Butler School of Music Recommendations for Online Lessons – July 24, 2020
The following recommendations will help you maximize your online lesson experience. Our
“Level 1,” or basic, recommendations have been made while keeping costs as low as possible.
We recommend use of a laptop or desktop for online lessons for both the student and the
teacher. Smartphones and tablets will not allow the use of an external microphone, and will not
allow the use of the recommended audio and video platforms.
We recommend following platforms for online lessons. Cleanfeed is a free web-based audio
platform that is a remarkable improvement over Zoom audio. The Cleanfeed and Jitsi Meet
platforms are also recommended by the New England Conservatory Voice and Sound Analysis
Lab:
Audio: Cleanfeed (​www.cleanfeed.net​), no cost
Video: Zoom or Jitsi Meet (meet.jisti.si) (no cost). Check with your teacher to find out
which video platform will be used. Audio should be muted whether using Jitsi Meet or
Zoom.
Both Cleanfeed and Jitsi Meet require use of the Chrome browser. Please be aware of
potential security issues with Jitsi Meet, and that UT Information Technology does not offer
support for the use of the platform.
Student Recommendations
Lists of recommended specific models of microphones and headphones can be found at ​Butler
School of Music Recommended Gear for Online Lessons - July 24, 2020​. If you already have an
equipment setup that is satisfactory for both you and your applied teacher, there is no need to
change. We recommend that an external microphone should be used for online lessons, as that
is the factor that most significantly affects the quality of the music that your teacher hears.
Level 1
This level represents a basic setup that enhances sound quality. Obtaining an external
microphone is the top priority; while headphones should be used, earbuds that you most likely
already own will suffice. Each external microphone that is recommended works relatively well
with all voices and instruments.
1. External USB microphone (price range: $50-$150)
2. Headphones: plug-in if possible, earbuds or open-back recommended,
closed-back is possible for recording applications
(price ranges: earbuds $20 and up; open-back $160; closed-back $65-$80)
3. If recording is a part of lessons, Garage Band or Audacity software (both free)
Level 2
This level represents a more sophisticated setup that could serve as the core of a home
recording setup. Using the equipment recommended at this level requires more technical
expertise and preparation, and is not surprisingly more expensive. A laptop or desktop computer
is at the center of this setup, which requires both an audio interface and standard microphones,
cables, and stands. Because of the use of an audio interface, a wider variety of microphones
can be used. Specific microphone recommendations for voices and instrument families are
provided in the Google spreadsheet.
1.
Audio interface (Scarlett 2i2 or equivalent) - Note: make sure the interface
purchased is compatible with your current operating system. (price range: $100-$400)
2.
Two standard microphones (Shure SM-58 or equivalent), cables, and stands.
(typical price for two microphones, cables, and stands: $285)
3.
Headphones: plug-in if possible, earbuds or open-back recommended,
closed-back is possible for recording applications
(price ranges: earbuds $20 and up; open-back $160; closed-back $65-$80)
4.
If recording is a part of lessons: Garage Band (free), Logic Pro ($199), or
Ableton Live ($269)
Teacher Recommendations
Lists of recommended specific models of microphones and headphones can be found at ​Butler
School of Music Recommended Gear for Online Lessons - July 24, 2020​. Once again,
Cleanfeed audio, using the Chrome browser, is strongly recommended over Zoom audio.
Level 1
This level represents a basic setup that enhances sound quality. Obtaining an external
microphone is the top priority; quality headphones are also important. Each external microphone
that is recommended works relatively well with all voices and instruments.
1.
External USB microphone (price range: $50-$150)
2.
Headphones: plug-in if possible, earbuds or open-back recommended,
closed-back is possible for recording applications
(price ranges: earbuds $20 and up; open-back $160; closed-back $65-$80)
3.
If recording is a part of lessons, Garage Band or Audacity software (both free)
Level 2
This level represents a more sophisticated setup that could serve as the core of a home
recording setup. Using the equipment recommended at this level requires more technical
expertise and preparation, and is not surprisingly more expensive. A laptop or desktop computer
is at the center of this setup, which requires both an audio interface and standard microphones,
cables, and stands. Because of the use of an audio interface, a wider variety of microphones
can be used with this setup. Specific microphone recommendations for voices and instrument
families are provided in the Google spreadsheet.
1.
Audio interface (Scarlett 2i2 or equivalent) - Note: make sure the interface
purchased is compatible with your current operating system. (price range: $100-$400)
2.
Two standard microphones (Shure SM-58 or equivalent), cables, and stands.
(typical price for two microphones, cables, and stands: $285)
3.
Headphones: plug-in if possible, earbuds or open-back recommended,
closed-back is possible for recording applications
(price ranges: earbuds $20 and up; open-back $160; closed-back $65-$80)
4.
If recording is a part of lessons: Garage Band (free), Logic Pro ($199), or
Ableton Live ($269)
Tips and Tricks:
Use Chrome browser with Cleanfeed and Jitsi Meet.
Close all unneeded browser windows and all unneeded applications before the lesson.
Pause syncing if using Google Drive or Dropbox.
If possible, hardwire computer to internet connection using an Ethernet cable.