I use Microsoft Teams to conduct online lessons. Below are some recommendations for an optimal experience, as well as some essential settings to prepare. Most important is our ability to turn off noise-cancellation settings. These are often turned on by default, and filter out the sound of your musical instrument.

• If possible, use a laptop. Your phone or tablet will be too small and clumsy for a good experience.
• Download the Teams app.  Do not run Teams or hold calls through an internet browser. Browser calls do not allow you to turn off noise-cancellation.
• Create a unique Teams account which you will use only for lessons. Do not use an account that you’ve gained through your workplace. Work accounts often do not allow you to turn off noise-cancellation
• Turn off any noise-cancellation settings. These will be turned on by default when you first install Teams.
• Some devices have built-in noise-suppression/cancellation that runs via the operating system (for example, Dell Computers). Google to find out if your device has anything like that and turn it off.