Online Lessons

Online lessons make it easier to take voice lessons with Renée, no matter where you’re located. Lessons are offered online through Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

You are welcome to choose the platform that you feel the most comfortable with. Read below for more information about how to take lessons online, including suggestions for audio/video setup, lesson recording, and more.

Audio and Video Equipment

Most computers, tablets, and cellphones are equipped with built-in microphones and cameras that are suitable for video conferencing. For voice lessons with Renée, it isn’t necessary to get a high-quality camera, as long as your video is working and you can be seen clearly enough. It’s a good idea to test your video ahead of time to ensure that you have your device positioned in such a way that doesn’t compromise your posture and allows you to be seen fully.

Sound quality is important. Most built-in microphones work well enough, but do test your sound before your first lesson to ensure that your audio is working properly. This is especially important if you are using an external microphone, to ensure that the connection is working as intended. Headphones are also highly recommended to prevent echoing.

Singing with accompaniment

If you plan to use a backing track when working on songs, you will need a separate device to play your backing tracks. For example, if you are using your laptop for the video call, plan to use your cellphone or tablet to play your accompaniment.

If you are accompanying yourself with an instrument such as piano or guitar, test your sound prior to the call to make sure that the sound balance enables Renée to hear your voice over your instrument.

FAQs

  • When using Zoom for your online voice lesson, please click this link for instructions on how to enable Original Sound for Musicians. Be sure to also select Echo Cancellation and High Fidelity Music Mode if you are using a computer for your video call.

    When using Microsoft Teams, please click this link for instructions on how to enable High Fidelity Music Mode. You can also turn on Echo Cancellation during the call by going into Audio Settings and clicking the Noise Cancellation toggle to turn off this feature.

  • Zoom has a built-in recording feature that enables students to record their lessons and save the files to their device. This feature is only available to students who are using a computer for their video call. Renée will give you permission to record the lesson, and at that point you are welcome to record to your own device if you wish.

    Microsoft Teams does not have a built-in recording feature, unfortunately. This link offers helpful advice on how students may record lessons to their computer using third-party programs such as QuickTime Player, but pleasen note that these screen recordings are quite large. For ease of use, it may be more convenient to use an external device to capture a video or audio recording. If you do choose to record, please inform Renée beforehand.

  • When taking your lesson on Zoom, log on to the meeting link provided through your lesson confirmation or reminder email. Renée will let you into the meeting as soon as she is ready.

    When taking your lesson on Teams, send Renée a message and let her know when you’re ready to start. She will start the call as soon as she is ready.