1:  A Side View without a tripod

Students can invest in a tripod or a tablet stand (available on amazon) or set up a makeshift stand like in this image, using a chair with props, or a dining/study table.

The device at the right or left of your keyboard at an angle, will give your device camera a view of you seated at the piano bench, as well as your hands at the piano keyboard.

Position 2: A Front View

Place your device on the piano/keyboard book stand for a close up of your head & shoulders/face for conversations and explanations.

You will also need your device to catch you standing a little away from the piano, behind the bench, for exercises to help with posture.

Clear Audio

Connect a portable wireless bluetooth speaker or headset to your device if you need better audio. I usually recommend the JBL GO bluetooth speaker with a built-in mic as it’s low budget, but any other brand works fine.

Eye-strain prevention

Please switch off your camera/video if you need to adjust it. Your teacher will still be able to hear you speak, and you can switch the video back on as soon as your device/camera is in place.

Setting up before each lesson

Setting up in advance before your piano lesson will help your lesson progress smoothly without disturbances due to poor set-up. Here’a a check-list to help you.

1. Are your devices (cellphone/tablet/laptop/bluetooth speaker charged?
2. Is your device connected to data or wifi?
3. Put your device camera on and view all set-up positions.
4. Lighting:
   • Adjust your room lighting so it’s bright enough.
   • Switch off any lights that flash directly into the camera lens.
   • Lighting behind the camera will help me see you clearly.
   • Draw your curtains if it’s too bright outside and obstructing your camera lighting.
5. Set-up your instrument and switch it on (for digital piano’s or keyboard’s) and arrange your book stand and bench.
6. Organise your piano music books, homework/note book and keep a pen, pencil and eraser on hand.
7. Do you have a glass or bottle of water nearby?
8. Let your family know you’re starting your lesson and that your room should be quiet and free of distractions as much as is possible.

I hope this help you set-up for your online piano lessons.