The How To of my Zoom Classes, including Music & Playback

Though the tech has come really far since I very first tried to live stream two-way classes (you seeing me; me seeing you) almost ten years ago, there are still some difficulties around sound when it comes to our use of music. We’ve created some workarounds.

PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THIS - IN FULL - BEFORE YOUR FIRST CLASS. Tech issues cannot be dealt with during class time.

Please note:

If I am experiencing internet issues, I will let everyone know and then I’ll record the class and upload it as soon as I am able.

If YOU are experiencing tech issues of any kind, please remember that you can simply watch the recording after the fact. Again, tech needs to be figured out outside the class.

BASICS

You will be added to a Facebook messenger chat that is named for that session. You will get the zoom link, music links, and the recorded videos in this messenger chat.

To ensure privacy, when you get on zoom, you will be told that you’re in a “waiting room.” I’ll let you in the second I see you.

I get into Zoom about ten minutes before the start of class to allow for CHAT TIME! Please be sure to be “in the room,” at least a minute or two before start times.

Once class is about to begin, I will ask everyone to mute themselves at their end so you’re only hearing me.

MUSIC

You’re in charge of playing your own music because a) it helps with copyright issues and b) the sound quality of streaming is not yet good enough.

I supply the list hours, if not days, before class. I create the list on two platforms, both Spotify and YouTube.

HOW

In movement arts practices, I tell you what song is next so you can get it ready and I talk about the prompt for that song so no need to feel rushed. Then I ask everyone to hit PLAY. Of course, we will not be perfectly synched, but the main point of this method is that you are in control of the quality of delivery of your music. You can make it as loud as you like from your end. I work with earbuds in, of course, so you don’t hear mine!

IMPORTANT! PLEASE NOTE: it is BEST to use your music on one device and have class running on another. This is the simplest approach. For example, I have the class running on my desktop Mac and I have my music running on my phone. GETTING THIS FIGURED OUT BEFORE WE BEGIN IS CRUCIAL. Experiment ahead of time.

SPOTIFY: This is the best option if you are able to purchase Spotify (I think it’s under $12 a month). The free version is NOT useful for classes (and thus my YouTube lists; see below).

YouTube: I will replicate the list here. If you are using free YouTube, you know you might get an AD here and there, but they only last a few seconds before you are able to skip. This has not interfered in people’s experiences.

PLAYBACK

Every class is recorded, and will be available for playback within 24 hours, sooner if possible. I'll place the link in our Facebook messenger group as soon as it's ready.

These classes stay available for you throughout the session and for a couple of weeks beyond.

These classes are NOT for anyone else’s use; do not download; do not share in any way. (Thank you.)

If you have any questions, feel free to email or message me. Please do not wait until the day of your first class.