How to prepare for the First Video Lesson

Get ready to make the most out of PianoClass since your very first lesson.
 

What do you need?

A Piano

A well-tuned acoustic piano is the best, but an 88-keys digital keyboard can be used initially.

Internet connection

You only need enough bandwidth to send and receive HD or Full HD videos.

Devices to record your lesson

The sky is the limit, but here are two good options:

Smartphone/Tablet

• Place in a way it shows the entire keyboard and the pianist from head to toe.
• It should record the piano and your voice well.

Computer

• Use a good recording software. We suggest OBS Studio.
• A good external microphone will help the teacher to identify the sound nuances in your performance. We suggest using Blue Yeti or Fifine K669B.
• You may add external cameras to show different angles and more details. They are optional.

Devices to watch the lesson

You may use any device of your choice, such as smartphone, tablet, computer or smartTV. It should have the best possible sound (using earphones will be better) and with a big screen to see all the details from your lesson.

Learning Material

Have all learning material sent by your teacher at hand. Be sure to have access to the Google Drive folder shared with you.

Digital

You may use a tablet with the Google Drive app and a PDF editor of your preference (such as the free option of Adobe Acrobat) to see and write on your sheet music and other materials.
Using a tablet also makes accessing other learning apps and orchestral accompaniment easier.

Printed

Print the material shared with you on Google Drive and keep the access to print new materials. It is good to have a pencil, eraser, and paper to take notes during the lesson and your practices.

How to position your devices?

Camera

Place your primary camera by the side of your piano so that we can see everything from your face to the pedals, or at least to the upper part of your bench. It should be high enough to have the keyboard, your arm and hand movements, your back, and your neck visible.

If you have more than one camera, you may place one at the side of the piano to show some details of your hands or have it over the keyboard.

Microphone

Place your mic in a place it may acquire a balanced sound from the piano and your voice. Make some recordings to test the sound in advance.

Lighting

Use as much light as possible! But be careful so the main light source

• is behind the camera and never aiming at it
• be at your side or in front of you and never behind you

Where will the video lessons be?

We have one YouTube unlisted Playlist for each student. The link to access and add this playlist to your YouTube is in the Documents and Links shared folder on Google Drive.

Students and teachers will add the videos to the same playlist, making it easier for both to access them.

Onece you visit the playlist, you will find the 1st video lesson with guidance for you to start learning and to send the first video to your teacher.

Useful tips