Yes and No. There are several considerations in making online voice lessons doable for you.
Equipment
You will be needing at least a core i3 computer, laptop with 4-6 GB ram, or recent versions of tablet or android phones. Android phones tend to have lower latency but small screens which makes it difficult when the lessons call for a share screen option.
A clear and effective microphone connected to your computer so I can hear all aspects of your singing voice.
An external speaker (Bluetooth optional for convenience). This is so the music at the background will match the volume of your voice when singing as well as I as your vocal coach can be heard well enough when I give cues and/or corrections. It is vital that we both can hear each other distinctly.
Web camera that provides well defined sharp visuals. This is so we can effectively communicate visually for more enjoyable and successful lessons.
Earphones with mic will do, however, choose one that does not have the auto noise-canceling option and/or change Zoom/ Skype settings accordingly. I as your voice teacher will walk you through the technical details during our tech check session.
Good internet connection.
A preferably wired connection from your laptop for a more steady internet connection. Ideally, the lowest latency possible or a PING not more than 20ms. If the internet connection is only available through wifi, communicate with the people sharing the internet connection with you to disconnect during the time of your voice class so you can get the best internet connection for a smoother uninterrupted online voice session.
Pros
- You can study with any vocal coach around the world without having to leave your home. Geography will not restrict you from choosing between local teachers to master mentors anywhere around the world. You can explore from various coaches and continue having classes to the one that can hone your singing voice and bring out your potentials in the direction of artistry, genre, style and expression you want to grow.
- It’s more time and energy-saving and cost-effective. You will save time and energy having not to travel to the location of where you and your vocal coach hold the lessons. Especially to places where traffic is a major element needed to be dealt with, aside from the on-going worldwide pandemic quarantine, the safety of taking online classes is the only and best option. And because travel is taken out from the equation, the money can be used for another important expense and/or be invested further in taking longer online voice lesson package.
- More time for warm-ups and rehearsals. Because the lessons take place at your own home, you can use the time spent if you would have to commute from your place to the location of your usual in-person voice lessons for vocal workouts and rehearsals instead.
Cons
There will always be limitations to any physical correction since the classes are virtual.
However a lot of online resources such as videos on youtube and other links can be easily cited and looked upon since the voice student and teacher are both online.
When there is trouble with your internet or with any of your online voice lesson gadgets, it will definitely cause an interruption to the class. Chances are, there will be a lag or latency between the music played and the transmission of audio-video from your teacher to you and/or from you back to your teacher. If you’re not so techy, any technological little setback such as the mic or video cam not working can end up being a frustrating session.
As an online voice teacher I don’t simply rely on one software. Primarily I use Zoom and if at times it doesn’t work, I resort to Skype. If the internet connection becomes faulty at the time of the class, I call via mobile phone and all audio is done via the mobile phone. This way, there is zero latency. Zoom or skype will be the basis for visual communication including screen sharing as part of the class and have the app’s microphone both I and the student be put to mute. I also schedule a tech check with the student prior to accepting payments and start of the class making sure that all technicalities are set including Plan A, Plan B & Plan C in case of any internet of tech-related challenges.
Since the voice class is online, there will be more preparation done by the student such as the gathering and having all music mp3 mp4 and lyrics for the class be at hand during the class. Whereas if the class is in person, the voice teacher will be the one preparing the majority of the materials needed for the class.
With the advent of technology comes the easy access of materials online, yet also came along the lack of focus and short time and attention span to learn and master the accessed materials. The act of having to prepare the materials gives the student time in advance to get familiar with the music. After all, mastery is the key to any quality learning.
Comfort Levels and Distractions
Having lessons at home could mean sharing the entire soundscape with family members busily going about their own activities such as blaring tv, kids playing and running around, getting self-conscious should your voice be loud enough to be heard by the neighbors and how everybody else around you react on your efforts in taking online voice lessons.
One possible solution is to find a quiet spot or talk to everyone concerned that you will have to get that specific conducive spot in the house for simply an hour of undisturbed privacy during your online voice lesson schedule.
