Online Music Lessons Virtual Performance Preparation 4 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'tech rehearsal' in the context of virtual performances, and when should it occur?
- A final run-through of the music at full tempo, done on performance day
- A full systems check of audio, video, streaming, and lighting done before the actual performance date (Correct answer)
- A meeting with the streaming platform's technical support team
- A practice session focused only on technically difficult passages
Correct answer: A full systems check of audio, video, streaming, and lighting done before the actual performance date
A tech rehearsal is a full dry run of all technical elementsâaudio levels, camera angles, lighting, and stream settingsâconducted ideally 24â48 hours before the live event.
Question 2: Which keyboard shortcut category should a performer know inside their streaming software (e.g., OBS) before going live?
- Hotkeys for switching scenes, muting audio, and starting/stopping the stream (Correct answer)
- Shortcuts for editing audio waveforms post-performance
- Keys for adjusting video codec settings mid-stream
- Commands for exporting the stream recording to a cloud drive
Correct answer: Hotkeys for switching scenes, muting audio, and starting/stopping the stream
Knowing hotkeys for scene switching, mute toggling, and stream start/stop lets a performer manage the broadcast smoothly without fumbling through menus during a live event.
Question 3: A guitarist streaming a solo performance notices that their video and audio are out of sync by about 200 milliseconds. What is the most direct fix in streaming software like OBS?
- Increase the video encoder bitrate to match audio speed
- Apply an audio delay offset in the audio source settings (Correct answer)
- Reduce the video frame rate from 30 fps to 24 fps
- Switch from stereo to mono audio output
Correct answer: Apply an audio delay offset in the audio source settings
Most streaming software allows you to add a manual audio delay offset (in milliseconds) to an audio source, which compensates for the processing time difference between audio and video pipelines.
Question 4: Why should a performer always do a test recording before a virtual recital rather than relying solely on headphone monitoring?
- Headphones are inaccurate at all frequencies during live performance
- Room acoustics and microphone placement issues may not be apparent through headphones but will be clear in the recording (Correct answer)
- Streaming software does not allow monitoring through headphones
- Test recordings lock in your audio settings and prevent accidental changes
Correct answer: Room acoustics and microphone placement issues may not be apparent through headphones but will be clear in the recording
Listening to a test recording reveals how the microphone actually captures the room, including reflections and tonal imbalances that in-ear monitoring can mask.
Question 5: A flutist wants to reduce keyboard typing noise from their laptop fan during a virtual performance. Which solution addresses the root cause?
- Increase room temperature to reduce fan speed
- Use a USB audio interface and external microphone instead of the built-in laptop mic (Correct answer)
- Place a towel over the laptop keyboard while performing
- Lower the screen brightness to reduce power consumption and fan noise
Correct answer: Use a USB audio interface and external microphone instead of the built-in laptop mic
An external USB audio interface paired with a dedicated microphone picks up the instrument rather than internal laptop noise, solving the problem at its source.
Question 6: What is the role of a 'stage manager' or 'technical director' in a virtual ensemble performance?
- Performing the most technically demanding musical passages on behalf of other musicians
- Coordinating technical logisticsâcues, muting, camera switchingâso performers can focus on music (Correct answer)
- Providing real-time pitch correction for ensemble members
- Moderating the audience chat and answering questions during the performance
Correct answer: Coordinating technical logisticsâcues, muting, camera switchingâso performers can focus on music
A virtual technical director handles behind-the-scenes coordinationâmanaging feeds, triggering cues, and troubleshootingâso performers are not distracted by logistics during the live event.
Question 7: Why might a performer choose to stream at 1080p/30fps rather than 1080p/60fps for a virtual music recital?
- 60fps is not supported by any streaming platform
- 30fps requires significantly less upload bandwidth while still providing smooth-looking video for a seated performer (Correct answer)
- 60fps creates noticeable audio latency in live streams
- 30fps automatically enables audio noise reduction in OBS
Correct answer: 30fps requires significantly less upload bandwidth while still providing smooth-looking video for a seated performer
60fps doubles the data rate compared to 30fps; for a relatively stationary musical performance, 30fps delivers smooth video at roughly half the bandwidth cost, reducing stream instability.
Online Music Lessons Virtual Performance Preparation 4
What is a 'tech rehearsal' in the context of virtual performances, and when should it occur?