How to Set Up an Overhead Webcam for Online Piano Lessons (Top Down Camera View)

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This video is a short explanation of how to set up an overhead camera to provide a top down view of your piano for video tutorials or online lessons.
I’m Joseph from Flex Lessons, and my goal is to make quality musical education accessible to you over the internet and help other teachers do the same. I post piano demonstrations, equipment reviews, and tutorial videos on this channel. Be sure to subscribe to see more!
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7 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 112

@DMichigan 3 года назад

I was looking for instructions and setup for taking overhead videos for painting instruction, and this one seems to answer all my questions and fits what I need. Thank you!

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

Glad this helped!

@marileecrawley-mertins3169 3 года назад

Thank you for a great video!

@ricardofranciszayas 4 года назад

Excellent. Thank you

@chazzd813 3 года назад

Thank you so much!

@KeithHutchinsonYT 2 года назад

Well presented, useful, clear and good information. Thx.

@FlexLessons 2 года назад

Glad you found this helpful!

@JoelBrandonMedia 4 года назад

Thank you!

@justmonnss4185 2 года назад

really helpful

@RaviSreenivasanOrthopod Год назад

Thanks for the complete information on which actual equipment to use.

@FlexLessons Год назад

You're welcome!

@Optunity 4 года назад

Nice video thanks

@andrebehnke6086 4 года назад

Awesome video! Thank you! Do you use specific software that allows you switch between camera angles during your lessons ?

@carlywalton8315 4 года назад

Great video Joseph!! Very helpful!

@zeinz6095 4 года назад

Very useful! Thanks for sharing. I especially like the clean and clutter free look of your setup. What piano lamp are you using , I really like it.

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

Thanks! It’s been a while since I purchased it, but I believe this is the one: www.1800lighting.com/house-of-troy-advent-piano-10-inch-piano-lamp-1843909.html?src=private_multi&gclid=Cj0KCQjw09HzBRDrARIsAG60GP8hJLUfVjf6aW56a0aspP39vKbP0blKUJ2IZfjPztbFVCNpZtIn_50aAkt7EALw_wcB

@kennethobrien13 4 года назад

Best explanation I've ever seen of how to do this and what to use. Your use of technology is the best I've seen for online piano lessons. What software do you use to record video? Thanks much.

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

Thank you! In this video I am using QuickTime on my Mac as well as an iPhone with Filmic Pro app (which is what I usually use for my videos). On Windows 10, I use the native camera app for these cameras. Hope that helps!

@kennethobrien13 4 года назад

@@FlexLessons Thank you!

@elizabethr6173 Год назад

Thank you for sharing this great video! Any ideas for an overhead camera setup for a keyboard?

@FlexLessons Год назад

Absolutely! You would mount it to the wall using something like an Elgato wall mount or use a microphone stand with a boom arm situated behind the keyboard.

@elizabethr6173 Год назад

@@FlexLessons Thank you very much! My keyboard is in the middle of the room so I have a side view/slightly over the shoulder view. I tried a boom mic stand and it is in the way and falling over like you mentioned. I thought of maybe a music stand for the small mike stand....It has been a work in progress.:o)

@FlexLessons Год назад

@@elizabethr6173 I would center the boom stand directly behind the keyboard, snug against the back, with the boom leaning over the top. See if that works. Depending on the length of the boom, that could be a really good solution.

@jamesvanvalkenburg4448 4 года назад

Thank you for your helpful video. I have been trying to find a solution to teaching with a web cam and it looks like your set up is just what I need. Can you tell me where I can get the stand and the adapter?

@oussamafr6123 4 года назад

Look at the description, exist the mic stand and the adapter and the camera.

@ShimronCSUEB 4 года назад

Great video -- thanks so much. Just wondering if this boomstand would work if I were to position the cam behind me. I have a grand piano and would rather not put a stand on the piano. Thanks again.

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

Sorry I missed your comment! This stand is too small for that. You will need a full size telescoping mic stand.

@laudrupli 4 года назад

Thank you for this insightful video on Skype lesson setup! With your current set up in this video, is the webcam cable long enough to connect to your laptop (I'm assuming that's what you're using to film yourself on the left side of the piano)? Cheers!

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

Good question! No. The cable is not long enough. You will need to use a usb extension...Or...you can do what I do and plug all your cameras and audio into a usb hub. In this video, I am using my Logitech Brio which is mounted near the Laptop and plugged into a hub that connects to my laptop.

@JulianLambert 4 года назад

This and other of your videos have been really useful - thx so much. Are you able to help? Using a Logitech C922 above the keyboard with Skype the image needs to be mirrored, currently, a RH ascending scale looks like a LH descending and I can't see how to solve this. Any suggestions?

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

The image preview on Skype is mirrored, but the student will see exactly what the camera sees. Basically, it works correctly without you doing anything.

@JulianLambert 4 года назад

@@FlexLessons Ah great - thx so much for your help. I should have looked through the other comments - I see you've answered that one before!

@markmatthews731 4 года назад

Hey, great job on your gear setup. What is the brand make of the ball joint adaptor that you use? where did you get that one that works with the Logitech C920? thank you

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

I linked to it in the video description. It’s the “on stage video camera adapter”.

@janetgordon171 4 года назад

I am using zoom for piano lessons but I haven't worked out how to use my extra camera with a web cam in my lap top..Good to see the stand and the height plus I have check amazon today and I can't see a webcam Log C920 for under $100....

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

It’s probably going to be a while before prices come back down. If you do have an extra webcam, and it is better than your laptop camera, you could put it on a tripod directly behind your laptop so that you can position it optimally (and so your setup remains stationary) while still appearing to look at the student.

@ms.limusic3986 4 года назад

So helpful- thank you! What do you suggest equipment-wise in terms of the sound quality for recording videos? I have the same webcam as you, except that instead of using a stand, I have a clamp on my grand piano stand. I use a microphone but when I upload the videos, my playing sounds so "buzzy" and awful. Thinking of going back to my ipad and tripod, which is clunky...but sounds better.

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

I suggest something like a Blue Yeti or an AT2020 or some high end USB mic. If you aren’t using a mic of at least this quality, the ipad will probably sound better. One thing to note is that if you are making piano recordings, stereo sounds way better than mono, but most mics record in mono.

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

I should add that if you invest in an audio interface like a scarlet 2i2 and get the XLR version of the AT2020, it will sound considerably better than the USB equivalent (better signal to noise, less hiss, etc)....this is only beneficial when dealing with recordings.

@ms.limusic3986 4 года назад

@@FlexLessons Awesome! Thank you for your suggestions and helpful tips. Appreciate it!

@johnsayre2038 3 года назад

Great info, thanks for taking the time to share these insights (love all things Yamaha too). I am trying to figure out how to have a Skype call with split screen so that the student can simultaneously see my face and also an overhead shot. do you have any recommendations for tutorials on that? I'm not even sure if that is possible on Skype. Thanks so much.

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

The only way to do that is to run software like OBS or ManyCam, which Skype only recognizes on Windows at the moment. You essentially put together your visual presentation in one of these programs and send it to Skype or Zoom as a virtual camera through NDI. Zoom supports this on Windows and Mac. The only reason I don’t do this at the moment is that it spins up my MacBook fans really loud, which makes it more trouble than it is worth.

@dododuckadoo 4 года назад

Hi! The video is really helpful! Thanks so much for putting up n I ve been checking up the rest of your video too! I tried to set up mine. I m having an old webcam Logitech C310 n I tried n see if it works.. but the image that come out was mirror. I m using Mac OS X 10.10.5. Just wonder, if I were to purchase a set of same equipment, ll the mirrored image solved? Thanks!!

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

Assuming you can get the camera at the correct orientation facing the keys, the camera will see the keyboard as you see it. Skype mirrors the image in the preview for you only, not your student. If you are doubting of this, you can open Quicktime and view your camera there and you should see that it is not mirrored.

@BansaiMont3l 2 года назад

And if it is really mirrored - ask your student if he sees your right or your left hand - you can use OBS Studio as a Virtual Webcam (put your regular Webcam as Input), mirror it in the program, use the Virtual Webcam as output. OBS Studio is free, and the solution is quite easy.

@estherk.4656 3 года назад

Thank you so much for making this video, the information is very helpful! I looked and looked but cannot find the description of the stand. Can you post a link or just the name of the stand in the comments? Maybe because I am not in the US, but for some reason, I do not see anything in your description? Thanks!

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

As it turns out, I accidentally deleted the link! Thank you for pointing this out. All my teaching equipment (including what you see in this video) can be found at this link: kit.co/flexlessons

@estherk.4656 3 года назад

@@FlexLessons Thank you so much! :)

@AlecKatz 3 года назад

Hello Joseph, thanks for your videos, is your overhead Logitec c920 cam set to 60fps or less? It seems pretty smooth. I use Brio as a face cam and c930e as an overhead, but the last supports only 30fps so the quick piano runs seem a bit blurry...

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

Actually my C920 can only do 30 FPS, and that is what you're seeing in this video. I think 30 fps is sufficient for clear piano playing. Ghosting or blurry movement can be caused by a number of things from your CPU being throttled or slow to the specific program you are using having an incompatibility with your camera (or the settings). One thing I have noticed is that many Logitech cameras perform poorly if you manually adjust the exposure. Hope that helps!

@AlecKatz 3 года назад

@@FlexLessons Thank you for your reply. Now it makes sense. Actually, I'm using OBS to Zoom in order to be able to combine two cameras and a real-time notation+virtual midi keys app (I teach jazz piano, harmony and theory). Now, I tried various ways and it has a little effect. The c920 has more advantages over c930. You can get 60fps at 1280x720 (bit.ly/3jvkyPd). That's the difference. Maybe also the reason your camera actually looks pretty good. I do think it is crucial for better quality when capturing quick arpeggios and runs.

@felicitypalmer7419 4 года назад

Thank you for the information. As I teach using an electronic piano, I think I would have to clamp a camera holder to a shelf above the piano. I also realise the pupil would need a side view of me. Some of my students have been learning less than a year and still need me to point to the music. I've heard about Forscore and Mobilesheets but do you have any suggestions how they can see what I'm pointing at? I've also used Screencastomatic but don't think that will work with live lessons.

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

I just hold it up to the camera! If I have a pdf of the score on the calling device, I can share my screen. I’m not particularly sophisticated in this area.

@felicitypalmer7419 4 года назад

@@FlexLessons Thank you for replying at this busy time. I'll give it a try and maybe put the book in front of the camera on a mini tripod.

@MElizabeth1948 3 года назад

How would you set up a side profile camera? And what kind of camera do I need for the side profile?

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

The side profile could be your laptop’s camera or something external such as a c920/c922 or Brio. I used a Brio as my side profile camera for a long time before I upgraded to a better camera. You can set up an external webcam by mounting it on your monitor (the camera comes with this type of simple mount installed) or you can mount it to a mic stand or some other kind of clamp if it has a 1/4 mounting hole (both cameras I recommended have this).

@allwinner1 4 года назад

What if usb cable of the Overhead Webcam is too short to connect with the laptop ? What sort of usb cable can I use to make this connection longer? Not every usb cable can support webcam. Thank you very much!!

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

I used a usb extension cable from amazon and it worked just fine.

@rowenaturk4635 2 года назад

Can you tell me the diameter of the camera stand base? The top of my piano is narrower than yours and I’m not sure if it will fit.

@FlexLessons 2 года назад

The legs of this stand are 10 inches apart at the widest point. Sorry for my late response!

@oussamafr6123 4 года назад

Thank you your video is helpfull, i want to ask you if the adapter suitable for all camera?

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

This adapter only works for cameras with a 20 mm threaded mount. Some Logitech cameras do not have this, and cannot be mounted in this way.

@oussamafr6123 4 года назад

@@FlexLessons ok thank you so much

@scottfrazer4669 4 года назад

Do you ever find that the camera shakes when playing piano (especially when playing loud)? I had this problem a lot when putting the stand on top of the piano

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

I can’t imagine having this issue on a full size acoustic piano because they weigh so much. My camera never shakes, although my stand is pretty stiff.

@shammerman86 3 года назад

Thanks for all the great tips. I just got a logitech brio for the overhead, which is a great camera, but I'm having issues hooking it up to my mic stand. Any recs on adapters or solutions for that camera? Thanks again.

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

I actually switched to the Brio and use it with the gear mentioned in this video (which you can find in the Kit link in the description). You have two choices: reverse the screw in the adapter so that the metal side of the adapter connects with the Brio directly (which isn't nice, but it works), or use something like OBS to reverse the image in real time and mount as you normally would. Since I started running OBS for my lessons, I use this second option.

@shammerman86 3 года назад

@@FlexLessons OK awesome I will check these options out and look into OBS! Thanks, I appreciate it.

@shammerman86 3 года назад

@@FlexLessons cool, I just got the CM01 adapter and I'm trying it out now. I hooked it up pretty well, but do have the reverse image problem. What exactly do you mean reverse the screw? I'm gonna try OBS, maybe that is a better solution. Thanks!

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

I actually disassembled my "hacked" setup once I switched to using OBS, so I don't have any pictures to share. However, the basic idea is that you will position the camera over the keyboard so that it sees it in the correct orientation (mounting hole will be facing you) and then you can have the adapter situated where it can connect behind the camera, and the screw would be facing you as well, and then you reverse the screw and use it to mount the camera in the correct orientation. It's not a great solution because the screw and adapter will be a metal to metal connection, but it works. OBS lets you do a lot of things, so if you can justify using it, you will have a cleaner setup.

@sagone1674 4 года назад

Heeeyyy great vídeo ! Very useful :)) I wanted to ask you something please. I am also piano teacher and I was thinking beggining teaching online with skype but I have a doubt. How can I do for have two cameras (one for my face and the other one for the piano)? Do I need any external program or I can have two webcams with the same Skype user? Thank you very much!!!

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

I'm glad you found it useful! You do not need an external program, this is a built in feature of Skype when you are using a laptop or desktop and multiple usb webcams. All you do is right click on the preview window and select a different webcam. You can choose from anything that the computer recognizes as a camera. If you mean to have two cameras (picture in picture style), that does require additional software.

@lornamcdougall6593 4 года назад

@@FlexLessons So you basically alternate between camera views? Do you have any recommendations for additional software that would be required to operate two cameras at the same time so both views show up on Skype?

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

@@lornamcdougall6593 I do not. I tried a few including Many Cam and OBS, and what I found is that the video arrives into Skype slower than the audio and the feed will appear out of sync to the student. Most students didn't seem to mind, but after some testing, I decided I really didn't like it. If you use a good side profile camera like the Brio, you will rarely have to switch cameras...I really don't need to switch cameras often. When I want to show a student something in detail, I will leave the top level camera on for 5-10 minutes until the point is made, and then I return to the main view.

@borisjevtov7621 4 года назад

hello, does anyone knows is sound from that webcam mic when he plays piano, or is it captured by another microphone? Tnx in advance.

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

Captured by another mic. The webcam mics are not great.

@borisjevtov7621 4 года назад

@@FlexLessons Thank you. It seems good mic is the most expensive thing ( except piano of course). Gl in ur teaching!

@annahuettel2585 3 года назад

Can you please list the materials purchased in the description?

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

You can find all my video equipment including the items in this video here: kit.co/flexlessons/video-equipment

@insamyoja2 4 года назад

You attached the webcam to your laptop? Btw.. Where is your laptop? I can"t really see it...

@oussamafr6123 4 года назад

I think he uses the camera without the laptop until the editing.I hope I understood you.

@charlieshuttler 4 года назад

hi i am looking for the links but there is no description coming up on my screen?

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

You may have to scroll down quite a bit, depending on the device.

@cezzy_1496 2 года назад

Do you think this would work on a Yamaha ypg-535 it's a keyboard so I'm not sure if that would work so I'm scared to invest in it and it doesn't work

@FlexLessons 2 года назад

You would probably have to mount the camera to the wall or use a floor stand. That kind of keyboard won't work with the way that I have my camera set up in this video.

@cezzy_1496 2 года назад

@@FlexLessons ahh I see. Thx lol

@nationundergod7558 Год назад

Do you have an updated list of equipment or is this still doing the job? Thanks!

@FlexLessons Год назад

The list in the video description is still what I recommend. However, I did upgrade to the Brio at some point over the C920 from the video because of the slightly better and more color accurate image quality. I also swapped my stand to an Elgato Wall Mount. The Brio is a bit more difficult to mount than the C920, so keep that in mind.

@nationundergod7558 Год назад

@@FlexLessons Thank you--I am technology illeterate... Which Brio are you using now?

@FlexLessons Год назад

@@nationundergod7558 The Logitech Brio 4k. I think there is only one version. I put all the exact equipment links as well as little written annotations about them in the equipment page above.

@BPMChan-nr7ik 4 года назад

Is it possible to switch between camera angles on skype in the middle of a lesson?

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

Yep! Just right click the preview window and select your other camera.

@peterfernandezrizzo1905 4 года назад

What do you use for a microphone?

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

For recording, I use 2x Scarlet AT2035 mics. For videos where I am talking, I use an AT875R.

@aaronjohnjams 3 года назад

hmm using a keyboard workstation the top of piano stand thing doesn't work.. I guess I will try setting mine up using a mic stand beside the keyboard

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

You could try mounting it to the wall. If you use a mic stand, it needs to be a telescoping boom type and the boom needs to be pretty long.

@Lin-lu1do 3 года назад

Can this adapter hold an IPhone ? I just need to have an overhead setup to make videos over piano.

@FlexLessons 3 года назад

This would do it. The setup would be the mini mic stand -> on stage adapter or other 5/8 to 1/4 adapter -> phone clamp of some kind with a 1/4 mounting hole.

@Lin-lu1do 3 года назад

Clarion Clavier Studio Thank you

@CaptainCaveman782 6 месяцев назад

I'd like to see to a complete run through of a setup. No one is giving specific details. e.g how to connect a mic, several cameras or phones to video stream. What software? Etc

@FlexLessons 6 месяцев назад

I plan to do this at some point when I have more time. To summarize, I am using USB cameras merged together into scenes using a program called OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). OBS has a virtual camera output which can be picked up by Zoom. For audio, I just select my Mic in Zoom. The software isn't necessary if you don't mind changing cameras in Zoom manually. I hope that helps for now!

@CaptainCaveman782 6 месяцев назад

@@FlexLessons thanks I had a look at OBS but it seems its not available for IPad. Basically what I need is to use IPad as a zoom call and also have an iPhone or another IPad as a 2nd camera. I have heaps of devices so didn't really want to go out and buy more webcams.

@FlexLessons 6 месяцев назад

I have to be honest and say that I would not know how to achieve this through an iPad. I know they are adding external camera support, but I don't think there is anything like OBS available. I strongly suggest running a laptop or a desktop based setup and using the iPad for sheet music. In my other videos, you might notice that I actually bring in the sheet music view from my iPad directly into OBS. Sorry that I couldn't be more helpful! @@CaptainCaveman782

@abbacelebration6269 4 года назад

I put the camera exactly as yours but the result is still the same.. when using skype the images is not mirrored, but left hand is on the right side. Why is this?

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

Are you talking about the preview or what the other person sees?

@abbacelebration6269 4 года назад

@@FlexLessons hi! Im talking about the preview in skype where you choose the camera. I have't tried to make a call yet!

@FlexLessons 4 года назад

Ah, that preview is reversed so it functions like a mirror. The image will be in the correct orientation for the student. If you download the Logitech camera settings app, or the Logitech capture app, you will see the correct orientation in the preview (you don't need to download these apps, this just shows that the Skype preview window functions differently than what the camera is actually seeing).

@abbacelebration6269 4 года назад

@@FlexLessons thank you so much! You saved my day! 🙏