💻 Technology Setup for Online Lessons
To get the best out of lessons, it’s important that students have the right technology in place. A smooth connection and clear sound make a big difference to learning.
🎓 Exam Setup (for reference)
ABRSM online theory exams must be taken on a desktop or laptop computer with a webcam and reliable internet connection.
Smartphones and tablets are not permitted for the exam.
A quiet, well-lit space is required, and you’ll be asked to confirm the candidate’s identity before the test begins.
Full technical details are available on the ABRSM website.
For those who prefer not to take the exam online, public venue exams are still available through ABRSM
💻 Device
A laptop or desktop computer is ideal for lessons — the larger the screen, the better for reading music notation.
Tablets (iPad or Android) can also work well if placed securely on a stand.
Smartphones, however, are not recommended except in unusual circumstances: the small screen makes reading music and following examples difficult.
🎧 Audio
Headphones or earphones usually give the clearest sound and help avoid feedback.
Built-in speakers and microphones are acceptable if necessary, but they can make voices sound hollow or distant.
Good sound really matters in music lessons — both so the student can hear me clearly, and so I can hear their work accurately.
📹 Webcam
A built-in or external webcam is fine.
Position it so I can see the student clearly — ideally their face and the music or work area.
Keep the camera about level with the student’s face (there’s nothing more distracting than the classic “looking-up-the-nostrils” angle!)
💬 Video Platform
All lessons take place on Zoom, which is free to download and use.
Well before your first lesson, please install Zoom and test that both your microphone and camera are working.
I’ll send a meeting link before each session - simply click to join at the scheduled time.
🌐 Internet
A stable broadband connection makes all the difference.
If possible, connect your computer directly to the router with a cable, or sit as close to the Wi-Fi hub as you can.
Try to minimise background streaming or large downloads during the lesson, as these can cause video and audio dropouts.