EQUIPMENT & TECH for ONLINE LESSONS
If you only did 3 things from this list:
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Optimize your internet connection.
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Get a tripod or stand for your device.
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Get a microphone.
(BONUS! Get a Bluetooth speaker.)
also be sure to read: Set Up Tips: Online Lessons
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The camera on your laptop, phone, or tablet
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Use what you have!
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Optimize position: Check out options below for stands & mounts.
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Webcam
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XPCAM 4K web camera (this is the one I use - it's decent and not expensive)
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Logitech: most well known - also generally more expensive. FYI: not necessarily better than other similar priced webcams so shop around & compare.
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More HERE.
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Lighting
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Search for: video lighting
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the Ring lights are very popular: lots of options.
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Lighting is optional, and maybe not a priority. If you have decent lighting in your room or can move a lamp around, you’re probably fine. But - extra lighting could be useful if you have lessons late in the day/evening (especially during the long, dark hours of winter!) or the position of your camera prevents clear lighting.
VISUAL
AUDIO
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USB microphone (for laptop)
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A range of quality microphones between $25 - $75, from well known brands like: Yeti, Blue, Fifine, Samson, Neewer, Shure.
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Search: USB condenser microphone (condenser mics are better for music).
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I have the FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone (It's decent, and not too expensive)
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Microphone for iPhone / iPad
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Search: microphone for phone. Various models with either a headphone jack connection, or a lighting cable connection. Lots of affordable options!
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USB or Bluetooth speaker
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I’ve been using a small Bose SoundLink bluetooth speaker, just because that’s what I already have (it was a gift many years ago). It’s good - definitely WAY better than my computer speakers. I have an older model no longer available, but here’s the current model.
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Shop around - there are a lot of great bluetooth speakers out there now, at really affordable prices.
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Headphones or Earbuds (wired or Bluetooth)
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Good headphones might improve the sound quality of what YOU’RE listening to. BUT: the mic on the headphones is not best for the piano sound. If you want to use headphones, get a separate, external microphone.
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Don't use bluetooth or wireless headphones: it overloads the WiFi bandwidth, slows down your connection, and causes poor audio & visual quality.
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Optimize the audio settings on your device and on Zoom: see my Set Up Tips page.
STANDS & MOUNTS
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Music Stand - Affordable, and multipurpose! Use it as a:
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​phone or tablet stand
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clamp a ring light or small microphone to it
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set your laptop on it when locked horizontal
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just make sure it’s stable & strong enough before clamping things or holding your computer!
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Like this one.
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Laptop desk / Laptop tripod stand​
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I have this laptop tripod stand and love it: Pyle Universel Device Stand (Pyle PLPTS3)
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Tripods - full size or mini
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Lots of options out there for tripods with phone & tablet attachments.
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There are even selfie sticks that turn into tripods.
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Phone or tablet mount/clamp - for mic stand or tripod
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Search options: phone tablet mount adapter
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This one looks cool - it has a combo iPad mount AND mic attachment: Neewer Tablet Mount Tripod
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Boom scissor arm
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I have this one, and use it all the time: Klsniur Stainless Steel Articulating Arm Cell Phone Holder
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Microphone Stand & Boom
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I have this one: Hola! Music HPS-101RB Professional Microphone Boom Mic Stand with Round Base
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The boom arm is great for mounting a camera/webcam for overhead view, or mounting a microphone.
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DIY your own! Search Pinterest or Google for some creative low-cost ideas to hack your own device holders.
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Portable battery charger (for phone/tablet)
​​​So you’re not stuck to a wall outlet.
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Lightening-to-dual Headphone / Charger split adapter
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​ Like this one or like these. Allows you to plug more items into one lightening port on your device: charge your iPhone/iPad AND connect a microphone or headphones (or both) at the same time.
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Long Lightning Cables (for iPhone/iPad) - like these
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USB Extension Cable
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​like this one, when your webcam or microphone doesn’t reach your laptop.
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if you’re using a laptop, you can connect an ethernet cable directly into your router/modem. A hardwire connection will give you a faster internet speed than wifi.
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A 5/8 to 1/4 threaded screw adapter
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​to attach your microphone, webcam, or phone/tablet holder to a mic stand or tripod.
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On-Stage CM01 - 5/8" 27-thread to 1/4" Camera and Microphone Stand Adapter
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ADAPTERS & CABLES
SOFTWARE & INTERNET
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Zoom
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​The main platform I use.
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Alternatives as backup - FaceTime, Skype, Google Meet.
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Sharing videos, photos, sheet music & files
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Apple: Photos - Shared Albums
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Google Drive
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DropBox
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YouTube
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Recording
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Built-in camera/video on any device
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QuickTime (for video recording on your laptop)
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Internet Connection
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Read my Set Up Tips: Online Lessons about optimal device speed tips.
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Internet service and connection speed:
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Look for getting higher upload speeds: Audio quality and video syncing (critical for music!) improves significantly.
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Speed tests: See what you're really getting! Use speedtest.net or check if your service provider has a speed test on their home page.
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Depending on your internet subscription (and your budget), you may not have any control over the internet speed delivered to you, or if your provider may be throttling the connection due to high usage in the area. And some days are just bad internet days.
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WIFI improvements:
If your WIFI connection is consistently bad, and speed tests are a lot lower than the full bandwidth stated through your provider, or it’s lower than ~ hovering around 10 Mbps, then it’s time for some improvements:
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Try a different location for your router/modem (if possible) so the signal is closer / stronger.
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​Add a WIFI signal booster.
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Up-grade your router and/or modem (especially if they’re more than 3-5 years old)
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Try a mesh router system.
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We use the eero system for our home, and it’s a great improvement!
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Use an ethernet cable to connect your laptop directly into your router/modem to get a much faster speed. See my link above under Adapters & Cables for extra long Ethernet cables.
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Operating systems: check your laptop and devices to make sure they’re using the latest operating systems, to support optimal internet management. This does make a difference.