Zoom piano lesson gear and set-up for students

[jaxcard]

I would like to take Zoom piano lessons. What specific gear and set-up do you recommend for students? I understand that iPads and iPhones do well over Zoom. I do not have a laptop, but I have an AirTurn stand and iPad holder and I have wireless. AirTurn sells a boom that will attach to the stand. Is there a way that the teacher can simultaneously see both a side view and overhead view? If not, how does the student switch views?

[lelle]

Piano street actually has a detailed news article about this from the start of the pandemic: https://www.pianostreet.com/blog/articles/crash-course-how-to-teach-piano-online-10384/

[quantum]

As a general guide, when using all-in-one devices such as tablet or phone, preference goes to the one with the larger screen. 

Use headphones when possible for all parties involved.  It reduces the chance of feedback loops in audio, and will often give better sound than built in speakers.

Use wired connections when ever possible, on all devices.  Wireless has more latency than wired.  That means wired headphones, and wired ethernet cable from computer to the router is strongly preferable. 

Positioning is an important element in setting up equipment.  There are four main things one needs to position: microphone, camera, video monitor, sound monitor.  The optimal position for one of these is not the same as the optimal position for the other three.  It is all about achieving balance.  All-in-one devices are easy to set up and operate, however might not give the best experience.  Separated components require more technical setup but provides better user experience.  Choose the balance of tech that suits your situation.

Good lighting is more important than an expensive camera.  If you want to make your video look better, work on lighting first.

Good microphone positioning is more important than an expensive microphone.  If you want to make your sound better, work on mic positioning first.

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Short guide

Detailed discussion

Followup videos to the one above:

[quantum]

Is there a way that the teacher can simultaneously see both a side view and overhead view? If not, how does the student switch views?

The low tech way is to keep repositioning a single camera every time you want to switch views.  It is rather impractical though.


More realistically, you would need multiple cameras if you want something like a side view and an overhead view. 

To switch views you could use something like OBS Studio, then send the output to Zoom or which ever communication platform you are using. 

There are also hardware switchers if you want dedicated buttons to do the switching.  For example the Elgato Stream Deck, or the ATEM Mini.

Some people even use OBS Studio plus a hardware switcher for more flexibility.