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Technical Requirements for Online Lessons

This page focuses on the equipment you will need and how to configure audio settings in Zoom. It is not possible to give recommendations for every type of device connected to the internet, but this article will give you an idea of what is needed for online music lessons. Firstly you need to make sure you have a good internet connection. Secondly you need to make sure your equipment has a camera and microphone attached. All smart phones and most laptops have built in cameras and microphones; but if you are on a PC, you may need to use an external webcam.

Testing Your Internet Speed

There are several ways to do this. The simplest way is to try playing the video (Primera Soleá) on the home page – About 123Flamenco. If the video plays without interruption, then your internet speed should also be fast enough to participate in the online classes. If you want more detailed information, then go to Google and type in the search terms 'speed test'. Alternatively click on the direct link below:

https://www.google.com/search?q=speed+test

The top search result is Google's speed test, which takes less than a minute to run.

Installing Zoom

Although it is possible to access the lessons through a web browser without installing Zoom, I advise you install Zoom on your device. First you need to download Zoom or make sure you have the most up to date Zoom app (Zoom Client) downloaded from the App Store. Make sure you install the free basic version (suitable for your operating system). You can also download Zoom here:

https://zoom.us/downloadcenter

About Zoom Audio

The software cuts out background noise by default, which includes music and hand claps etc... In order for your instrument to be heard, you will need to change the audio settings (in Zoom) by turning on 'Original Sound for Musicians'. This may involve a slightly different process for each type of device.

Configuring Zoom Audio on Windows

1. Run Zoom
2. Start a New Meeting
3. Go to Audio Settings
4. Select Audio Profile
5. Select Original sound for musicians
6. Select High fidelity music mode (and echo cancellation)
7. There will now be an option in zoom meetings to turn on Original Sound.

Configuring Zoom Audio on iPad, iPhone and Android Devices

1. Open the Zoom App
2. Click Settings
3. Click Meetings
4. Scroll down to Original Sound and TURN ON
5. There will now be an option in zoom meetings to turn on Original Sound by clicking more options.

Testing Zoom Audio Before Meetings

If you follow the above instructions, your guitar (palmas/zapateado) should be audible. There are various ways to check this. With the Windows Zoom Client, there is an option to test your speaker and microphone in Audio Settings. Instead of talking into the microphone, try playing the guitar or clapping. The recorded sound will be played back after a few seconds. The following article describes how to test your audio on Android and IOS:

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362283-Testing-audio-before-Zoom-Meetings

You may need to experiment a bit to get the best results.