Availability
I am available for online teaching. Currently I use FaceTime and Zoom, but I am happy to try a different video calling app if that suits you better.
Young children & Teenagers
It is important that parents should be fully aware that their children are receiving online lessons; and parents should provide their signed consent for online teaching to take place. I will send an appropriate consent form to the parents by email.
For young children, I ask the parents to remain in the room during the lesson. This is especially important if the child is a beginner. For older pupils, typically at intermediate or advanced level, parents can choose either to attend the lesson or to be at call nearby, e.g. in an adjoining room.
Recording
Some video calling apps allow calls to be recorded. This creates the risk of personal data being held indefinitely or disseminated inappropriately. I am happy to give my consent for pupils (or their parents) to record my lessons, on the understanding that the recording is used only to assist the pupil’s practice and is deleted after 3 months. I will not make recordings of the lessons unless you specifically request me to do so.
Set-up & First Online Lesson
Ideally, the pupil’s set-up should include good quality audio (microphone and speakers), good quality video (webcam), and a reasonably large screen. In general, sole reliance on a smartphone is therefore less satisfactory than using a tablet, a laptop, or a desktop plus webcam. It is important that the camera can be positioned at an appropriate level: it may therefore help to have a tablet stand or a laptop stand. However, it should be possible to make do with whatever set-up you have available.
For the first online lesson, I do not charge for the initial 30 minutes. This is so that we can check mutually that the set-up works effectively; and also so that we can get to know each other. This initial check will include:
Ensuring that your camera is positioned appropriately: it should be no lower than your eye level. As you look towards the camera, the music stand should be to your left and should not obscure the view. In particular, I need to see the whole of your bowing action.
Checking that the lighting in your room is appropriate, so that I can see you clearly.
Testing the sound level, so that I can hear your playing clearly. I will ask you to play so that we can experiment with the sound level until it is adequate.
Preparing for each lesson
There are several logistical steps to take in preparation for each lesson, in order to make the best use of the time available:
Ensure the set-up is ready, as established in the first online lesson.
Ensure we both have copies of the music to be used in the lesson. This means that we agree on the repertoire and, where necessary, exchange the music by e-mail prior to the lesson. You need to have a physical copy of the music, in order to make markings for fingering and bowing.
Have a pencil and a rubber ready to make markings in the music.
Tune your violin before the lesson; and, if necessary, put rosin on your bow.
Of course, for young children (particularly beginners), preparation is the responsibility of the parents and some of the steps described above may not be applicable.
Practice between lessons
My approach to tuition includes the offer to record a homework video, including the best way to practise this homework. This video will be sent to you via WhatsApp.