Mike Risko Music School

Learn an instrument. Play in a band. Star in your own performance.

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Virtual Tool Box
While we are all so excited that the world is back to normal, it is nice to have some virtual options.  All of our programs at Mike Risko Music have gone back to in-person but we have kept the virtual option for anyone who wants to continue with it in some capacity. Some students are opting to keep it because it is so convenient while others use it once in a while. Many students are excited about the hybrid option which will enable them to study with continuity, especially in the summer when they may not be local every week. We have really gotten good use out of it during bad weather days too. We would love to help our students get the most out of their lessons and understand what a virtual lesson from Mike Risko Music looks like.We have created this virtual tool box to help our students and families.  Click on any of the videos below to hear about our program and to learn how to log into our lessons. Keep on reading for best practices to familiarize yourself with how it works. Ask us for a virtual lesson anytime. We are fully dedicated to making sure that your virtual lessons at Mike Risko Music are as amazing as your in-person lessons. 

Click on the picture to view the Verizon Fios video about our on-line lesson program.
Click on the picture to learn how to log into a virtual lesson at Mike Risko Music.
Click on the pic to hear even more details about our virtual program.
We have put together some best practices for virtual students at Mike Risko Music. You can refer to these if you are a regular virtual student or if you take an occasional virtual lesson. Many of the same principals apply to both in-person and virtual students so please familiarize yourself with both. Additionally, all students should read our cancellation policy which applies to everyone. In the event of a snow day, virtual students would still remain virtual. Information for in-person students can be found here.

Logging in for Your Lessons:  Make sure you have your log-in ready and log in at the exact time of the lesson. When virtual students register, they are issued a code. If you are taking a one time virtual lesson, you will also be sent a code.  If you have a recurring code, keep it in a safe place and refer to it each week. Do not share your code with anyone. Do not log into your lesson early because there is likely another student in the virtual lesson room. Also, if you log in early, you may keep another student from logging in.  When you log on, always log on with your mic muted and your camera off. Be sure you know how to control the mic and the camera when the lesson starts. If you are a regular virtual student and you are taking a virtual makeup,  be sure to look for your makeup code which will be different from your usual code.
Books, Instruments and Materials for Virtual Lessons:  Have all your books, a pencil, a notebook and your instrument ready. Make sure instruments are plugged in, tuned and out of the case. Also make sure you have good lighting in your lesson area. If you need new books, come by our music store during showroom hours to purchase them.

Setting Up Your Device: Set up your device prior to your lesson. Be sure to have your device at a good angle that enables your teacher to see both you and the instrument. Your teacher also needs to be able to see you playing the instrument so they can be sure you are holding the instrument properly.  Set up in an area with little distractions. Having a wall behind you is best.  Pictures and video of the virtual lessons are not allowed. Parents should make sure their student does not have a phone or other electronic device distracting them during the lesson.

Parent Role in Virtual Lessons:  Parents are always welcome to watch lessons, but it is important to let the teacher do the instructing. Parents can be helpful by making sure that the above steps are taken. Additionally, it is sometimes helpful to have parents assist in making sure the child is holding the instrument properly or that their hands are positioned correctly. Parents do not have to sit in on the lesson but should try to be in the vicinty if the teacher needs to speak to you.

Assignments: Check in at the end of the lesson to write the assignment down unless the child is old enough to do that by themself.

Leaving the Virtual Lesson: Always leave the virtual lesson when the lesson is over. You leave the lesson by pressing the red "leave" button. This is extremely important. When students don't leave the lesson, the next student cannot get into their lesson.

Rescheduling When You Are Virtual: If you need to reschedule anything, always call our office at 914-762-8757 or you can send an email. If there are any scheduling issues, please contact us right away. The teachers do not do any scheduling so if you need to move something, please let the office know.

Staying Informed and Connected  When You Are Virtual: Look for emails from Mike Risko Music with information about upcoming opportunities for students like student showcases and more. Get involved and you will find that you and your child will make lots of progress. We invite all our virtual students to participate in as many in-person (and virtual activities) as they can.  Check in with the office regulary. We love to hear from the students and we want to know how you are doing. Stop by the music store anytime for stickers and prizes.


Snow days are super fun now at Mike Risko Music because all our students get to take their lessons virtually.
Our teachers are trained to teach amazing lessons both in-person and virtual.
Our lesson rooms are set up to do both in-person and virtual lessons.
Mike Risko Music
School. Store. Entertainment.
144 Croton Avenue Ossining NY 10562
914-762-8757
  
© Mike Risko Music School 2007