Frequently asked questions

Recitals (Students)

What time should students arrive (log on Zoom)?

All students should plan to log onto the Zoom meeting 15 minutes before the start of the recital. This will allow time to do a quick technical test to make sure their Zoom set up has been configured properly BEFORE the recital.



Should I mute or not mute during the recital?

The recital monitor will mute everyone at the begining of the recital. When it is your turn to perform your piece in the recital the recital monitor will request your mute be turned off. Zoom will prompt you if it is OK to unmute your microphone. Simply click "OK" to allow Zoom to unmute your microphone before you start to play your piece. After you finish your piece the recital monitor will mute your microphone for you. Take a breath and a bow. You don't have to do anything else.



How should I set up my Zoom for the recital?

It is important to turn on "Original Sound" within your Zoom settings. This is because Zoom will try to filter out your piano, if you don't, as it thinks it is background noise. If you need help turning on "Original Sound" on your Zoom account please see our step by step instructions further in this FAQ page.



How do I enable "Original Sound" in Zoom on a computer?

1) Make sure you have downloaded the Zoom app to your computer. 2) Open the Zoom app. 3) Click on “Settings” (the gearbox in the upper right corner). 4) Select “Audio”. 5) Turn off “Automatically Adjust Microphone Volume” and then select a level that is 3/4 to full. 6) Click on “Advanced”. 7) Click on “Show in-meeting option to enable original sound” from the microphone. 8) When you join the meeting – on the upper left of your screen you’ll see the ability to “Turn off or turn on original sound” – please do this before the recital begins (turn it ON).



How do I enable "Original Sound" in Zoom on a phone or tablet?

1) Open the Zoom app. 2) Click on “Settings” at the bottom. 3) Click on “Meetings”. 4) Scroll down until you see “Use Original Sound” – turn this ON. 5) When you join the meeting, click on the three dots along your bottom menu bar where it says “More”. 6) Click on “Enable Original Sound”.



Why cant I chat in the Zoom call?

To minimize distractions during the recital we have disabled the Zoom chat feature.



Can I use the Zoom emoticons?

Yes!, feel free to use the Zoom emoticons to clap, thumbs up or heart the other performers AFTER the end of their performance.



Why does my microphone keep muting?

The recital monitor's job is to minimize distractions during the recital. The recital monitor will mute all student microphones when not performing. If you attempt to unmute your microphone the recital monitor may mute your microphone again right away.



Why was my video turned off?

If the recital monitor sees distracting movement on a student's video stream that may disturbe the other performers then the recital monitor may turn off your video.



Why don't I see video streams when I join the recital meeting?

When you first log onto the Zoom meeting to join the recital, you will be placed in a "waiting room". This is like standing outside the doors of the recital hall. We will hold everyone in the waiting room while we perform sound checks with the performers. Once we are ready to start the recital, the recital monitor will automatically bring everyone into the recital where you will see the video streams.



What happens during the sound check before the recital?

When you log onto the recital Zoom call, you will wait in the "waiting room". The recital monitor will automatically bring you into the main recital room when it is your turn for a sound check. During the sound check Ms. Crystal will be there and together you will verify your video is set properly to show you playing your piece and that your sound has been properly configured within your Zoom app. (Please make sure to turn on "Original Sound" BEFORE the recital begins.) When your sound check is done, the recital monitor will automatically move you back to the waiting room where you will wait while other students have their sound check.



Recitals (Guest)

What should I expect when I attend a Creative Keyboards virtual recital?

As our guest at a Creative Keyboards recital, we encourage you to try to minimize any distractions to the performeers as possible. This means respecting that the recital monitor has muted your microphone and try not to do anything visually distracting on your video.



Can I unmute myself to clap or cheer for my student?

While students appreciate the support from their family and friends, we have found that it is best to keep everyone muted during the recital. To show your support for your student it is recommended that you wave your hands or signs on your video. If you are physically with your student it is acceptable to clap for them their locally.



Why does my microphone keep muting?

The recital monitor's job is to minimize distractions during the recital. The recital monitor will mute all guest microphones. If you attempt to unmute your microphone the recital monitor may mute your microphone again right away. If you continue to unmute your microphone the recital monitor may remove you from the Zoom call.



Why was my video turned off?

If the recital monitor sees distracting movement on a guest's video stream that may disturbe the performers or other attendees then the recital monitor may turn off your video. If you turn on your video again the recital monitor may remove you from the Zoom call.



Why cant I chat in the Zoom call?

To minimize distractions during the recital we have disabled the Zoom chat feature.



Can I use the Zoom emoticons?

Yes!, feel free to use the Zoom emoticons to clap, thumbs up or heart the performers AFTER the end of their performance.



Why don't I see video streams when I join the recital meeting?

When you first log onto the Zoom meeting to join the recital, you will be placed in a "waiting room". This is like standing outside the doors of the recital hall. We will hold everyone in the waiting room while we perform sound checks with the performers. Once we are ready to start the recital, the recital monitor will automatically bring everyone into the recital where you will see the video streams.



I'm having technical issues with my Zoom can I get support?

The Creative Keyboards staff is focused on helping the students have the best experience with their performance. We are not able to help guests with technical issues. We suggest checking out the Zoom support page at https://support.zoom.us