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Virtual Setup L 3

The document provides instructions for students to set up their laptops for virtual participation in the April Sonata music camp. It outlines equipment needs like a laptop and positioning it near the piano. Students are instructed to download and install Zoom, learn how to mute/unmute audio, and improve audio settings. Different setups are recommended for activities like private lessons, masterclasses, and general discussions. Technical support is available to help with any issues.

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Tony Lu
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36 views

Virtual Setup L 3

The document provides instructions for students to set up their laptops for virtual participation in the April Sonata music camp. It outlines equipment needs like a laptop and positioning it near the piano. Students are instructed to download and install Zoom, learn how to mute/unmute audio, and improve audio settings. Different setups are recommended for activities like private lessons, masterclasses, and general discussions. Technical support is available to help with any issues.

Uploaded by

Tony Lu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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April Sonata 2020 Virtual Equipment Setup for Laptops

Now that you’ve decided to join Sonata camp virtually, there will be some set up
on your part that will need to be in place to ensure your experience is optimal.

You’ll be joining Sonata camp at various stages during the day. For example,
masterclasses, private lessons, concerts, general discussions, etc. Depending
on what event is taking place, your set up may be different.

We will have a one-on-one video call with each of you prior to camp to make
sure you’ve got everything you need and your setups are adequate for camp.

We also want to ensure that your internet speed is adequate. On the device you
intend to use, go to www.speedtest.net and start the test in the room where
your piano is. Write down the 3 values of the test: the ping value, the download
speed and upload speed and we will get those during the one-on-one with you.

Equipment Needed

• Laptop computer. This will have the necessary camera built in so you won’t
need to worry about a separate camera.

• Placing the laptop on a music stand, high table, bench or chair is ideal. If you
have another way to position the laptop (i.e., on a shelf), you’re free to use it
as long as the positioning is toward the piano keys.

Download and Install Zoom

Put Zoom on your computer, if you don’t already have it. If you do, you can skip
this step.

Go to www.zoom.us/download and download the client on your computer and


then install it.

If you have trouble with any of this, don’t hesitate to call Matt at 650-888-5970.
He can help you get things in place.

Connect to Zoom

Once you’ve downloaded Zoom, don’t worry about having an account with
Zoom as you’ll only need the client on your device. We’ll be giving you links to
connect prior to camp. The links will go directly to your private lesson, a
masterclass, group music class or a discussion/social group. When you click on
the link, it will open your browser asking for permission to open the Zoom client.
Click ‘Open Zoom Client’.

If you’re joining the session before the host has started, Zoom may ask you to
wait until the host (Polly or another faculty member) has started the session.

Become familiar with:

• How to mute yourself

• How to improve your audio settings

Muting: It’s important to mute your sound when someone else is playing since
background noise can interfere with the other listeners. To mute yourself, the
control will be on the bottom left of your screen. NOTE: The host has the ability
to mute you if you aren’t muted, although it’s best if you mute yourself to ease
the responsibility of the host. Don’t forget to unmute yourself if you are going to
speak or play.

Audio Setting Improvements: Go into the audio settings. Click on the up arrow
to the right of the mute icon and select Audio Settings.

It will open an audio settings window. Click the Advanced button in the lower
right (see below).

Now you need to check the box: ‘Show in-meeting option to “Enable Original
Sound” from microphone’ (see below). You will only need to do this once. When
you use Zoom again the next time or day, this box will stay checked.

By checking the box, it does NOT turn on Original Sound. It only puts the option
to turn it on or off when you’re on a call. Once you’ve joined a call, your screen
will show the following in the top left (see below):

You’ll see a button at the top left of the screen while you’re on a video call. In the
above photo, the original sound is OFF. Click this button to turn it on, It greatly
improves the sound quality of your piano.

Masterclass and Concert Setup

If you’re going to be one of the players in a masterclass or concert, it’s important


that your camera is set so the audience can see you in total. The photo below
demonstrates this: Camera to the left or right side, about 4-5 feet high, and
positioned so that we can see you and your hands and body in full at the bench.
You may need to experiment with the proper distance away from the piano.

Private Lesson Setup


This set up is at the discretion of your instructor. He/she may wish to see a
closer look at your hands instead of a full body shot. For instance, Polly often
teaches headless lessons! You will need to experiment with the proper distance
to the piano to get the right view.

General Discussion or Morning Class Setup

For this we just need a face shot of you. Place the device in front of you. You
can be anywhere for this; at your desk, at your piano, etc.

Joining a Session

You’ll be given a master schedule of events with some Zoom meeting ID links to
join. Clicking or tapping on one of the links will open Zoom for you and get you
connected. If you are first on the call and join before your host, Polly or another
faculty member, just hang out and your host will meet with you.

Expectations while on Video Sessions

Those of you who are familiar with making video calls, background noise can be
a problem. Here are a few things to consider while being on a Zoom call:

• If you are listening to someone playing their piece during a masterclass or


concert, it’s important that you mute your sound. Sounds from your
surroundings (sirens, dogs barking, children/grandchildren in your home,
coughing or sneezing) that are beyond your control can add distractions to
everyone else. So, knowing how to mute your sound is important. We’ll make
sure you know how to do that before you start.

• Please be punctual to all scheduled events that you would like to “attend.”

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