How to

… make the best out of all PianoClass features and resources.

Index

Click on the topic you need guidance and then on «𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆».

Apps & Software
Use Google Calendar
Use Google Drive
Use YouTube
Use Zoom
Use WhatsApp
PianoClass features
Use the Student Area (soon)
Attend a Special Acticity
Use the Follow-up
Use an Office Hour
Make-up for a future lesson you won’t attend
Online learning preps
Follow the online lessons Netiquette
Prepare for your 1st Online live lesson
Prepare for your 1st Online recorded lesson
Recordings
Record for a Follow-up
Record during practice
Record for a concert
Record a performance introduction

Apps & Softwares

How to use Google Calendar

We use the Google Calendar to ensure that teachers and students can always see all scheduled lessons and events.
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆
COMPUTER
  1. Go to https://calendar.google.com
    • Log in witht the email you informed us
    • Save this link to your browser to find it easily in the future
  2. Go to settings menu -> settings -> Event settings -> Add invitations to my calendar and mark From everyone.
  3. Ensure you can see your lessons there
    • If you see it with a background color, you are all set.
    • If you see it outlined, click on the lesson and then on “yes” at the bottom of the event (where it askes “Going?”) for All Events.
    • If you don’t see the lessons there, look for a email from Google Calendar inviting you for the lessons and click on “yes” to confirm your attendance.
    • If you don’t see the lesson and can’t find the email, contact your teacher imediately.
TABLET / MOBILE
  1. Install the Google Calendar app
    • Log in witht the email you informed us
  2. Open menu -> settings -> General -> Adding invitations -> Adding invitations to my calendar -> and mark From everyone.
  3. Ensure you can see your lessons there
    • If you see it with a background color, you are all set.
    • If you see it outlined, click on the lesson and then on “yes” at the bottom of the event (where it askes “Going?”) for All Events.
    • If you don’t see the lessons there, look for a email from Google Calendar inviting you for the lessons and click on “yes” to confirm your attendance.
    • If you don’t see the lesson and can’t find the email, contact your teacher imediately.

How to use Google Drive

We use the Google Drive to keep all learning material in one place.
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Set your Google Drive on all your devices to ensure access to all our individually shared learning materials.

COMPUTER
  1. Via Browser
    • Go to https://www.google.com/drive
    • Log in witht the email you informed us
    • Save this link to your browser to find it easily in the future
    • Go to Shared with me, select Type: Folders, and find your PianoClass folder
    • Click on PianoClass folder -> than on the 3 dots at the right side -> Organize -> Add shortcut -> All locations -> My Drive
  2. Via Software
    • After accessing via browser and adding the folder to My Drive
    • Go to https://www.google.com/drive/download and install the software related to your operational system.
    • Set it up and you will see your PianoClass folder in your File Manager.
  3. Here is Google Support page to access files shared with you on Google Drive
TABLET / MOBILE
  1. Install the Google Drive app
    • Log in witht the email you informed us
  2. Go to Shared, click on Search in Drive -> Type -> Folders, and find your PianoClass folder
    • Click on the the 3 dots by the PianoClass folder -> Add to Starred
    • Click on the the 3 dots by the PianoClass folder -> Add shortcut to Drive -> My Drive -> Add
  3. Here is Google Support page to access files shared with you on Google Drive

How to use YouTube

2 Channels: one for publick content and the other for our videolessons and exclusive playlists shared with each student.
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

YouTube.com/PianoClass

For all PianoClass public videos like PianoClass in Concert, students and teachers performances, and promotinal videos.

Visit, subscribe, watch, click on like, and share our videos saved on YouTube.com/PianoClass.

myPianoClass

This channel is exclusive for individual videolessons, which are set as unlisted and shared in our students’ individual playlists.
Add the individual myPianoClass YouTube Playlist to your account to easily watch and add videos on it.

Set up, Find, Add, and watch your playlist
  1. 1st Time: Setting up
    • On Google Drive, open the file PianoClass Useful Links.
    • Access your lessons -> Recorded lessons: YouTube Playlist -> Click on the link
    • Ensure your are logged into the correct YouTube account
    • Click on Continue to add content to this playlist as yourself.
    • If you don’t see a Continue button, you probably already added this playlist to your YouTube.
  2. Find and watch myPianoclass YouTube Playlists
    • On Google Drive, open the file PianoClass Useful Links, and click on the link
    • On YouTube, click on You -> View All Playlist -> choose myPianoClass playlist
Upload videos to your playlist
  1. Upload your new video to your YouTube account
  2. Name the file as «YearMonthDay composer, music – details»
    Example: 20170826 JSBach, Invention #1 – first sentence counting the beats
  3. Select the playlist PianoClass & Your Name
  4. Click on More Options, UNCHECK “Publish to subscriptions feed and notify subscribers”, and click “next“
  5. Click Next again (until you reach the last page)
  6. Mark it as unlisted and click “save“
Google Support page

How to use Zoom

We use the Zoom to deliver the best sound during your online lesson and live events.
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Install and set up Zoom on ALL your devices.

COMPUTER

Installation

  • Visit Zoom Download Center to download and install Zoom Client for Meetings.
  • Create a free account or log in to an existing one.

Audio set up

  • At Zoom’s app Home screen, click on the settings engine  on the upper right corner of the screen.
  • On the left column, click on  Audio.

Speaker and Microphone

  • Choose your speaker, adjust the volume and test the sound by clicking on Test Speaker.
  • Choose your microphone, adjust the volume to around 80% or 90% and test it.
  • Uncheck the Automatically adjust microphone volume option.

Audio Profile

  • Check Original sound for musicians
  • Check High fidelity music mode
  • No headphones? Check Echo cancellation. Otherwise, leave it unchecked.
  • Check Stereo audio
  • Check Echo cancellation only if you are not using headphones (exception).
TABLET / MOBILE

Installation

  • Install ZOOM app from your App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
  • Create a free account or log in to an existing one.

Audio set up

  • Open your Zoom app and click on  More at the lower right corner.
  • Click on Meetings, and turn on Use Original Sound.

Headphones

On tablets or mobiles only use wired headphones.

Zoom Support page

For each lesson

Revise your set up
  • COMPUTER: check that your speaker and microphone devices are set them correctly (volume as well).
  • TABLET / MOBILE: check that your Use Original Sound is turned on
Start your lesson on Zoom
  • at your scheduled time
    • click on the link inside each lesson event on Google Calendar
    • or, click on the link inside the Useful Links file on Google Drive
    • or, type your teacher’s lesson address on any browser
Inside the lesson
  • Activivate the Original Sound for Musicians
    • COMPUTER: at the upper left corner of the screen
    • TABLET / MOBILE: click on More and then on Enable Original Sound.

How to use WhatsApp

We use the WhatsApp to ensure an easy comunication between teachers and students.
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Broadcast list

  • To receive the quick important messages sent over our Broadcast list
    • Save your teacher’s contact on your smartphone

Comunication with your teacher

Questions or comments must be send by text.

  • Send text lesson attending communications
  • Send text message related to your learning plan
  • Send Follow-up messages and videos.

Kids & Teens

  • We create and use a family group for chat with kids and teens.

PianoClass features

How to use our Exclusive Student Area

(soon)

We have an exclusive area for our students and music creation clients.
[click to learn more]

How to attend a Special Activity

simple steps to learn even more
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Topics

  • Clarify quick questions
  • Verify short passages
  • Share discoveries and start topics to be discussed in the lesson

How to use the Follow-up

and continue learning while practicing correctly
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Your teacher will check the messages during business hours in the received order.
The answer will be sent within 2 business days (usually much sooner).

Topics

  • Clarify quick questions
  • Verify short passages
  • Share discoveries and start topics to be discussed in the lesson

Text Messages

  • Ask questions that popped-up while practicing or about what to practice
  • Clarify any guidance gave during your lesson
  • Be objective and clear, but also thorough

Audio messages

  • Send short passages as a sample to complement a question or comment
  • ONLY send audios playing the piano
  • Text some context to each audio sample

Video messages

  • Send short piano passages as samples to complement a question or comment
  • Send practices requested by your teacher (add music name and measures)
  • Text some context to each video

Picture Messages

  • Send samples from written work or fingering
  • Text some context to the picture

PianoClass for Kids

  • With Teacher Support, you have two Follow-ups per lesson (unless specified differently in the current lesson)

How to use an Office Hour

Pick a topic, a time, and enroll
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Topic

  • Plan your repertoire or musical objectives
  • Verify specific passages from your repertoire
  • Meet with your teacher to discuss other musical topics

Enroling

  • Visit our Office Hour Calendar Page to enrol in your teacher’s next Office Hour.
  • Enroll on one of the slots available between 7 days and 24 hours in advance.

Attending

  • Study and research before the Office Hour
  • At the scheduled time, go to your teacher’s meeting room

What else should I know?

  • This is a group event and there might be up to 3 students in each 25min slot.
  • It is available for piano students with an annual plan and at least 50min-lesson/week (live or recorded).

Make-up for a future lesson you won’t attend

If you can’t attend a lesson, here are a few options to continue learning from our teachers
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Receive your lesson recorded

Upload to your YouTube playlist from 1/4 to 1/3 of your lesson’s time in videos by your scheduled time.
For example: if you have a 55min lesson, upload from 10 to 20min of videos.

  • You can use recordings from your practice
  • Record yourself as if you were in the lesson, showing all the tasks and repertoire you’ve prepared
  • Record questions or comments you would have asked or made in your live lesson

Try to reschedule your lesson

In this case, do it as early as possible and prefer to prepone it instead of postpone the lesson.
This option dependes on your teacher’s schedule availability.

  • Check your teacher’s Reschedules Calendar and consider the following aspects:
    • A lesson can only be rescheduled once, for any time before, or until 10 days after the original one
    • Don’t reschedule it for the same day of another lesson (unless advised by your teacher)
    • Consider allowing some time to practice between your normal lessons and your rescheduled one
    • If you see a free slot, but the time doesn’t work for you, you can schedule it as a Recorded Lesson.

Use the Follow-up and Office Hours

If the options above won’t work for you, keep practicing and use the Follow-up to check your work and receive guidance on the next steps.

And if deeper questions show up, simply enroll in an Office Hour and solve it.

Watch something from our Special Activities Libraries

  • Our Lectures can be a great source of important reviews and advanced content
  • The MasterClass might show the insight you were missing to solve some issues on your repertoire or practice
  • The PianoForum is perfect to put you on the perfect practice mood and give your tons of ideas and insights
  • Our Living Arts and Guided Concerts can give you amazing ideas on new composers, performers, and repertoire.
  • The PianoClass in Concert is perfect to give you the desire of practicing and sharing your art.

Online learning preps

Follow the online lessons Netiquette

Avoid embarrassments and guarantee an efficient lesson.
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

What is Netiquette?

The blending of Network or Internet and Etiquette originated the word Netiquette, a series of social rules to facilitate interactions between different cultures meeting over the web.

In your lesson Room

Have your lessons wherever you want, just take the proper steps to optimize your visual and sound perception, and your teacher’s as well.

Image

Position your camera respecting your home’s privacy. Avoid showing underwear and hanging clothes, personal and private items, messy spots of your house, and other people passing by the scene. This way you assure a simple and fast way to play and to record for your teacher and your audience.

Good lighting on your face and on the keyboard will also optimize the communication and the lesson itself.

Sound

Be aware that a microphone set to capture the piano’s sound is also open to very clearly receiving every sound around it and even amplifying them. Therefore, before the starting of your lesson or recording

  • ensure the room is silent
  • turn off TVs and other sound devices
  • remind everyone in your home that your teacher will hear anything they say during your lesson

This will optimize your concentration and your teacher’s, who is looking for all the little nuances in your performance.

During your lesson, don’t move, pass your finger over, and don’t scream near the microphone. The very loud sound may damage your teacher’s hearing.

Therefore, try to have a silent room during your lessons and your recordings. It will optimize both your and your teacher’s concentration as they aren’t used to working with interruptions and noises while looking for all the sound subtleties of your performance.

Be ready for your lesson

Equipments

Charge your mobile devices in advance, like smartphone, tablet, and earphones and keep your computer plugged in.

Room and Materials

A few minutes before the lesson starts

  • Close all the windows to avoid external noises
  • Turn on all the necessary lights
  • Let who ever need to know that your lesson is starting and they should remain silent until it is finished
  • Drink water, go to the toilet, wash your hands, and do what ever more could interrupt the lesson if you didn’t do before
  • Adjust the bench high and get your feet support, if you need it
  • Get your sheet music and learning material (pencil, erasure, paper, tablet), including your earphones
  • Turn off any extra devices, software and apps that may use your internet or affect your computer’s performance
Kids

During lessons for under 12 years old kids, a responsible adult should be available.

The teacher may need this adult in case of technical issues, to print new material, help in some activity, find lost material, or solve some behavior issue.

The adult may be present during the lesson and make notes to help the kid in their following practice sessions. It is important that the adult participates only when the teacher asks and that we have a direct way to communicate via WhatsApp with them.

 Schedule

I’d suggest that you set two alarms:

  • one 10min before the lesson for the preparations described above and revise the material
  • another at the lesson time to enter the Zoom meeting
Before the lesson

Arrive by your piano about 10min before your lesson time. This will give you time to prepare and even practice a little.

Starting the lesson

At the precise time, get into the Zoom meeting. The link and info to do so are in the Google Calendar event, in the Zoom chat, and in the WhatsApp message you received at the beginning of your learning plan.
If you have any technical issues, write right away to your teacher via WhatsApp.

Being late

If you realize that you will be late, inform your teacher as soon as possible via WhatsApp.
Without a warning, they will wait until 10 min after the scheduled time to start.

End of the lesson

Your lesson will finish on time, respecting your schedule and your teacher’s.
If you need to solve something else with your teacher, do it at the beginning of the lesson, via WhatsApp at another time, or during an Office Hour.
 

 Communication

Clear communication enssures better and faster results in your lesson.

Starting the lesson

Good morning/afternoon/evening is always welcome to be sure the sound is working properly before we start to actually play the piano.

Speech or gesture

We prefer that you speak to answer your teacher when possible. This is a more efficient way to communicate online. Just nodding or doing a hand gesture can not be seen by your teacher in case they are playing or writing at that time, or if you are out of the camera view.

Always use gentle words and don’t use slang or swearing to avoid embarrassment.

Absence and return

If for any reason you have to be out of the camera’s view during the lesson, first let your teacher know that you need to be away and announce yourself as soon as you come back. Your teacher may be playing or taking notes and not immediately realize that you are back. Even if they are playing, interrupt them. This is your lesson time and not a concert.


 

Prepare for your 1st Online live lesson

Equipments, software and positioning
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

What do you need?

Piano

A well-tuned acoustic piano is the best, but an 88-keys digital keyboard can be used initially.

Stable Internet connection

Wire connect your computer directly to the internet provider router/modem. If you must use Wi-fi (not recommended), at least be sure there are no obstacles between the access point and your computer.

Visit https://speedtest.net website to test your connection.

At PianoClass, our results are:
ping: 2 ms || download: 900 Mbps || upload: 200 Mbps

We expect our student to have at least:
ping: below 40 ms || download: above 15 Mbps || upolad: above 10 Mbps

Computer

  • with built-in or external webcam – and you may use more than one
  • external microphone USB will be the best option. We suggest using Blue Yeti or Fifine K669B. Your computer’s built-in microphone may be or not enough for music.

If necessary, you may use a tablet or, as a last resource, a smartphone.

Earphones

Put on your earphones and play the piano. If you can clearly hear your own piano, your earphones are approved. Never use earphones with noise cancelation or that completely cover your ears.
Choose from

  • wired, preferably with a 3 meters cable extensor
  • or Bluetooth (not with tablets or mobiles)

Zoom

Intall, sign in and set it according to the How to use Zoom at PianoClass instructions on your computer and tablet/smartphone.

Learning Material

Have all learning material sent by your teacher at hand. Be sure to have access to the Google Drive folder shared with you.

Digital

You may use a tablet with the Google Drive app and a PDF editor of your preference (such as the free option of PDF Expert) to see and write on your sheet music and other materials.

Using a tablet also makes accessing other learning apps and orchestral accompaniment easier.

Remember to charge your device before each lesson.

Printed

Print the material shared with you on Google Drive and have a pencil, eraser, and extra paper at hand to take notes during your lesson and your practices.

Be ready to print new material if needed during lessons and have the Google Drive at hand on your Smartphone as well.

How to position your devices?

Camera

Place your primary camera by the side of your piano so that we can see everything from your face to the upper part of your bench. It should be high enough to have the keyboard, your arm and hand movements, your back, and your neck visible.

If you have more than one camera, you may place one at the side of the piano to show some details of your hands or have it over the keyboard.

Monitor

You can put it anywhere. The ideal is to have it on a place where you could see your teacher even when playing the piano.

Microphone

Your microphone should be in a place where it acquires a balanced sound from the piano and your voice. You may test it with a friend, recording, or at the Technical Rehearsal with your teacher.

Lighting

Use as much light as possible! But be careful so the main light source

  • is behind the camera and never aiming at it
  • be at your side or in front of you and never behind you

Useful tips

  • Have your computer always plugged in and recharge your devices (including wireless earphones) the night before your lesson
  • Make sure that you can access Google Drive.
  • Always have a way to take notes during the lesson.
  • You are authorized to record your own personalized lesson to review it whenever you want.
  • Make sure there is no one or anything else using your local internet during your lesson (Yes, a family member watching Netflix does count).

Prepare for your 1st Video lesson

Equipments, software and positioning
𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

What do you need?

Piano

A well-tuned acoustic piano is the best, but an 88-keys digital keyboard can be used initially.

Internet connection

You only need enough bandwidth to send and receive HD or Full HD videos.

Devices to record your lesson

The sky is the limit, but here are two good options:

Smartphone/Tablet
  • Place in a way it shows the entire keyboard and the pianist from head to toe.
  • It should record the piano and your voice well.
Computer
  • Use any recording software. We suggest OBS Studio (ideal) or Zoom.
  • A good external microphone will help the teacher to identify the sound nuances in your performance. We suggest using Blue Yeti or Fifine K669B.
  • You may add external cameras to show different angles and more details. They are optional.

Devices to watch the lesson

You may use any device of your choice, such as smartphone, tablet, computer or smartTV. It should have the best possible sound (using earphones will be better) and with a big screen to see all the details from your lesson.

Learning Material

Have all learning material sent by your teacher at hand. Be sure to have access to the Google Drive folder shared with you.

Digital

You may use a tablet with the Google Drive app and a PDF editor of your preference (such as the free option of PDF Expert) to see and write on your sheet music and other materials.

Using a tablet also makes accessing other learning apps and orchestral accompaniment easier.

Printed

Print the material shared with you on Google Drive and have a pencil, eraser, and extra paper at hand to take notes during your lesson and your practices.

Be ready to print new material if needed during lessons and have the Google Drive at hand on your Smartphone as well.

How to position your devices?

Camera

Place your primary camera by the side of your piano so that we can see everything from your face to the upper part of your bench. It should be high enough to have the keyboard, your arm and hand movements, your back, and your neck visible.

If you have more than one camera, you may place one at the side of the piano to show some details of your hands or have it over the keyboard.

Monitor

You can put it anywhere. The ideal is to have it on a place where you could see your teacher even when playing the piano.

Microphone

Your microphone should be in a place where it acquires a balanced sound from the piano and your voice. You may test it with a friend, recording, or at the Technical Rehearsal with your teacher.

Lighting

Use as much light as possible! But be careful so the main light source

  • is behind the camera and never aiming at it
  • be at your side or in front of you and never behind you

How do I send my videos to my teacher?

Simply upload your videos to your PianoClass playlist.
Follow the instruction on How to use YouTube » myPianoClass to learn how.

Where will my video lessons be?

We have one YouTube Playlist for each student. The link to access and add this playlist to your YouTube is in our shared folder in Google Drive.
To learn more about YouTube and our playlists, check on How to use YouTube » myPianoClass.

Students and teachers will add the videos to the same playlist, making it easier for both to access them.

Once you visit the playlist, you will find the 1st video lesson there, with guidance for you to start learning and to send the first video to your teacher.

Useful tips

  • The recordings for the lessons should be natural, as if your teacher were at your side
  • Show the final result, comment how you liked it, and ask if you have questions or if you need to comfirm something
  • You may record one video for the entire lesson or one per topic

Recordings

Record for a Follow-up

𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Smartphone

  1. Ensure it is not mirrored
  2. Keep it on landscape
  3. Position
    • hold it
    • put it at the side of the piano
    • put it on a tripod
  4. Record

Record during practice

𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Smartphone

  1. Ensure it is not mirrored
  2. Keep it on landscape
  3. Position
    • hold it
    • put it at the side of the piano
    • put it on a tripod
  4. Record
  5. Delete the videos you won’t use
  6. Create an album in your phone and move the videos there while useful
  7. Every now and then, delete what you don’t need anymore and move the best videos to a more permante album.

Computer

You can do the same recording on your computer. Just remember to keep it simple to save time and allow you to watch the videos during your practice.

Keep your last practice videos organized as you may need them for recorded lessons.

Record your music for a concert

𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Let’s record with the best possible quality to present your art in events like the PianoClass in Concert.

Equipment

You can use only one device, or many depending on what you have and how confident you are on using them.

  • Smartphone / Tablet / Computer
  • External camera (optional)
  • External microphone (optional)

Camera Settings

Do your best to set your device(s) as follows

  • Frame rate: 30fps (frames per second)
  • Video resolution: Full-HD (1920px x 1080px)
  • File format: MP4 video (if you can choose)
  • Ensure the image is not mirrored after recording

Sound Settings

Do your best to set your device(s) as follows

  • Sound resolution: 24 bits and 96Khz
  • File format: .wav (if you have separated sound recording)

Software

Let’s keep it simple

  • On smartphones or tablets you may use the native camera
  • On a computer, we suggest using  OBS Studio

Positioning & Testing

Prepare and teste it at least a few days in advance to not worry about it when recording

  • Put your camera on a stable place (shelf, tripod, …) in landscape position
  • The scene must include your head, arms, and the entire keyboard
  • The scene should be clean and organized, without clutering on the background
  • Ensure good lightning coming from behind the camera and never towards it
  • Test the sound to avoid noises and spikes from the microphone. If that happens, adjust your mic for a lower volume reception or position it farther away from the piano.
  • Record a short video with soft and loud sounds on the piano and send it to your teacher so they can check it out

Last guidances

  • Start the recording and wait at least 5 seconds on a beautiful posture before and after your performance
  • All recorded files must have sound
  • The entire performance must be recorded in one take
  • There must be complete silence around you
  • Dress up for your recordings

Send us your files

  • Send us the final and aproved files over WeTransfer
  • Each file should be smaller than 2GB
  • Keep a copy of all final files with you, afterall, it is your musical history.

Record a performance introducion

𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆

Technical advice

The scene

  • By the piano
  • On a quiet garden
  • On any quiet place where you can sit straight
  • Ensure your face is well-lit
  • Dress up – it can be the same clothes you wear for the performance or something different

What to say?

  • Tell us who you are and why you’re playing today.
    Think of what you’d like to hear if there was another pianist presenting herself to you and wanting you to listen to her playing right after.
    Try to make it as clear, simple and natural as possible.
  • Paint the main ideas of your repertoire in the audience’s mind with words.
    You’ll be preparing them to better understand your music and therefore really enjoy it.
    You may present some short historical or technical facts, but be sure to have them connected to your own view and interpretation of the music.
  • The most important aspect of this introduction is that the listener could see a picture in his mind, imagining the scenes you’re describing. Use words that relate to the senses (sounds, images, feelings, smells, tastes, sights, temperatures, …). Show a story instead of just telling it.
  • Keep it honest, simple and polite.

Here are a few tips in case you don’t know how to start:

  • I’m … / My name is … /
  • The piano to me … / it all started …
  • I’ll play … / I’ll perform … / “John Doe” wrote the piece “this and that” inspired on …
  • The part I most like … / each time I play this piece I think about …

Last speech guidances

  • Speak loudly, but naturally, and clearly.
  • Take your time to breath and don’t rush.
  • If you have an external microphone (lapel mic, earphones with mic, …) to place near you, use it, as the sound will be even better.

Send us your files

  • Send us the final and aproved files over WeTransfer
  • Each file should be smaller than 2GB
  • Keep a copy of all final files with you.
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