Voice Lesson Equipment &
Best Practices (Zoom Lessons)

For students of Mike Young Voice Studio

Online lessons can be just as effective as in-person sessions when your setup is clear, stable, and distraction-free. Please review the following recommendations to get the most out of your time.

1. Technology Requirements

Device

Use one of the following (in order of preference):

  • Laptop or desktop computer with Zoom installed

  • Tablet or iPad

  • Phone only as a last resort (screen size and audio limitations)

Internet Connection

  • A wired Ethernet connection is ideal.

  • If using Wi-Fi, try to be close to the router and avoid shared heavy bandwidth (gaming, streaming, etc.).

  • A speed of at least 10 Mbps upload is recommended.

Camera Placement

  • Position your camera so I can see from the waist up.

  • Make sure the room is well lit (front lighting is best).

2. Audio Setup for Singing

Zoom compresses audio unless you enable settings designed for music. Please check these before your first lesson:

Zoom Audio Settings

  1. Go to Settings → Audio.

  2. Enable the following:

    • “Original Sound for Musicians”

    • “High fidelity music mode”

    • “Echo cancellation: Off” (or set to Auto if “Off” causes feedback)

    • “Stereo audio” (recommended if your device supports it)

Microphone Options

Any of the following will work well:

  • USB microphone (Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica ATR2100x, etc.)

  • Headset with boom mic

  • Device’s built-in microphone (acceptable, though not ideal)

Avoid:

  • Bluetooth headphones/mics (they compress your singing drastically)

  • AirPods in mic mode (severe dynamic range loss)

Speakers/Headphones

  • Use wired earbuds or wired headphones if possible.

  • External speakers are fine if placed away from the mic to avoid feedback.

3. Practice Tracks & Accompaniment

  • Have one of the following ready for warmups and repertoire:

    • A speaker you can play tracks through

    • Backing tracks on your device

    • YouTube accompaniment videos

  • If you’d like accompaniment recorded for your pieces, please request it before the lesson.

4. Room Setup

Space

  • Choose a room where you can stand comfortably and make full sound.

  • Avoid small, echoey bathrooms or overly dead closets.

Background Noise

  • Turn off fans, TVs, and appliances.

  • Ask family members/roommates for quiet time during the lesson.

Lighting

  • Natural light or a lamp facing you works best.

  • Avoid backlighting (e.g., sitting in front of a window).

5. Materials to Have Ready

Bring the following to each lesson:

  • Water bottle

  • Your music (digital or printed)

  • Notebook or device for notes

  • Your warm-up tracks or playlist

  • Pencil (if using physical music)

6. Before Each Lesson

Take a moment to:

  • Restart your device (optional but helpful)

  • Test mic and speaker levels in Zoom

  • Set your phone to Do Not Disturb

  • Warm up gently for 3–5 minutes

  • Join the Zoom link a couple minutes early

7. During the Lesson

  • Keep Original Sound toggled ON.

  • Stand when singing unless otherwise instructed.

  • Let me know immediately if you can’t hear something clearly or if the audio glitches.

  • Feel free to ask questions at any time.

8. After the Lesson

  • Review your notes while things are fresh.

  • Practice the assigned material 3–5 times per week.

  • If anything wasn’t clear, reach out at mike@mikeyoungvoicestudio.com.

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