Quick List (Click here for a printable list!) :

  • Make sure flute is in good working order (just head joint is fine for first lesson)
  • Let me know what music you’d like to work on (if not a beginner)
  • Tech Prep 1:
    • confirm online speed before first lesson
    • check platform-specific details:
  • Tech Prep 2:
    • restart computer a little while before lesson
    • make sure no extra browsers are open
    • plug directly into the ethernet if possible
    • make sure no one else in the house is using bandwidth
  • Set up so:
    • you’re standing
    • you and your flute are visible
    • your music stand is handy
    • a glass of water is handy, but no other food or drinks, and teeth/mouth are clean
    • consider headphones or external mic

More Detail:

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re about to have a flute lesson online. Preparing before an instrumental music lesson online can help you get the most out of your lesson time.

  • As of Spring 2020, lessons are available through Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, and I continue to explore additional options.
  • Click here for directions on Zoom specific details.
  • Click here for Skype details.
  • If you don’t know your internet speed, you may wish to test it – here’s one place you can do that: http://www.speedtest.net/. A download speed of 15+ and upload speed of 4+ is very good, and should be able to handle someone else in the household using the internet lightly at the same time (it should be somewhat workable – though not ideal – even at 3.0 download or .5 upload if you’re the only user in the house. And if it’s over 10 download and 3 upload that’s good – if you’re the only one using wifi.
    • Unless it’s over 20 download and 4 upload, make sure all other devices in the household that may use the internet are off. Be aware that your speed may vary from time to time, so do keep in mind that unless your speed is very high you may need to be cautious about other internet users.
    • Also, plugging directly in with the ethernet cable can help tremendously – you may wish to run the speed test both plugged in and unplugged.
  • I find it sometimes helps to restart the computer an hour or so before the lesson – occasionally there’s some sort of glitch, and this can be a good prevention. If you’ve watched a video recently or used a different video conferencing platform, this may interfere with the quality without the restart, and other things can interfere. So a restart beforehand can prevent a lot of problems.
  • I like to do lessons standing up, so please position the computer to the right height for standing, unless you have physical challenges that make it difficult to stand.
  • Have your flute, sheet music, and a music stand also set up near the computer at standing height, so that your whole upper body and flute/hands are in view.
  • If you’re a beginner, no worries about materials – we’ll figure it out as we go – or I can advise based on your email communications. Otherwise, let me know ahead of time about any music you’d like to use at the lesson. I own a great deal of flute music, and much that I do not own can be acquired legally through online download. In some cases, it’s permissible to scan your music in and upload to Skype and/or email it to me as a PDF attachment. With online lessons, we will either screen share the music, or we’ll each have a copy on our stand, unless it’s something we have memorized or that you’re learning by ear – so communication on this is essential.
  • Have a glass of water handy! Flute playing can be thirsty work – and flute tone can be impacted by dry mouth.
  • Make sure there are no other food or drinks during the lesson. I recommend brushing teeth before your lesson to help ensure the longevity of your flute pads (in addition to cleaning your flute right after every lesson or practice).
  • Headphones may be helpful to better hear details of sound – but they may also get in the way of hearing your own sound. Some students do fine without. I go back and forth, and sometimes find them helpful. So it’s something consider!
  •  It’s also a good idea to check with a repair technician to make sure your flute is in good repair. With online lessons I can’t simply pick up your flute and try it myself to ensure that it’s working properly – so do be sure you know who’s recommended in your area and have annual check-ups as well as someone to check in with when something seems to not be quite right. 

Please click the link for introductory information about online flute lessons with Lisa.

Above – Lisa demonstrates her invisibility cloak

Wondering about online flute lessons?

Flute lessons are now available anywhere in the world! Click for more info:

 

 

 

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You may sign up for lessons here, and I will be in touch shortly about available times and any questions you might have. I look forward to meeting you!

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Questions about flute lessons in Montpelier or Sharon, VT, Lebanon, NH, or online from anywhere? Interested in joining flute choir? I look forward to being in touch!