Zoom Lessons
(If you know a 7-year-old, they can likely advise you better than I.) 🙃
Zoom is FAR from ideal but . . . (it keeps improving) . . . and this page keeps evolving . . . sometimes daily.
Read all the way down!
A Zoom account is not required to “attend a meeting” (take a lesson). Anyone can do so using the Zoom mobile apps or desktop applications for Windows, Mac, IOS and Android. A desktop or laptop is much better than a tablet or a phone. High bandwidth makes a huge difference.
WiFi MAY be better than cellular data – or not. Test your connection speed for both. The closer to the router you are, the better (this may be a factor with practice rooms at school). Walls can block WiFi. Electrical appliances can interfere. WiFi access points or extenders may help.
HARD–WIRED (ethernet) is BEST – WAY better than WiFi. If at all possible, run an ethernet cable from a laptop or desktop to the router.
Use “Original Sound” and “High Fidelity Music Mode” (see below). Use wired headphones/earbuds. Disable “Echo Cancellation.” Computers generally use 3.5mm plugs and an extension cable will likely be needed. With the trombone, particularly a double-valve bass trombone, a one-sided headphone (or earbud), that sums stereo to mono, is best to avoid collisions with the instrument – and allows unobstructed hearing in one ear. (Given the trombone, covering the right ear is usually best. YMMV)
This affordable USB Microphone works very well without requiring an audio interface. This one has better low end response but costs a little more (it is reviewed here). (Use the software that comes with them.)
There are many. Different vendors have different prices – shop around – but Caveat Emptor!
A “home studio” with a computer, hardwired internet, un-shared/wide bandwidth, microphone(s), mixing board, audio interface, DAW, webcam, lighting, green screen, etc. – is best – but not cheap! And not absolutely necessary, either.
iPhone (or iPad)
The microphone in an iPhone (or iPad) on a music stand (don’t drop it) can work surprisingly well – with the settings below. (I can’t speak to other phones, but they are probably similar.) You will likely have no control your microphone level – not ideal – but it should get the job done. Your level can be controlled by the teacher on the other end.
Using the iPhone without earbuds can cause feedback with original sound enabled (which you need – see below). Again, a one-sided headphone (or earbud) will work. DO NOT use headphones/earbuds that include a mic – that will disable the iPhone mic. You may need a lightning or USB adapter. Plug the adapter in before launching the Zoom app. (Newer iPhones may have USB 3 ports, requiring different adapters.)
The Shure MV88+ Video Kit should work for Zoom lessons. Shure tech support assures me, “Yes, you can hear Zoom call audio, or any other system audio from a computer or phone, via the headphone jack on the MV88+.” It comes with both lightning and USB C cables, however, see the MOTIV compatibility-chart. The SHUREPLUS MOTIV™ Mobile Recording App offers some useful audio tools. Finally, at $249, the Shure kit is not super expensive (as quality microphones go) – but its cost may be prohibitive for amateurs and students.
A USB mic, headphones, and a laptop (which many already have), is probably the best setup for most folk for lessons.
Various merchants sell all the above.
This is as of 5/17/24 – these things change.
Laptop, Tablet & Phone Settings
This video is pretty good. It has instructions for laptop, Android and iPad (presumably iPhone, too). Again, things change from time to time – these instructions are theoretically up to date as of August, 2025.
Do what he tells you, and with any luck, Bob’s Your Uncle!