Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Guide to the Online Classroom

We want your experience in the online classroom at musictutors.co.uk to be smooth and problem-free, so we’ve collated some top tips for you to use at home in preparation for your online lessons. Follow this guide for a fluid experience in your online lesson.


1. Test your connection speed

For a great experience, we recommend as a minimum 2mbps both upload and download speed.

However, the faster your connection, the better your experience will be. Unsure of the speed of your connection? Take this test and find out how your connection is performing. It is worth testing in conditions as close to those in which you will be taking the online lesson (same location in your home, similar time of day).


2. Move your router clear of other devices

Keep your router as far away as possible from other devices, and those which operate wirelessly.

Cordless phones, baby monitors, halogen lamps, dimmer switches, stereos and computer speakers, TVs and monitors can all affect your wifi if they’re too close to your router. Did you know that microwave ovens can also reduce wifi signals? So don’t use the microwave when you’re taking a lesson! Also, place your router on a table or shelf rather than on the floor, and keep it switched on.


3. Lower the demands on your connection

The more devices attached to your wifi, the lower the speed you get. Devices like tablets and smartphones often work in the background, so try switching wifi reception off on these when you’re not using them.

You might also want to manage your family’s online activity, so that different people aren’t carrying out data-heavy tasks (like HD streaming, gaming or online music lessons) all at the same time. Downloading video in advance, instead of streaming it, is a useful tip to placate any siblings who might otherwise feel aggrieved!


4. Try wired rather than wireless

For the best broadband speeds, use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router rather than using wifi.

This is a computer networking cable which should give you a faster, more reliable connection. They’re available from as little as £3, although the higher quality the better.


5. Plug your router directly into your main phone socket

Where possible, try not to use a telephone extension lead, as these can cause interference which could lower your speed.

If you have to use an extension lead, use a new, high-quality cable with the shortest possible length. Tangled and coiled cables can also affect speed, as can interference from your phone line.


6. Followed this guide and still have problems?

We love feedback, of all kinds.

We built our online classroom with the vision of helping more people who would otherwise struggle to take a lesson in person, experience the joy of making music. If your experience is not right despite having followed this guide, please email us at [email protected] and we will work quickly to do all we can to help.