Tuning
For helping parents/students with Fine Tuners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0VsI6Gn9ug&t=2s
For helping parents/students with pegs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHvKWxqNVMs
Practical Method for tuning a violin or viola: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7816594B2/en
A tuning video on YouTube that includes printable handouts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCjBpj7Aqsc&feature=youtu.be
and one more!
https://youtu.be/Ga5e1uyRI7g
Recommendations for violin tuning apps (also named in some of above videos):
https://www.connollymusic.com/stringovation/5-best-violin-tuning-apps
Tonal Energy is an app with a cute smiley face (for when the string is in tune) but I think it's just for iphones and ipads.
gStrings app is one I've used ($4).
How to change a string:
1) https://youtu.be/orsbOBZGFIE video
3) A humorous one for changing strings and tuning, rambles some but funny, 15 min. long: https://youtu.be/lUJ2w69UIP4
How to apply fingertapes: https://youtu.be/1Cw-Ds1npzI
Another tip: when using a tuning app, try to check and make sure the pitch frequency is set at 440 (unless your orchestra director requests a different frequency like 442)
Metronome Suggestions.
Seiko Quartz Metronome-- nice non-digital one that I use with a dial to find speeds. You cannot get every single speed, but it seems like plenty speeds available (it offers speeds by 4, like 60 beats per minute, then 64).
https://www.sharmusic.com/Accessories/Metronomes-Tuners/Seiko-Quartz-Metronome.axd
It is likely cheaper on Amazon and here is a cheaper one, but I"ve never ordered from this company, says free shipping!
2. Intelli 1000-- this one is especially nice since it includes a tone generator. This is useful for hearing pitches for scales, high notes, or new pieces. It is also supposed to nice and loud. It is the most expensive but is probably worth it. The speaker might be in the back, and so it might not work well placed right on a music stand.
3. Korg- high ratings, popular, includes tone generator, good price
https://www.sharmusic.com/Accessories/Metronomes-Tuners/Korg-TM-60-Combo-Tuner-Metronome.axd?
or from amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Korg-TM60BK-Tuner-Metronome-Black/dp/B078C5HCVP?th=1
ZOOM Tips for better connection, audio, video and more
Tips for Zoom:
- uncheck the automatically adjust microphone volume box
- set input volume to about 80%
- disable the feature for persistent background noise cancellation
- disable the feature for intermittent background noise cancellation
Click on the audio settings (^ next to picture of microphone) or “advanced” settings button (in the lower right-hand corner of Audio Settings) and check the box marked “Show in-meeting option to ‘Enable Original Sound’ from microphone”
Set “Suppress persistent background noise” to “Disable”
Set “Suppress intermittent background noise” to “Disable”
Ensure “Echo Cancellation” is set to “Auto”
To enable original sound on a tablet or phone: Click on Settings-->Meetings-->Use Original Sound
Take some time to test your home Internet speed using a website such as THIS ONE. Perform the test in various spots in your house to determine where you will get the highest speed.
The closer your device is to your router, the better your WiFi connection will be. For the very best connection, consider plugging your computer directly into the router with an ethernet cable.
If you have multiple members of your household on Zoom, DO NOT have multiple devices connected to Zoom in the same room. (At least--not both connected to audio).
If you choose to use an external speaker or headphones and you are using bluetooth, be sure that the bluetooth speaker is not connected to the same device that is hosting your Zoom connection.
Test your speaker volume ahead of time. Zoom has a “test speaker” function. If you have trouble hearing on your end during a meeting and your computer volume is turned all the way up, you can turn up your speaker volume here.
Youtube video to watch about Zoom tips for music: