Skype lessons with a laptop
 

Contemplating skype lessons. Will your average laptop with a built in webcam/mic work, or is it necessary to buy a nicer separate webcam/mic?

Many guys who do it have quality webcams and pre-amps. It will likely depend on your instructor. I know Ant Wellington (he has his own forum) does Skype lessons along with several others here. It will really depend on the specs of your laptop. A recording of you playing with this set up would help judge if you need an answer.

I teach worldwide via skype and one thing I have always asked the student to do is to use headphones..your built in webcam should work- but for a minimal investment you could buy an HD wide angle camera. several of my students have these and love them
in additions to a great camera, I use separate Neve pres for my bass and also external Senn mic...you of course don't have to go to this extreme but my students love the quality.
Skype is a wonderful educational platform and growing too! It is a real boon to bassist who live in locations where good quality instruction is hard to come by. As a session player in Nashville, I teach real world skills to players..

www.bassmentoring.com
www.stevebryantbassguitar.com

Best and good luck!
Steve