Have you ever played music during a Zoom video conference and been frustrated about the terrible sound quality? If so, read on and let’s get the problem fixed…

If your music is not being transmitted properly through Zoom, it is likely because Zoom is forcing unwanted effects processing on your sound. The effects are perfect for people speaking, but terrible for musicians.

Bansuri Bliss Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger plays an afternoon raga in Death Valley National Park, California, April 4th, 2021.

Zoom Settings For Playing And Teaching Music

Laptop & Desktop

These instructions should work on most laptops and desktops. Depending on your Zoom version, you may see something different, so be sure to update your Zoom software if needed.

Click the arrow at bottom left of your screen beside the Mute button
Choose Audio Settings (bottom choice)
Under Music and Professional Audio you need to CHECK the “Show In-Meeting Option To Enable Original Sound”
Stereo Audio should also be checked (unless you have low bandwidth)
High Fidelity should NOT be checked (though feel free to experiment with it at a later time)
Echo Cancellation should NOT be checked.
Now close the settings panel
At top left of your screen you should now see “Original Sound: On” or “Original Sound: Off”
Do what you need to do so that it displays “Original Sound: On”
We want Original Sound On because that means that Zoom’s effects processors have been turned off. We do NOT want Zoom processing (destroying) our sound.
Now play music and enjoy yourself

Mobile & Tablet

Sign in to the Zoom mobile app
Ensure you are NOT in a meeting; if you are, you must LEAVE YOUR MEETING.
Tap Settings (which may appear as a configuration wheel icon)
Tap Meetings.
Under Audio, tap the Use Original Audio toggle to enable or disable it.
Now join a meeting.
From the main Zoom screen, click the “More” option.
Choose “Enable Original Sound”.

To confirm everything is correct:

Clicking “More” once again. You should now see “Disable Original Sound”. Do NOT click it. Get out of there and play music: your sound should now come through clearly.

Troubleshooting:

If you don’t see the Enable or Disable Original Sound options in your settings, try updating your app; if the issue persists, it is likely that Zoom simply doesn’t allow you the option, in which case contact Zoom support for assistance.

The images above show how to fix your zoom audio and how to check if it is correct.

What to do when you have no internet connection…

Now That Your Zoom Settings Are Correct

Take your bansuri playing to a higher level by becoming an official member of Bansuri Bliss. As a member, you will get access to:

We are glad that you are an official member of Bansuri Bliss! As a member, you get access to:

Bansuri Bliss Members Lessons

Twice a week (and sometimes more often) you can join in on a Bansuri Bliss Members Lesson, hosted on Zoom. Learn ragas (melodies) and talas (rhythms), as well as tips and tricks for how to go from frustration to bliss when you play.

Become A Bansuri Bliss Member

Private Bansuri Lessons

Want to get private bansuri lessons on Zoom? That’s possible as a Bansuri Bliss Member. Receive an abundance of direct feedback on your playing and learn whatever raga you are most interested in.

Learn About Private Bansuri Lessons On Zoom