Wordsworth Planner | Unboxing, Flip Through & First Impressions

My ongoing quest to find the perfect planner led me to the Bullet Journal method, which has been, for the most part, the ideal planner. However, my challenge remains as it always has been - time. It just takes so much time to lay out all the spreads.

At the beginning of the school year, I embarked on a quest for the perfect planner with pre-made spreads, but still has the flexibility to work as a Bullet Journal. My journey led me to the Wordsworth Daily Planner, which has various elements of bullet journalling that I love, without spending hours setting up spreads.

The Wordsworth Planner

I purchased a 2020 Non-Dated Daily Planner from Amazon for $24.95 CAD. Specs are:

• 320 pages, 120 gsm paper

• lies 180 degrees flat

• back pocket

• two page markers

• acid-free paper

• no bleeding or ghosting

• stickers

It comes with a How to Use Your Wordsworth Planner guidebook. There are also various resources available on the Wordsworth Planner website.

Check out my Unboxing, Flip Through & First Impressions video here:

The Runners Up

These are the planners that I almost went with:

• The Clever Fox Undated Planner ($26.99 to $49.99 CAD)

• Mochi Things 2021 Prism Monthly Planner ($28.95 USD)

• Mochi Things 2021 Medium Ardium Planner ($39.95 USD)

DISCLAIMER: This description contains Amazon links. If you click on a product link and make a purchase the Studio will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting our channel and blog.

My Studio Tech Setup (2020 edition)

My journey with studio technology really took off in 2012 with Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir 3.0: Water Night. Virtual Choir opened the doors to experimenting with multiple cameras, audio and video editing projects, and live streaming.

When we switched to online music lessons due to the pandemic, I simply dusted off some of the equipment and away we went. Since then, I have upgraded and added a few new items to my studio tech setup. Read on:

Platform for Online Lessons

Initially, I offered online lessons via Facebook Messenger, Skype, and Zoom - whatever my students preferred. As time went on, we stuck with Zoom, as it seemed the most stable of the three. However, the sound quality drove me nuts.

Then, I discovered StreamYard. StreamYard is a web-based video streaming service. Basically, my adventures with the Music Ministry Hour live streams prepared me to organize live streamed recitals for my students.

The sound quality is just fabulous. Hear for yourself:

We switched to StreamYard for lessons in May. However, StreamYard did have its limitations as a piano lesson platform. In the end, I decided to go back to Zoom in the fall for online music lessons, utilizing the full screen views, Share Screen tools and Breakout Rooms. I continue to use StreamYard for live streaming recitals, pre-recording studio performances, and content creation (but that’s a post for another day).

Tech Setup for Online & In Person Lessons

First Week of Lessons. Photo by R-M Arca.

I use my studio Asus desktop exclusively for teaching. It is connected to the Internet via ethernet cable. One computer monitor is the dedicated Zoom monitor, while the second screen is for everything else - typing up homework, sharing videos, etc. I toggle between three webcams as needed:

• Pedal Cam: Logitech C270 HD Webcam ($39.99 CAD & up)

• Profile Cam: Logitech C910 HD Pro Webcam (discontinued by manufacturer)

• Overhead Cam: Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam ($140 CAD & up)

The Overhead Cam is attached to a microphone stand ($25.99 CAD & up on Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade) via a camera Digital Recorder Adapter ($15.99 CAD & up on Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade). The Pedal Cam is attached to an old mini-tripod with gaffer tape, while the Profile Cam sits atop the dedicated Zoom monitor.

I initially used my Zoom H2N Handy Recorder ($229.99 CAD, available on Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade) as an input mic and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones ($129.00 CAD & up on Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade). Now that I’m dedicating more time to content creation and the Practice Time with Ms. Rhona live streams, I’ve reallocated equipment and now use my Turtle Beach Gaming P11 Headset ($39.99 CAD & up) for online teaching.

Over the summer, I picked up a 10” Ring Light with Tripod and Smartphone Holder ($39.99 CAD & up), which has been working quite nicely.

For in-person lessons, I utilize the Overhead Camera via StreamYard to check my students’ fingering. The dedicated Zoom monitor is used to display the Overhead Camera view, while the second monitor is used to type up assignments.

Tech Setup for Live streaming and Content Creation

Initially, I used my desktop, Zoom H2N Handy Recorder and Sennheiser headphones for live streaming and content creation. It worked quite well, but soon, I added my Asus Tuf Gaming laptop to the mix so that I could offer two simultaneous camera views during live streams and videos, as well as toggle between four cameras. The laptop also connects to the Internet via Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

At the beginning of the school year, I picked up a Mackie ProFX6v3 Mixer Board for $214.99 CAD from Long & McQuade. It’s also available on Amazon.ca. That way, I could attach my old Shure Wireless Headset Mic ($50.99 CAD & up from Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade) and AT4040 Condenser Microphone ($449.00 CAD & up at Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade). More importantly, I could monitor my sound via my Sennheisers in real time as StreamYard lacks that capability.

My live streaming setup one week.

Depending upon the video project, I utilize digital cameras in addition to the webcams, along with my Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone - VMGO ($139.99 CAD on Best Buy and Amazon). I plan to add the H2N Zoom Recorder to the mobile gear kit.

Check out my Studio Tech vlog below for a tour:

What are your favourite studio tech tools? Let me know in the Comments.

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DISCLAIMER: This post contains Amazon affiliate and StreamYard referral links. If you click on a product link and make a purchase the Studio will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting the Studio’s YouTube channel and blog

Posture Medic First Impressions

Last week, I picked up the Posture Medic in hopes of fixing my bad desk posture once and for all.

What is the Posture Medic?

The Posture Medic is a resistance band that helps you stabilize your posture. It also can be used for stretching and exercising.

I purchased it from Calgary Co-Op Home Health Care for $39.99 CAD before taxes. It is also available at Amazon via my affiliate link.

My Posture Medic Unboxing Video

To learn more about the Posture Medic, visit their website.

Practice Planning (2020 edition)

This year, I have been using Trello to plan and organize my own music practicing. Check out my vlog where I do a detailed walkthrough of my Trello Board to plan not only my daily practices, but any studio livestreaming and recording projects:

My Music Practice Trello Board Walkthrough

Reference Links

Here are some links to other sites and playlists that I referenced in my vlog:

• Kanban - A Brief Introduction

• Trello.com: a web-based Kanban-style list-making application

• Bulletproof Musician Blog

• How to Bullet Journal for Music Practice on YouTube

Finally, here are links to my content related to practicing music:

• My Practice/Project Board

• Practicing Music Posts on My Blog

• Practice Time with Ms. Rhona Series on YouTube

What practice planning strategies do you use? What practice ideas work for you? What doesn’t? Please add them to the Comments and let’s discuss!

Note Reading Apps for Android (Fall 2020 edition)

I explored three note reading apps for Android this week, two new ones and one old favourite: Jungle Music, Game of Clefs, and Note Rush.

Jungle Music

Jungle Music is a very cute note reading game. It reminds of me of Note Works for iOS devices. Students practice note reading in the Treble Clef, Bass Clef, Baritone Clef, and all C Clefs. The free version has sections locked, whereas the paid versions have unlimited use, extra-time on timed parts, and more landscapes to customize your game.

Play with up to four players and choose between piano, guitar or violin/cello sounds.

Jungle Music

There are three versions: free, $1.49, and the $3.49 Teachers’ version.

Game of Clefs

Game of Clefs has a free and $1.35 paid version (ad free) as well. Players can test their note reading in the treble, alto, tenor and bass clefs. Up to two players may play.

Game of Clefs

Note Rush

Note Rush is an old favourite at my studio. Test your note reading and keyboard geography. Choose between seasonal themes and customize levels.

This app is also available for iOS devices. The Android version costs $4.99.

Note Rush

The Final Verdict?

Check out my gameplay and commentary video on the Studio’s YouTube Channel to find out!

Do you have any favourite note reading apps? Apple users, do you have any recommendations? Please drop them in the Comments.