A musician's guide to video conferencing and virtual music lessons

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of life is hard to overstate, and its effect on the music industry is no different. The realities of life in the pandemic have transformed video conferencing from a novelty tool into a necessity that has taken virtual music lessons mainstream. Likewise, virtual rehearsals and concerts have become much more commonplace.

Many of these changes seem destined to at least partially outlive the pandemic. Even after live venues and concerts make their return, it will be important for musicians to have some experience on how to successfully approach the online medium. Here, we'll go over some of the basics of software and equipment in video conferencing for musicians.

Finding the right software for virtual music lessons

Effective video conferencing for musicians starts with the right software. This applies to the software that handles audio on your computer, typically a digital audio workstation or DAW , and to the conferencing platform you're using.

Your conferencing software

Virtual rehearsals, music lessons and concerts demand low-latency, high-quality online meetings. A conferencing package for musicians should support:

  • Unrestricted HD video and audio for up to 100 participants
  • Cloud recording and the ability to stream live to YouTube
  • Flexible audio and video sharing

When it comes to maintaining a smooth and professional sound for online music sessions, high-quality audio is crucial. Tools like an online music mixer can help musicians achieve polished, studio-grade audio with ease. Combining top-notch audio mastering software with the right conferencing hardware ensures compelling virtual performances.

The video conferencing tools provided by 8x8 are a solid choice for all of these needs. At their core is the innovative and powerful Jitsi.org, an open-source solution that has helped 8x8 meeting software see record levels of adoption in recent years.

Choosing the best audio and video equipment

The other key to successful online band rehearsals and other virtual musical endeavors is robust audio equipment. A strong audio setup includes a computer that can run a DAW and video conferencing program along with:

  • Noise cancelling headphones
  • A USB field recorder or condenser microphone
  • A MIDI keyboard
  • A pair of studio monitors
  • Audio interface hardware

The amount you'll want to invest in these components depends on what kind of conferencing you're doing. If you're recording online concerts, an XLR microphone setup with a multiline audio interface is a worthwhile investment. For teaching lessons or virtual rehearsals, a high-quality USB mic is an affordable and practical solution.

If video presentation is an important part of what you're doing, for example, if you're livestreaming for an audience, you'll want to take lighting and camera quality into account. You can find plenty of recommendations online for pulling together high-quality live streaming equipment.

Get the most out of video conferencing for musicians

Video conferencing can be a game-changing tool for musicians looking to collaborate with each other or get their creativity and passion noticed by the public. To find out more about how 8x8 can help, contact us today.