Let’s get you ready

for your Session

Skim this once before your first session. You can come back anytime as a reference.

Quick overview:

  • Session details, Zoom links, and recordings are sent by email

  • Every session is recorded and yours to rewatch anytime

  • Payment is due within 24 hours via the follow-up email

  • Questions or scheduling help: info@derekwebb.com

Reminders
You’ll always receive a day-of reminder email with your session time and Zoom link. Please don’t join the Zoom meeting before your scheduled time.

Make Sure You Get My Emails
All scheduling, Zoom links, recordings, and follow-ups come by email.

Please add info@derekwebb.com to your contacts and check that my emails aren’t landing in Promotions or Spam. If one does, move it to your inbox and mark it as “Not Spam.”

Doing this once usually fixes everything going forward.

Zoom Setup and Audio
All sessions happen on Zoom. Please use a desktop, laptop, or tablet.

**Using the Zoom app is ideal, but the browser version works as a fallback (download Zoom here).

Audio Settings
For best sound (especially for guitar students), adjust these Zoom audio settings:

  • Go to Settings > Audio

  • Select “Original sound for musicians” and check:

    • “High-fidelity music mode”

    • “Echo cancellation”

    • “Stereo audio”

Once in your meeting, you should see “Original Sound for Musicians” set to “on” at the top-right.

Mic & Speakers
For clarity:

  • Use your device’s built-in microphone if possible.

  • If using headphones or AirPods, select them under “Speaker” in Zoom’s audio menu.

  • Built-in speakers are fine as long as you can hear clearly.

If you need help adjusting, Derek will walk you through it during your first session.

Payment
After each session, you’ll receive a follow-up email with a Stripe payment link (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card).

Payment is due within 24 hours. If it’s missed, an automatic reminder will be sent.

Song References
For students who want to focus on guitar, Derek uses a song-by-song approach.

The student chooses a song, Derek learns it, and then teaches it back at a level that stretches the student while staying musical and fun. Together, they listen closely, break it down, and work through it step by step. Most songs take more than one session. Once a song is learned, the focus typically moves to a new song.

Any song with a clear guitar part works. If a song does not have one, Derek can usually adapt it.

For students who want to focus on songwriting, it can be helpful to come in with a few reference songs or artists in mind. These do not need to be perfect examples or even songs the student wants to sound exactly like. They simply help Derek understand what the student is responding to and where they would like to grow as a writer.

Sessions may include listening together, talking through what is working, and using those references as a starting point for the student’s own writing.

If a student is not sure what to bring, that is completely fine. The session can begin there.

Session Recording
Every session is recorded on Zoom.

After each session, Derek will send a link to a personal folder where all recordings collect over time. Videos are yours to stream or download indefinitely and are never shared without permission.

Rescheduling & Cancellations
Sessions are week-to-week with no long-term commitment. You can stop anytime (ideally with 48+ hours notice).

  • Need to skip or reschedule? Just let Derek know at least 24 hours ahead.

  • Missed sessions or cancellations inside 24 hours (except emergencies): 50% payment appreciated. Thanks for understanding.

  • Running late? Derek will stay on Zoom until 10 minutes past your start time. Beyond that, the session is considered missed (50% payment appreciated).

Questions?

Need help with anything else? Email Derek here.