What should I prepare for my first lesson?
First things first, get excited!
Most of our teachers call new students on the phone before lessons start, but just in case your teacher is super busy, check out this list of things you'll want to prepare for your first lesson. If your teacher has given you any special instructions before your first lesson, we encourage you to follow through with those tips.
Your teacher's contact information is listed on your Dashboard in your TakeLessons account. You can always call or email your teacher if you have any other questions before lessons start.
If you will be taking lessons online
1. Set up your equipment
- Make sure you’ll have a secure, reliable internet connection during your class time. (Learn more)
- We recommend that you use a headset and microphone, to minimize background noise and make it easier for your teacher to hear you.
- We recommend discussing a back up platform in the event that you have trouble connecting through your primary video platform choice
2. Test your microphone and camera
- Seeing and hearing your teacher is an important part of online learning. To make sure your teacher will be able to see and hear you, make sure your microphone and camera are working before your class starts.
- If you're planning to use TakeLessons Classroom and on a desktop, laptop, or another non-mobile device, you can easily test all your equipment and internet connection with our TakeLessons Classroom Test Page, at https://takelessons.com/video/test
3. Plan your learning environment.
- Where will you sit to take your class? Make sure your space is well-lit and as free of distractions as possible. Don’t plan to join your class in a busy public place like a coffee shop or bookstore.
- Keep in mind that background noises might make it hard for your teacher to hear you.
4. Be on time.
- If you’re running late or having trouble joining your lesson, call your teacher to let them know.
- Students who join the class more than 15 minutes after it has started may lose out on their lesson credit. (See: What is your lesson cancellation policy?)
If you will be taking lessons at your teacher's location
1. Make sure you know where you’re going
- If you're not taking lessons at home, your teacher's address is listed in the welcome message you received from them so you can map directions.
2. Arrive a little early to find parking
- Your teacher’s location may have a tricky parking situation, and you don’t want to miss out on any valuable lesson time while you search for parking. We suggest arriving early, but expect your lesson to start on time.
3. Bring your lesson materials
- Unless your teacher has told you specifically that you don’t need to bring your lesson materials (including any instruments or textbooks) to your first lesson, plan on bringing your materials with you on the first day.
If you will be taking lessons at your location
1. Plan your learning environment
- Choose a quiet, tidy, and distraction free location where your instructor can comfortably provide lessons.
2. Have your lesson materials within reach
- Unless your teacher has told you specifically that you don’t need your lesson materials (including any instruments or textbooks) for your first lesson, plan on having your materials within reach.