Virtual Music Lessons Buying Guide

28 Nov Virtual Music Lessons Buying Guide

Are you taking virtual music lessons?  Need ideas for devices for lessons, or for making performance videos?  Here are some essentials you may not be able to live without!   Links and prices are for Amazon, Thanksgiving 2024.  You may be able to find even better deals elsewhere.

PHONE STANDS

Phone are great for making performance videos, and a simple phone stand is a must.  They help make a perfect shot without having a shaky picture.

This one is great….small and lightweight, and easy to take with you.  I have two!  Thanksgiving 2024 price is $15.98!

SENSYNE 62″ Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick, Extendable Cell Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote and Phone Holder, Compatible with iPhone Android Phone, Camera

TABLET STANDS

For virtual lessons, a device with a full size/larger screen is ideal.  Laptop computers are best, but tablets like iPads are also great.  Using a tablet stand is better than simply putting on a small table or music stand.  They provide a more stable picture, adjustable height, and does not obstruct the microphone.  I have not tried these two tablet stands, but they look great.  Both are under $30 for Thanksgiving 2024.

Cheaper –

elitehood iPad Tripod Stand, Aluminum Alloy iPad Stand, 360 Rotation Adjustable Height iPad Stand Holder for Floor, Universal Compatible with iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPad and All 7.9-11 Inch Tablet

Slightly more –

Gooseneck Floor Stand – CTA Height-Adjustable Gooseneck Floor Stand with 360-Degree Rotation and Adjustable Pole for 7-13” Tablets Including iPad 7th/8th/9th Gen. 10.2”, iPad Air 4 & More (PAD-AFS)

MICROPHONES

Usually, your device microphone is fine with appropriate settings in Zoom (or whatever you use for lessons), but if you need a microphone, these are great.  The ones listed below are USB, but you can get an adapter for tablets, or simply look for a bluetooth microphone.

This is a standard, and what I have.  You can also find it in blue, pink, and other colors!  Thanksgiving 2024 price is $84.99

Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Recording, Streaming, Gaming, Podcasting on PC and Mac, Condenser Mic for Laptop or Computer with Blue VO!CE Effects, Adjustable Stand, Plug and Play – Blackout

Here is a cheaper version from the same company – the snowball Thanksgiving 2024 price is $37.99.

Blue Snowball iCE USB Microphone for PC, Mac, Gaming, Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, with Cardioid Condenser Mic Capsule, Adjustable Desktop Stand and USB Cable, Plug ‘n Play – Black

SPEAKERS

If students have a hard time hearing during the lessons, you might want to consider a bluetooth speaker.  There are too many to list, but popular brands include JBL, Sony, and BOSE.  You also might be able to use your Amazon Echo (or similar product) as a bluetooth speaker.

Computers vs. Tablets vs. Phones

For virtual lessons, it is best to use a device with a large screen.  Laptop computers are best.  Tablets are also great, but not as many settings for sound.  For making performance videos, using your phone is likely easiest.