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At the recommendation of local public health officials and out of an abundance of caution, we will begin our spring semester on January 20 by offering primarily remote instruction to students, delaying most face-to-face instruction until Monday, February 7.

This information is presented in addition to any instructions you may have received from your professors and advisors about classroom policies or recommended technology for online learning.

Any links from this page will open in a new window so you can navigate back to it easily.

BCCM Community

We encourage you to keep up-to-date with departmental events and information via Beachboard:

  • Music-Undergraduate
  • Music-Graduate

How do students know if a class is being held in person, online or as a hybrid?

Students should consult the online Schedule of Classes. Students who seek further clarity should consult with their advisor or the course instructor.

How has the university adapted to offering alternative instruction?

The university has an Academic Continuity plan that has provided a framework for offering primarily remote instruction during the pandemic.

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Virtual Instruction Resources

Latest update: January 20, 2022.

The following information is provided to help you with virtual instruction or the online component of hybrid instruction. Should you have specific needs not outlined on this page, please consult with your instructor.

COVID-19 and Campus Repopulation

CSULB’S COVID-19 information hub is available here:

COVID-19 Information

The COVID-19 Information page includes live news updates about campus protocols, event postponements, travel restrictions, etc. It also contains a series of useful links about Academic Planning and related FAQs regarding changes due to COVID-19.

Please familiarize yourself with this page and bookmark sections that you find useful.

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Lesson Class Numbers

Lesson Class Numbers are posted on the Current Students > State Paid Lessons page. The deadline to enroll in lessons online is Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 4:00pm.

If you believe you were placed in the wrong lesson (i.e. in 229 but should be in 429, etc.) then please contact your area director.

If you have any issues adding your lesson class number in MyCSULB, please contact Liz Gutierrez at liz.gutierrez@csulb.edu.

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Using Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing tool for remote meetings, online courses, and webinars. It is the software sanctioned by the university and it is available to you on your Dashboard as a chicklet.

Visit this page first to learn about installing and using Zoom for your online courses:

Zoom Video Conferencing

After you’ve installed the Zoom desktop app, be sure to read about your Zoom account, Zoom Best Practices, Zoom Security, and Student Privacy Rights. Maybe even download a few of the Official CSULB Zoom backgrounds.

Then proceed to the "Zoom Setup For Musicians" tab to learn how to get the most out of the software in your lessons.

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Advanced Audio Features in Zoom

The Zoom software has advanced audio features that will make your online lessons of much higher quality. To enable them, you need to use the Zoom desktop app and be signed into your CSULB Dashboard through Single Sign-on (SSO).

Login to SSO and use the Zoom chicklet on your dashboard to download the Zoom desktop app (do not use the web application. See the "Zoom" tab above if you haven’t done so already), or check that you have the latest version by clicking: zoom.us > Check for updates

High quality audio works best when your computer is connected to the internet via an ethernet cable. WiFi is not recommended and your results may vary.

Setup Enhanced Audio

  1. Launch the Zoom desktop app on your computer
  2. In Zoom, go to "Preferences > Settings > General" (you can also find this by clicking the gear in the upper right corner of the main Zoom popup window)
  3. At the bottom of the General tab, click "View More Settings"
  4. A web browser should open. Sign in with SSO in your browser; use the option below the general "Sign In" button. The company domain is "csulb" in lowercase. After you enter this you will be taken to the SSO page you are familiar with
  5. Once you’re signed in through the browser, click on "In Meeting (Advanced)" in the Settings > Meeting menu
  6. Scroll down and turn on "Allow users to select stereo audio in their client settings" and "Allow users to select original sound in their client settings."
  7. Close your browser and return to your Zoom program settings
  8. In the Zoom desktop app, go to Settings > Audio. Uncheck "Automatically adjust microphone volume"
  9. Under "Music and Professional Audio" make sure that all the following are checked: "Show in-meeting option to ’Enable Original Sound’ from Microphone," "Echo Cancellation," and "Stereo audio"
  10. Close the Settings window and start a meeting
  11. In the upper left corner of your meeting window you should see a button called "Turn On Original Sound." Click it

Enable Enhanced Sound in a Zoom meeting

  1. If you are hosting, Launch Meeting
  2. Tell all clients to go to the upper right corner of the chat window and select "Turn On Original Sound"
  3. If you are a client and don’t see "Turn On Original Sound," alert your host

Sharing Music or Videos over Zoom

  1. When sharing music or videos over Zoom the first time: Click on "Share Screen" at the bottom of the chat window
  2. If prompted, download the driver and install, then restart Zoom and click on "Share Screen"
  3. In the popup window, make sure you are on the "Basic" tab. You can choose to share your whole screen or choose the specific application that you are using to play music or video (e.g. a browser window with a YouTube video; a media player like QuickTime)
  4. Click on "Share sound" at the bottom. If you will be sharing video, click on "Optimize for Video" and then click the "Share" button
  5. If the other Zoom clients have "Original Sound" turned on, they should hear high-quality audio and still be able to hear you talking. Clients will see your whole screen or only the chosen application on their Desktop, full-screen
  6. When you are done, click the "Stop Sharing" button at the top of the shared window
  7. Note: when sharing your screen, if instead of choosing an application you choose to share your entire Desktop, you can change what the clients are seeing without un-sharing and re-sharing your screen

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Recording and Zoom

The BCCM Technical Staff have compiled equipment suggestions to help improve the quality of your online Zoom sessions. The items listed below have been thorougly researched and have been determined to be cost-effective, high-quality gear that will work well with most computer setups.

Simple USB Mic (highly recommended)

Your audio will sound a lot better with a microphone that is not in a fixed location but can be moved closer to your instrument. This, coupled with adjusted settings in Zoom (see "Zoom Setup For Musicians" above), will result in much better quality. This mic will work with PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks:

USB Mic at Amazon

Simple USB Camera

If you have an older model computer or one with a poor camera, please consider this simple upgrade for high quality video. It also has a mic built-in and could work as a great combo of video/mic for Zoom:

USB Camera

ZOOM Audio Interface

If you would prefer an audio interface where levels can be more easily adjusted and high-quality recordings can be produced, please consider this ZOOM stereo recorder. It will be a good investment for your future as a music major. It also works plug-and-play with all types of computers:

ZOOM Audio Interface

(Note: the ZOOM brand audio interface is not affiliated with the "Zoom" software; their shared name is merely coincidenal)

Arm to hold ball joint to position camera:

Ball Joint Arm

Ball joint for camera mount connection to arm:

Ball Joint Camera Mount

Device to get a camcorder (if you have one) or other HDMI output device into your computer for a Zoom session:

HDMI Audio/Video Capture Card

Keyboard for Keyboard skills/Piano Proficiency classes:

We recommend acquiring a simple keyboard with full-size keys and preferably weighted action. If you live in Long Beach, we may be able to check some out to you. Here is an example:

Weighted Action Keyboard

Financial Assistance

Lastly, if you are in a financial hardship situation and need help with equipment costs/equipment loan, please contact our BCCM Tech team by emailing Rychard Cooper at: rychard.cooper@csulb.edu

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CSULB IT Resources

The campus IT department has developed a hub of links for different IT suppport issues. You can find information on VPNs, Office 365, how to use your OneDrive, Digital Inclusion Resources, etc.

Technology for Working and Learning Remotely

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Tech Window Services

For information on instrument checkout, locker checkout, key issue, and sheet music checkout, please refer to the Tech Window Services webpage.

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Academic Advising Page

If you have questions about meeting your degree requirements, please visit the Academic Advising page and make a virtual appointment.

BCCM Academic Advising—Undergraduate and Graduate

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General Cleaning Policy

The University will provide cleaning of high-touch public spaces three times a day (i.e. restrooms, door handles, railings, etc.), during weekdays only. There is no cleaning crew available on weekends.

Departments/Labs are responsible for cleaning the spaces and equipment used. The cleaning procedure includes all tables, chairs, etc. that someone may use or touch (placing bags or notebooks on tables).

Practice Rooms

For students assigned a practice room: you have been assigned your own practice room. No one else is allowed in the room with you. For safety purposes, please keep the door locked at all times. When you leave please be sure the door is closed and locked behind you

General COVID-19 Guidelines

Wash your hands before and after using any equimpment or instruments, i.e.: pianos, percussion instruments, conducting batons, etc.

  • Use soap and water, scrub your hands for at least twenty seconds
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
    • Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry
  • Avoid touching your face
  • If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and then thoroughly wash your hands
  • Routinely disinfect frequently touched items
  • Maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others
  • Use a face mask at all times when you are on campus. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing; the mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected
  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick

Piano and Percussion Guidelines

  • Wash your hands before and after using the instrument
  • Clean the instrument before and after use
  • Use Morning Mist (supplied by BCCM) to disinfect the high-contact areas of the instrument
  • Spray Morning Mist on a paper towel until just damp. NEVER spray directly on the instrument. If the towel is dripping wet you’ve used too much product
  • For Piano:
    • Wipe down all contact areas, including but not limited to the music desk, playing keys (all 88 keys, front to back and sides of sharps), fallboard (key cover), piano bench, door handles, light switches, and any other surface you touched
    • Scrubbing is NOT required. Simply moisten the area with a paper towel and allow it to air dry.
    • DO NOT DRY with a paper towel or cloth. The contact time allows the disinfectant to be effective.
  • For Percussion:

Cleaning Supplies

If you need the piano serviced or refills of Morning Mist disinfectant, please contact Sue Babcock

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Parking on Campus

Current campus parking, shuttle, and rideshare information can be found on the Parking and Transportation Services webiste.

Concert / Event Parking

For concert events there will not be a parking attendant in the lot for assistance. You must first purchase a timed permit via ParkMobile App using your mobile device or pay at the yellow kiosk. Download the app and use Parking Lot G12 for the appropriate zone number. More info at ParkMobile App.

Please note, daily permits are only valid in the lot purchased.

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  • California State University, Long Beach
  • 1250 N. Bellflower Blvd.
  • Long Beach, CA 90840-7101
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