Online Music Learning & Training at Brooklyn Music Factory

What time is my lesson or class?

All lessons and classes will take place at their usual day/time.

How/where do I log in?

All lessons and classes will take place in Zoom. (Click here for more about Zoom.) To log in to your class:

Log into BMFConnect. (Don’t know your BMFConnect login? Click here.)
Click “Join Your Lesson”

What do I need for my lesson or class?

We’re keeping it simple. For all lessons and classes, please have the following ready:

A device with an internet connection
Any web browser open to your BMFConnect dashboard
The Lesson Map your teacher will send you before class. (The Lesson Map will include links to any games/recordings/resources that you’ll be using during your lesson or class.)

And for specific lessons and classes, you can also have the following on hand:

Private Lessons

Your instrument (If you don’t have an instrument at home, let your teacher know; there may be some alternatives!)
Optional: A whiteboard or paper & markers

MiniKeys

A drum. Hint: You can make a drum out of lots of regular household items, such as a plastic tub, coffee can, a box--you just need something that can make a percussive sound to keep a beat. Make a game out of it and search around your home to find a good sound.
A keyboard or a keyboard app for the ipad or phone. (There are lots of free keyboard apps available. Just pick one that looks fun to you. :)
Paper and markers

Jam Band 101, Rock Write Record & GirlPop Exploration bands

An instrument (if you have one) either rhythmic, melodic
A drum. Hint: You can make a drum out of lots of regular household items, such as a plastic tub, coffee can, a box--you just need something that can make a percussive sound to keep a beat. Make a game out of it and search around your home to find a good sound.
A keyboard or a keyboard app for the ipad or phone. (There are lots of free keyboard apps available. Just pick one that looks fun to you. :)
Writing utensil & paper
Space to move around

Rock Write Record & GirlPop Position & Adult bands

Your instrument/s. If using an amp, have it plugged in and ready to go. If you are a vocalist, you do not need anything besides your voice!
Writing utensil & paper
Open https://www.soundtrap.com on your computer. (We’ll use this forum for collaborative songwriting.)

Do we need an instrument at home? What if I don't have one at home or where we are staying?

Private Lessons

Yes, ideally you will have your instrument for your lessons and for practicing in between lessons. However, we understand that not all students have instruments at home--we’re looking at you, drummers! If that’s the case, contact your teacher to discuss solutions.

Bands

It’s awesome if you have some kind of instrument at home. Luckily, it’s super easy to make a percussion instrument at home. (Just use a pot or pan, an upside bucket, a can… :) And you may have a melodic instrument--ie., a guitar or keyboard--at home already. If not, there are plenty of online keyboard and keyboard apps out there. We’ll dive into these more in class, because we’ll use them to collaborate online. So stay tuned for more details!

How will my {guitar, bass, drums, piano or voice} private lesson work?

Download Zoom (see below for more details)
Log into BMFConnect, go to “Classes” & click “Join Online.”
Aim your computer or device’s camera so your teacher can see you AND your instrument. See below for some suggestions!
Open the Lesson Map from your teacher. (The Lesson Map will include links to games/recordings/materials you will use in your lesson. You can find it in the Calendar invite your teacher sent you and in your Google Drive.)

Will the student be able to join and participate in the online class on their own, or does a parent or caregiver need to be present?

Younger students may need help navigating the technology, but otherwise an adult does not to be present.

Can we change our lesson day/time/length?

Yes, depending on availability. Contact jessica@brooklynmusicfactory.com to discuss scheduling changes.

I love online music classes. Can I get more?

We’re glad you’re having fun! Visit www.brooklynmusicfactory.com/bmftv for more music games and lessons from BMF teachers.

Are virtual lessons the same price as in-person lessons?

Yes, tuition for online and in-person lessons & classes is the same

Can I schedule a makeup lesson if we have to miss a class?

Click here for details on makeup lessons and classes.

Will I need my binder? Do I need a printer?

You can print out lesson notes if you are able and would like to, but all materials will also be available through BMFConnect.

What additional software/hardware do I need? (computer vs. tablet vs. phone)

You will need one device (computer, tablet or phone) to join the Zoom Call
Note - please download the Zoom App for whichever device you are using.

Zoom for Computer

Zoom on Appstore (iPad or iPhone)

Zoom on Google Play (Android phone or tablet)

IMPORTANT: If you have multiple students in the same family that will be attending online lessons at the same time, you will need different devices to join different calls at the same time.

What if I don’t have a Zoom account?

No problem! You don’t need a Zoom account or to log in to join a Zoom call through a web browser.

I can’t log in and my lesson is starting soon. Help!

We’re here to help! Just click the chat icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and somebody will get back to you right away! Note: We are available 3pm-7:30pm Monday-Thursday, 3pm-6:30pm Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday.

Quick Start:

Lessons & Classes

Getting Started with Zoom

BMF Connect FAQs

General FAQs