Online Lessons

Equipment, Setup, and Technical Information

A Laptop Computer with a Built-in Webcam

Brand and operating system do not matter (Mac, PC, Android, iOS, Windows) as long as your OS is up to date. You’ll need to place your device next to you during the lesson. Click below to learn more about setting up and positioning your device for online lessons.

NOTES:

While smartphones and tablets can also work okay, I do not recommend them as your primary device unless you have no other option.

An Ethernet cable will provide a better quality and more reliable connection.

A Stable, High-speed Internet Connection

If you are normally able to stream movies in HD from services like Disney+ and Netflix, then you should be fine.

Zoom Setup Instructions

You’ll need to install Zoom on your device, then follow these instructions to connect to your lesson.

Device Setup Instructions and Details

Laptops & Larger Tablets

Place your device on a surface such as a high chair, table, music stand, or tripod to the left or right side of the keyboard at an angle. Position the device so that the webcam is about eye level with the height of a sitting adult. Picture how a teacher would normally sit next to a student during the lesson. The camera should be able to see an “over the shoulder” view of BOTH the keyboard and the student. Test different views ahead of time to achieve desired angle and lighting.

My thanks to Ian Belloso, another Simply Music teacher, who has generously allowed us to use this video for illustrating online lesson setup..

https://youtu.be/NJ8o_TiOssE

Other Setup Considerations

Lighting

Background lighting must be adequate for clear viewing. It may be necessary to close blinds and diffuse the lighting to reduce glare. One way this can be accomplished is by pointing a lamp towards a wall or the ceiling rather than directly at the keyboard. Avoid having the camera point directly toward any light source (lamp or window).

Sound

To keep background noise at a minimum, a student should try to make sure other family members, pets, etc., are kept OUT of the room you are using for the duration of the online lesson. If you are having trouble hearing the lesson on your device’s speakers (or if I am having trouble hearing you), it might help to use a pair of earbuds or headphones with a built-in microphone.

   
   Read our 9 reviews  
  
    
         
   L.D. Chandler 
 2022-12-11
 
 
   Cara is a very supportive and fun teacher to work with. I've been taking remote piano lessons from her for almost a year and have really enjoyed her curriculum and teaching style. She's awesome!
  
 
 
       
   Bob Boyle 
 2022-12-09
 
 
   I have been taking lessons for about 4 month with Cara, and I am very pleased with my progress. Cara is an incredibly gifted, and patient teacher!

The Simply Music method is fabulous because I was playing music right off the bat! Cara also uses additional material as well, which I love because I can relate to many of the pieces she chooses.  This has been a lifelong dream and I am so glad I found Cara to help fulfill it!
  
 
 
       
   Genny Stone 
 2022-07-31
 
 
   Cara is a wonderful teacher, and does a great job at moving at the pace of the student. As someone who took piano lessons for 6 months over 20 years ago, I was not sure how I would do picking it up again but the simply music method is amazing.  Myself and my family are constantly impressed with how much I have been able to learn and retain in just a couple months.  If you are looking for a piano teacher I would definitely recommend Cara and the simply music method!
  
 
 
       
   Marianne Evans 
 2021-12-11
 
 
   I am so happy to have found Cara at Morgan Music Studio!  I had taken lessons previously and was searching for a program that would allow me to learn remotely and was flexible with my work schedule.  I can't believe how much I have learned in the last 4 months and look forward to my lesson every week.  Mostly, I credit Cara for her patience, knowledge, and passion for teaching piano to students at every level.  It is wonderful to have music as a part of my life again!!!
  
 
 
       
   Anita Swartout 
 2021-07-22
 
 
   I've been taking lessons from Cara for a year and a half now.  It is so much fun and Cara is an excellent teacher.  She combined the Simply Music program with additional pieces (from classical to show tunes and hymns) to personalize the lessons just for me!  My after retirement hobby is going strong.  Thanks Cara.
  
 
 
       
   Esther Zack 
 2019-12-29
 
 
   “What a joy!  I have a very stressful job with little free time and was looking for something fun and relaxing to add to my life.  I found Cara and the Simply Music program she uses for teaching piano quite by accident and I’m so glad I did.  Cara is welcoming, calm, has a good sense of humor, and really knows her stuff. She makes it easy to learn and I’m playing real music with both hands right from the start — none of the toddler songs, endless scales, and tedious reading exercises that most music lessons require. This program just makes sense; I think anyone who wants to learn piano can do this.  I can see how I can get to a professional level with this or just hang out for fun; it will be interesting to see where it takes me.  Whatever your goal is with piano, and whether you’ve played other things before or this is your first journey into playing an instrument, you can do this! And Cara can show you how.  I recommend her and the teaching system she uses wholeheartedly. I wish she and this method had existed when I was taking other music lessons years ago.” Esther Z.
  
 
 
       
   Walt G 
 2019-12-28
 
 
   As a student of just about a year, I've learned classical pieces, lullabies, 12 bar blues, improvisation, and accompaniment.  I look forward to "playing" on the piano and practicing is not a drudge, but something I always wish I had more time for.
  
 
 
       
   Cynthia Bower 
 2019-12-27
 
 
   Let me begin by saying just how thrilled I am with the Simply Music program. I’m playing piano better now than I did after years of traditional lessons.  I am truly so thrilled I found out about this program!!
  
 
 
       
   Alexander Moore 
 2019-12-26
 
 
   I learned a lot very quickly. I’m glad to have more confidence in my musical abilities now!