SCDH
  ZOOM PREP  

Have you ZOOMED yet?
If not, all of us in SCDH hope you will take advantage of these resources and
learn how to access remote lessons, workshops, jams and festivals.

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ZOOM BASICS

1) Check that you have a stable internet connection.
The fewer devices/programs using the internet, the stronger the signal.

2) Go to https://zoom.us

To create a FREE account (or go to the App store to download the FREE Zoom for iCloud Meetings App) onto a device with camera and mic: desktop or laptop computer, iPad, iPhone or other type of tablet.

Install the App after downloading.

As a PARTICIPANT, you receive an invitation from a HOST by email.

Click on the LINK included.

Some HOSTS also provide a meeting ID with password if needed, and a waiting room for admittance into the event for security and management.

HOSTS: Free accounts have a 40 min. limit. Zoom Pro accounts have unlimited time and other features for a $15 monthly fee.

PARTICIPANTS need only the basic, free account. https://zoom.us/freesignup/ 

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AUDIO SETTINGS
Changing the audio settings and adding an external mic help increase the clarity of instrumental music rather than the original Zoom design for just talking.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mEAb4G063sM

Audio settings, Advanced settings.
• “Automatically adjust microphone volume” should NOT be selected
• DISABLE both the “Suppress Persistent Background Noise & Intermittent Background Noise” to avoid cutting out the highs & lows. Leave as AUTO for “Echo Cancellation”.

“TURN OFF ORIGINAL SOUND” phrase should be seen on the upper left hand corner of the Zoom window. Leave it alone!!!! If you tap it, you will not have original sound. It is a toggle option on computers that greatly improves sound quality.

**Test your settings before a meeting or workshop!! Set up a meeting with yourself.

EXTERNAL MIC
Adding a simple external USB mic (not a speaker) if your device allows, will greatly improve your sound. You won’t notice the difference, but participants will!!
Check out Amazon. Example - Conference mic, omnidirectional, for Computers, PC, Mac, streaming, Skype. Designate the use of this mic in your Zoom settings as well as in system preferences on your device, if an option.

CHAT BOX
Can open the Chat box to write/read messages when you are muted.


GALLERY VIEW VERSUS SPEAKER/INSTRUCTOR VIEW
Try out either, depending on group size and purpose of Zooming.


PINNING (ENLARGING) ONE VIEW, ESPECIALLY OF INSTRUCTOR OR INSTRUMENT
Click on photo of instructor, leader, or instrument: Click on the 3 dots on the photo to Pin (enlarge) - to see a fuller view.


SCREEN SHARING – SHEET MUSIC
Open the file/sheet music to be shared and close other files on desktop. (Have music files in desktop folder.) Host mutes participants except person leading the tune. Host or attendee - Click the green Share Screen icon. Click on the sheet music to be shared, then click on Share. Click on Stop Share to end. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362153-Sharing-your-screen


JAMS
The HOST admits everyone to the event through an optional waiting room. Everyone participating is shown on the screen so be mindful of how you want to look as well as your background. Fancy backgrounds are available, but they might cause some distortion. Because of sound delay annoyance the HOST mutes all except whoever is leading the tune. It becomes a kind of karaoke with each muted player only hearing the lead player and their own instrument. It helps to have a common repertoire to draw on or music at the ready – whether sheet music, tab or memorized. The ZOOM setting now is: PARTICIPANTS MUST UNMUTE THEMSELVES.


LESSONS
Individual lessons can be very successful if the instructor and student each set up their instruments and communication devices to view each other. Facetime and Skype are other options besides Zoom. A call and response format works.


WORKSHOPS AND FESTIVALS
Many musicians and organizers are continually developing plans to offer distance learning and entertainment.

Dulcimer Players News (DPN) – Dulcimer resources galore!! https://www.dpnews.com

Nonsuch Dulcimer Club in the UK – Zoom Guidelines & Resources:
https://www.dulcimer.org.uk/online-events-resources/nonsuch-zoom-guidelines/
https://www.dulcimer.org.uk/online-events-resources/


ALERTS
• Avoid Zoom-Bombing!!! Don’t share meeting log-in info on social media.
• Zoom security – use the optional Waiting Room to manage entry of participants.
• Stay up to date on recommendations. Watch tutorials.
• Try out your Zoom set up BEFORE your first workshop or use of Zoom.

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READY, SET, GO to an ON-LINE FESTIVAL!

LATER PREP

• Save emails from instructors and jam leaders.
• Print out and organize all music and handouts.
• Zoom: What device? Desktop or laptop computer best, iPad or tablet, phone?
• Set up your Zoom account. Watch the tutorial. Try out your set up.
• If possible, adjust your audio settings.
• Set up your space:
• Comfortable space and chair or stool.
• Good lighting - on your instrument and device – and on your face.
• Avoid shadows. Sit facing a window.
• Check your instruments:
• In good repair?
• Anything needing attention?

DAY BEFORE FESTIVAL

• Charge all your devices as needed.
• Tune instruments.
• Line up food and beverages for breaks.
• Do sound assessment:
• What will interfere with your enjoyment? Barking dog? Noisy fan?
• Control what you can.
• Find your materials you printed earlier. Have paper, pen/pencil for notes.
• Have your schedule, links given and concert log-in info handy.

FESTIVAL DAY

• Stay on schedule. Clock handy?
• Follow ZOOM tips: use links given. You need to UNMUTE yourself.
• Take notes, special tips from instructors, info not on handouts, etc.
• Get up and move around between workshops and activities.
• Enjoy!!