Technical support workspace
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Technical Support

Everything you need to get crystal-clear audio, flawless video, and the best possible online lesson experience.

Zoom video call setup

Zoom Settings for Music

The single most important technical setup for online music lessons. Without Original Sound, high notes get cut off and dynamics are flattened.

Audio equipment setup
Essential Setup

Enable Original Sound Mode

Standard Zoom compresses audio and removes musical frequencies to optimize for speech. For music lessons, you need to enable Original Sound to hear the full range of your instrument or voice.

This preserves dynamics, overtones, and the nuances that make music beautiful.

  • Original Sound - Preserves full audio spectrum
  • High Fidelity Mode - Studio-grade audio quality
  • Stereo Audio - Full left/right sound field
  • Headphones Required - Prevents echo and feedback
Computer setup for online lessons

System Requirements

Ensure your device meets these specifications for the best lesson experience.

Computer

  • Windows 10+ or macOS 10.13+
  • Dual-core processor Quad-core recommended
  • 4GB RAM minimum 8GB+ recommended
  • 720p webcam 1080p recommended
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
  • Zoom Desktop Client (latest)

Mobile & Tablet

  • iOS 14.0+ or Android 10+
  • iPad recommended for larger screen
  • Zoom mobile app (latest version)
  • Front-facing camera
  • Wired headphones with mic
  • Stable WiFi (not cellular)

Internet

  • 3 Mbps minimum 10+ Mbps recommended
  • 3 Mbps upload 5+ Mbps recommended
  • Latency under 100ms Under 50ms ideal
  • Ethernet preferred over WiFi
  • Close bandwidth-heavy apps
  • Test at fast.com
Troubleshooting technical issues

Troubleshooting

Step-by-step guides to resolve the most common issues during online lessons.

No Audio / Mic Not Working

Cannot hear or be heard

  1. Check Zoom is not muted (bottom left)
  2. Zoom Settings > Audio > Select correct mic
  3. Click "Test Mic" to verify
  4. Check system permissions for Zoom
  5. Close other apps using microphone
  6. Unplug and replug headphones
  7. Restart Zoom completely

Camera Not Working

Black screen or no video

  1. Check video is enabled in Zoom
  2. Zoom Settings > Video > Select camera
  3. Check for physical camera cover
  4. Grant camera permission in system
  5. Close FaceTime, Photo Booth, etc.
  6. Update camera drivers (Windows)
  7. Restart computer if needed

Poor Connection / Lag

Freezing, cutting out

  1. Move closer to WiFi router
  2. Use ethernet cable if possible
  3. Close streaming apps and downloads
  4. Ask household to limit usage
  5. Turn off HD video in Zoom
  6. Disable virtual backgrounds
  7. Restart router if needed

High Notes Cut Off

Violin, flute, soprano distorted

  1. This is caused by audio compression
  2. Go to Zoom Settings > Audio
  3. Enable "Original Sound" option
  4. Turn on "High fidelity music mode"
  5. In meeting, click "Turn on Original Sound"
  6. BOTH parties need this enabled
  7. See our Zoom Guide for details
Platform Guides

Help for Your Device

Select your platform for tailored setup instructions.

Windows PC

Windows PC

Download Zoom Desktop Client. Check audio in Sound Settings. Grant permissions in Privacy settings.

Mac

Mac

System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Enable Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording for Zoom.

iPad

iPad & iPhone

Settings > Zoom > Enable Camera, Microphone, Local Network. Use wired headphones for best audio.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often.

Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 10 PM EST, and Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM EST. For urgent issues during lessons, use the live chat feature for fastest response. Email support typically responds within 24 hours.
Click "Forgot Password" on the login page and enter your email. You will receive a reset link within minutes. Check spam if not received. Link expires in 24 hours.
Yes, but computer or iPad is recommended. Phones have small screens. Use landscape mode, stable surface, and wired headphones. Original Sound is available in Zoom mobile app under Settings > Meeting.
Wait 10-15 minutes in the meeting room. If not joined, email us immediately at info@theglobalconservatory.com with your booking details. We will reschedule and ensure no charge for missed lesson.
Zoom compresses audio by default. Enable "Original Sound" in Zoom Settings > Audio > Music and Professional Audio. Turn on "High fidelity music mode." Both you AND your teacher need this enabled. See our Zoom Guide.
Ask your teacher for permission first. If approved, use Zoom's built-in recording. Recordings are for personal practice only and may not be shared publicly without consent.
Log in to your account > Bookings. Reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before without penalty. Within 24 hours may be charged. For emergencies, contact us immediately.
Minimum 3 Mbps up/down. Recommended 10+ Mbps for HD and high-fidelity audio. Test at fast.com. Wired ethernet is better than WiFi. Close other apps during lessons.
All times display in YOUR local timezone based on your account and browser settings. Check timezone in profile if times seem wrong. Confirmation emails also show your timezone.
Get Help

Contact Support

Cannot find what you need? Our team is here to help you get back to making music.

  • Emailinfo@theglobalconservatory.com
  • HoursMon-Fri 8AM-10PM EST, Sat 9AM-5PM
  • Live ChatAvailable during support hours
  • Response TimeWithin 24 hours (usually faster)