Setting up a Skype account (link)
1. Download Skype from www.skype.com on tablet or computer (download is more reliable than the web version and also allows you to remain signed in on the device)
2. You will be asked to sign in. If you do not already have an account, click “create account”. You can create the account by using any phone number or email address. (I recommend an email address to avoid calls coming in to cell phones or landlines.)
3. Create a username with the name of the community. First and Last names are required (e.g. First name: ‘Songs by’ Last name: ‘Heart’).
4. Follow prompts to fill in the rest of the information (link above has more details)
5. Optional: Create a Skype number. This will ensure that calls go straight to Skype, rather than to personal phones or landlines.- **There is a monthly charge for this option!**- Go to “Settings” by clicking on the three dots next to your account name on the home screen.- Under “Account and Profile” > Manage > Skype Number click “Get”. This will redirect you to a web page. Choose your country and they will automatically generate a number for you.
Setting up the room
1. If using a computer, connect it to the TV with an HDMI cord. (recommended)
2. If using a tablet, you will need to either have mirroring capabilities (smart tv, chromecast, etc) or an adaptor for an HDMI cord to plug directly into the TV.
3. Place device near the TV screen with camera facing out towards the residents. Try to get as many in the frame as possible, though I know this can be difficult with physical distancing in place! See the photo below for an example!
Join the session!
1. Send your Skype information to emily@songsbyheart.org (user name and connected phone or email).
2. The singer will create a chat group titled with your community (if you have multiple floors or wings for the same call, both accounts will be added to the group).
3. At the scheduled time, the singer will start a video call. Your Skype connected device should ring and all you have to do is accept! You can also join the call by clicking the green “join” button in the chat window
Pricing
Due to varying levels of quarantine in each city, we cannot guarantee both a singer and a pianist (although we do try to make that happen as much as possible… and some of our singers are lucky enough to live with a pianist!). If we are able to get both, the cost will be the same as a regular session. However, when the session is led by a singer alone (acapella or with prerecorded accompaniment), you will be charged around 50% of your usual rate (varies slightly by city). Because of this, some communities with singers only have opted to have two sessions per week for the same price as they usually get one session – and I am happy to schedule that for anyone interested!