Virtuoso International School of Music

Setup for online lessons is a simple process.   External web cams are necessary for proper viewing angles. Web cams best suited for online lessons include features such as Carl Zeiss optics, 2 mega pixal autofocus, and auto tracking.  USB extension cables may be required to correctly position the external web cam and still have enough length to connect to a computer.  The following pictures demonstrate the setup of an external web cam and methodology books.

The best way to setup an external web cam is to attach it to the arm of a mic stand. Simply swing the arm of the mic stand over the keys of the piano/keyboard so that the web cam can be positioned with a top down view. Adjust the zoom of the web cam or the height of the mic stand so that 2 or more octaves are shown in the video picture.

The methodology books can be viewed as Virtual e-books on an LCD monitor or as traditional soft bound paper books which rest on a music stand.  Using an LCD monitor has many advantages over its traditional paper counterpart.  The following pictures demonstrate setup for both views.  When using standard paper books, proper lighting is paramount to being able to read the color notation.  Just as visual artists require proper lighting when painting so that the colors can be distinctly and correctly viewed, reading colored music notation requires proper lighting for the same reasons.  The best way to achieve proper lighting is through the use of 33watt natural light compact fluorescent bulbs.  Architect lamps are best suited to the purpose because of the adjustable arm so that light can be directed precisely over the page.