Private Sessions FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Sessions

Most Commonly Asked Questions

1. How do Private Sessions work?

Book time to meet one-on-one with your pro mentor for either 30 or 60 minutes in the e-Classroom for career advice or song feedback. 3-hour Pro Mentor co-writing sessions may also available (consult with your pro mentor).

2. Where does the session take place?

All Private Sessions take place in a private audio/video enabled e-Classroom. In the event you cannot be in front of a computer or if you have computer problems, you may also phone into your private session.

3. How will the instructor find my songs?

For Private Sessions only, your instructor will receive a special link to access your locker songs. As long as the song(s) you would like to go over during your session are in your song locker, your instructor will be able to pull them up during the session.

4. How do I enter the private e-Clasroom?

In your private session activity area, go to upcoming sessions. Click the link to enter the session. Note that the e-Classroom remains closed until 15 minutes prior to class starting time at which point you may enter. View a short 'how-to' video

5. Can I try out the e-classroom?

The e-Classroom for your Private Session opens 15 minutes before start time. Before that time, you can gain familiarity and test your audio/video connection at webEx. If you are having technical problems you may use the call-in number instead.

6. What if I need to cancel my session?

To reschedule, you must cancel your current session first, then submit a new Private Session request to rebook. Please provide at least a 12 hour notice to cancel a private session by clicking the link to cancel in the My Private Sessions Activity area. The instructor will automatically be notified of the cancellation and your SongU.com credits will be refunded to your account. Cancellations with less than 12 hours’ notice must be done by contacting Support. Refunds can only be guaranteed with a 12 hour notice.

7. Can I record the session?

Your instructor will click the record button when you enter the session. It’s helpful to remind them to hit record. Downloadable transcripts are posted about within 24 hours after your meeting and can be found in your private session activity area. Transcripts remain available for 7 days after the session for downloading.

8. Can I download the transcript?

Yes. You will have access not only to view the transcript, but also to download it for your permanent record. We recommend that you download your session since it will be automatically deleted after 7 days.

9. What if I live outside the United States?

Not a problem. Some of our instructors live outside the United States. Scheduling is very flexible and depends upon both your availability and the faculty's availability, many of whom are available during the daytime or on weekends. No matter where in the world you live, it's likely you'll be able to find a mutually agreeable time for your Private Session. Note that all scheduling is done with respect to Eastern Standard Time (i.e., ET, New York City time).


Software and Hardware Requirements

1. Do I need any special equipment?

The same equipment you might use for any online meeting, Skype or Facetime. Generally, a microphone to hear and/or a webcam. For full system requirements for our e-Classroom, please see system requirements.

2. Do I need special software?

The first time you enter the room your system requirements will automatically be verified. It is possible that you may be asked to download and install required software for the e-Classroom.

3. Do I need a microphone?

It is generally easier to have a microphone or webcam which allows you and your instructor to communicate in a more natural way than by solely using the text chat feature. You can use either a headset or combination mic/webcam. You can also call into the session using the number and meeting code found in the confirmation email sent to you for your session.
4. Do I need a webcam?

While a webcam is not required, using a combination webcam/mic will allow you to communicate more easily with the instructor.

Technical Issues

1. I can't find the transcript

Allow at least 24 hours from the conclusion of your session for the transcript to post. If the transcript is still not available, please contact support. Transcripts are stored for 7 days after your session.

2. Why is the audio or video choppy?

This is called "gapping". One of the most common reasons for gapping is if you have other programs running at the same time as the e-Classroom (e.g. E-mail, Word, Skype). Try closing any running additional running programs prior to entering the voice classroom. Another common reason for gapping is if your Internet connection or wireless connection isn't working fast enough to deliver the video smoothly.


Other problems or questions?
Submit a Help/Support request and we will do our best to assist you.

e-Classroom Orientation
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