Help Center

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Frequently Asked Questions

Parents

Using Forte

Getting Started

Getting started on Forte is easy!

To get started, check out our Forte Student User Guide.

Getting Started

Getting started on Forte is easy!

To get started, check out our Forte Student User Guide.

Getting Started

Getting started on Forte is easy!

To get started, check out our Forte Teacher User Guide.

Basic system and device requirements

To use Forte, you will need:

A laptop or desktop computer using Google Chrome, OR
An iPad using Safari

If you do not currently have Google Chrome, you can download it for free here.

Please note: Other than iPad, Forte is not currently supported on mobile devices. This is part of Forte’s product roadmap and will be available in the future.

For the best experience, please ensure your browsers and operating systems are up to date. We also encourage using an external microphone and headphones.

Onboarding Your Students

Getting your students on Forte is easy!

Invite your students to join your studio and sign up for Forte by clicking on the Invite a Student button in your Dashboard. Enter their email address and their instrument, and click Invite. Your student will receive an email, with you CC’d, inviting them to create their account. Once they finalize their account setup, they will be able to connect with you simply by clicking on the camera icon on their My Studio screen.

Get your students on Forte now–send them the

Forte Student User Guide.

Adding devices and giving the correct permissions

Before you can start using Forte, you must ensure that Google Chrome has the necessary permissions to use your camera and microphone.

After logging in, try connecting to your Forte studio and starting a session. When the permissions notification shows, click Allow. This will grant the necessary permissions to Chrome.

If you have any issues, please follow the steps listed in our Permissions Guide or email us at help@fortelessons.com.

What is the best hardware and browser setup for a lesson on Forte?

Forte can be used on any laptop or desktop computer. You must log in using the Chrome browser (v105 or later). If you do not have Google Chrome, you can download it for free here.

You can also use Forte on an iPad. You must log in using the Safari browser. We only actively support the latest versions of Safari so make sure that your iPad is up to date.

Forte does not require any specific microphone or webcam, but the use of higher-quality equipment will improve the student and teacher experience. Consider using an external USB microphone and a high-definition webcam during your lessons. You can read more about external microphones in one of our blog posts here.

Do I need to download any software to use Forte?

Forte runs entirely in your browser. No other software is needed. To take a lesson on Forte, you must log in using the Chrome browser on a desktop or laptop and Safari if you are on an iPad. If you do not have Chrome, you can download it for free here.

How much does Forte cost?

Forte is currently completely free to use! Forte’s investors support our mission to expand access to high-quality music education through online lessons. Thanks to this support, Forte can provide our video conferencing platform to teachers and students at no charge.

In early 2023, Forte will introduce Forte Connect, which will provide the opportunity for teachers to expand their studios and find new students. Any lesson taught on Forte between a teacher and student who found each other on Forte Connect will be charged a small fee. However, lessons between a teacher and a student they brought to the Forte platform will remain free.

Can I share files for download during the lesson?

Using the chat function, you can use the attachment button or drag any file into the chat window to share it with your teacher/student.

Your chats from the time when you enter the lesson to the time you leave will be automatically downloaded to a PDF file in your computer’s automatic download folder once you click the “End Call” button.

Also, remember that the My Resources page in your account profile is a great way to make files like music clips, video clips, and pdfs available to your students between lessons.

Can you play duets on Forte?

Not yet! We’ve been told by musicians that some low-latency concepts are better taught on Forte than other platforms due to our full-duplex audio. Forte Pure Audio allows teachers to play a sustained drone note while also being able to hear their student play with it. That said, no company has solved for global zero latency yet. We are in discussions with companies that have solved for zero detectable latency when both musicians are within 500 miles of each other, and will be ready to integrate it once it’s consumer ready.

Can I be a teacher and a student on Forte?

Yes! As a teacher, you can teach multiple instruments on Forte. With that same account, you can be a student and take lessons from a teacher. As a student, you can take lessons from multiple teachers. With that same account, you can also act as a parent and connect multiple children accounts to your Forte account. You can do all of these with the same Forte account.

What is Forte Pure Audio?

Forte Pure Audio offers industry-leading live streaming audio quality, allowing you to hear your teacher’s/student’s instruments better than on any other video conferencing platform.

Our audio streaming settings are tested and developed by the world’s top music teachers. Say goodbye to unwanted compression, filters, or auto gain, and say hello to dynamics, clear articulations, and tone colors.

Forte Pure Audio improves the audio for any hardware setup. If you would like help with more advanced hardware configurations (USB mics, mic placement, etc.), email us at help@fortelessons.com.

How does Forte use and protect my data?

All personal information and lesson recordings are stored on secure servers. Personal information is only used so Forte can provide its services to users. Personal information, recordings, and any uploaded materials/intellectual property will never be sold or used outside of Forte.

Questions about this? We’re always live at help@fortelessons.com.

It says lessons may be recorded. What does that mean?

A commitment to child safety is one of the founding principles of Forte. In the interest of safety, especially for students who are minors, Forte must retain the ability to record lessons. In some cases and some states, this is a legal requirement. You can rest assured that any videos we capture are stored on servers with best-in-class security. We never share videos outside of Forte without first getting permission from the teacher and/or the student/parent unless required by law.

Read our full Terms of Use here. Questions about this? We’re always live at help@fortelessons.com.

Who can see my teacher profile?

Teacher profiles are only viewable by students or parents who are registered to your studio. Once a student is added to your roster, they can view all materials, videos, and files listed in the My Profile section of your account. If a student is removed from your roster, they will no longer have access to this information.

Is there a minimum age to use Forte?

Forte is available for students of all ages.

All students under the age of 18 years old will need to enter their date of birth. Those under the age of 13 years old must have their parent register on their behalf and create a parent account.

Can I highlight, annotate, or mark up the score I am sharing?

Forte does not currently have a built-in notation or whiteboard feature. All markings and adjustments you make in the application window or Chrome tab you are sharing will be visible to your teacher/student as you make them.

Can I take notes during a lesson and share them once the lesson is finished?

Yes! The Shared Notepadfeature allows you to take notes with your student on a shared Google Doc that updates in real-time. Your students can access your Shared Notepad anytime during a lesson by clicking on the pencil (✐) icon on the in-lesson toolbar.

Outside of the in-lesson experience, your students can access their Shared Notepad with you from your Teacher Profile. You can access your Shared Notepad with any of your students under the Dashboard tab.

Can I record my lessons on Forte?

Yes! Forte has a built-in recording feature, allowing the teacher or student to start and stop recording as much as you’d like.

At the end of the lesson, Forte will automatically process the recording(s) and send an email to both the student and teacher containing a link to download the recording.

Recordings will be processed so both the video of the student and teacher are equal size.

How do I ensure the best audio experience on Forte?

Forte works with any speakers, microphones, or headphones, including those built into your computer. For the best experience, we suggest using the highest quality external microphone and speakers/headphones that are available to you. You can read more about external microphones in our blog here.

If you have multiple cameras or microphones, you can toggle between them using the Settings button in the lower right corner of the in-lesson window.

We also recommend:

A strong and steady internet connection (minimum download speed of 50 mbps and upload speed of 10 mbps). You can use fast.com or speedtest.net to test your internet connection.
Experimenting with different microphone placements to find one that works best for you and your instrument.

If you need more help or would like specific guidance with your Forte audio setup, please email us at help@fortelessons.com.

How do I ensure the best video experience on Forte?

Forte will work with any webcam, including the one built into your computer. For the best experience, we suggest using a high-definition webcam. If you have multiple cameras, you can toggle between them using the Settings button in the lower right corner of the in-lesson window.

We also recommend:

A strong and steady internet connection (minimum download speed of 50 mbps and upload speed of 10 mbps). You can use fast.com or speedtest.net to test your internet connection.
Experimenting with different camera placements to find one that works best for you and your instrument.

If you need more help or would like specific guidance with your Forte audio setup, please email us at help@fortelessons.com.

How do I switch between cameras during my lesson?

You can toggle between cameras and microphones via the Settings button in the lower right corner of the in-lesson window.

How do I use the simultaneous second camera?

Forte offers a 2nd Camera feature using your iPhone or Android mobile device, which can be used simultaneously with your webcam. Note that this feature is currently only available for teachers.

To connect to the 2nd Camera feature:

Click Add 2nd Camera in the settings menu.
Using your phone’s camera app, hover over the QR code shown on your Forte screen.
Click on the website link shown on your phone.
Accept the prompts on your phone to allow access to your camera.

You should now see the new video feed show on your Forte screen. You can resize the image or move it anywhere in the Chrome browser. To end the connection, hit end call on your iPhone or Android mobile device.

Please note: to begin using the 2nd Camera feature, a student must be connected to the lesson.

How do I access and edit my student’s notes in between lessons?

Outside of the in-lesson experience, you can access your students’ Shared Notepad on your Dashboard page.

How do I insert musical notation into my lesson notes?

Musical Snippet can be used to add musical notation to your Shared Notepad ✐.

To utilize Musical Snippet, select the Add-ons drop-down menu at the top of your Shared Notepad.
Select “Get add-ons” and search for Music Snippet.
Click Install.
Whenever you would like to add notation you simply select the Add-ons menu again and then choose Musical Snippet.
Entering notes with Musical Snippet is similar to the Sibelius or MuseScore musical notation input systems.

How do I mirror my self-image?

To mirror your self-image on Forte, navigate to the Settings menu and scroll to the bottom. Toggle the mirror image button.

Please note: Forte automatically mirrors your image for the student, and this toggle only affects your self-view.

How can I share sheet music or other media during a lesson?

If you want to share sheet music or other materials, open the file you wish to share on your computer’s desktop using the application you would normally use (Preview, Adobe, Word, etc.). Then, return to Forte and click the screen sharing button at the bottom of the in-lesson window. Finally, select the application window or Chrome tab you wish to share.

The platform’s screen share feature is optimized for sharing portrait-oriented documents, like sheet music. While sharing a screen in Forte, you can adjust the size of the application window on your computer’s desktop in order to optimize the view in Forte for your student/teacher.

Please note: sharing from an iPad is not currently available. Those using a laptop/desktop computer can share to an iPad user, but iPad users cannot share their screen at this time.

How do I edit my teacher profile?

To set up your teacher profile, navigate to My Profile. Here you can edit your profile, including adding your bio, instrument and lesson information, and more.

How do I edit my account settings?

To update your account settings, like password, click on Settings. Here you can change your password, see what invitations you have waiting for you, and update your notification preferences.

How do I set up my Materials?

To add materials like pdfs and links to videos and recordings to your account, navigate to the Materials tab. Here you can upload pdfs and add links to your videos and recordings.

These materials are only viewable by students and parents registered to your account.

How do I remove a student from my studio?

To remove a student from your studio, navigate to your Dashboard page and click on the Remove from Studio button next to their name.

Removing a student will sever the connection between your accounts, and students will no longer have access to any of your account information or resources. Please note: students will still be able to access their accounts, as well as the Shared Notebook between you and the student.

How can I change my password?

To update your account password, click on Settings and complete the necessary fields to update your password.

If you have forgotten your password and are having trouble logging in, click on Forgot password? located on the login screen. You will receive an email with a link to reset your password.

How do I delete my account?

If you would like to delete your account, please email help@fortelessons.com for assistance.

I cannot hear my student

Usually, this can be fixed by exiting the Forte session and conducting a hard refresh. Both you and your student should perform a hard refresh. After you perform the hard refresh, re-enter the Forte session, and this issue should be resolved.

To perform a Hard Refresh:

Mac: Shift + command + R
PC: Ctrl + F5
iPad: Close the Safari tab where you were accessing Forte. Tap the browser tab icon in the upper right corner of the screen, tap the X in the upper left corner, then open a new tab to access Forte. Simply closing the Safari app will not do the trick. Read more here.

My student cannot hear me

To perform a Hard Refresh:

Mac: Shift + command + R
PC: Ctrl + F5
iPad: Close the Safari tab where you were accessing Forte. Tap the browser tab icon in the upper right corner of the screen, tap the X in the upper left corner, then open a new tab to access Forte. Simply closing the Safari app will not do the trick. Read more here.

I cannot see my student

In most cases, when you cannot see your student, the issue lies on the student’s end.

Ask your student:

Have you disabled the camera in the Forte toolbar?
Have you given Chrome permission to access your computer’s camera?
Does the camera you are trying to use work when you use it in another application?
Is the default camera that you have selected in your Chrome settings the one that you are intending to use?
Is there anything obstructing the lens of your camera?

My student cannot see me

If your student cannot see you, check the following:

Have you disabled the camera in the Forte toolbar?
Have you given Chrome permission to access your computer’s camera?
Does the camera you are trying to use work when you use it in another application?
Is the default camera that you have selected in your Chrome settings the one that you are intending to use?
Is there anything obstructing the lens of your camera?

I cannot launch the second camera

You will only see the option to launch the second camera if you and your student are both in your Forte studio. Additionally, both you and your student must be using a desktop or laptop computer. The second camera angle is not supported for use with iPad.

After you scan the QR code, Forte’s second camera angle launches automatically. You will be prompted to give permission to access your camera but there is no additional login required. If you are logged in on your device with another Forte account you will need to log out of that account before you can launch the second camera.

Note: this feature is currently only available to teachers.

I’m receiving a permissions error

To fix this issue, you will need to give the Chrome browser (on a desktop or laptop computer) or Safari (on iPad only) permission to use the camera and microphone.

On Chrome:

Click the lock icon to the left of your address bar in the Chrome browser.
In the dropdown under Notifications, you will have the option to allow access to your Microphone and Camera.

If this doesn’t solve the issue, continue to the following steps:

On a Mac:

Navigate to your System Preferences.
Navigate to Security & Privacy.
Unlock your system security & privacy settings by clicking on the lock in the bottom left corner.
Select Camera and make sure the checkbox is checked next to the Chrome browser.
Repeat this step for the Microphone option.
Exit System Preferences.
Close and restart your Chrome browser.

On Windows:

Click the Start menu and then the gear icon (Settings).
Go to Privacy.
In the sidebar on the left, under App Permissions click Camera (or, respectively, Microphone). Make sure that Allow apps to access your camera (or microphone) toggle is turned on.
Scroll down to the next section, called Allow desktop apps to access your camera (or microphone).
The Chrome browser should be listed under this section. Just like before, make sure the toggle is turned on.
Quit and restart your Chrome browser.

I can’t click the screen share icon

If you are having issues sharing your screen during your Forte session, it may be due to your computer not having the necessary permissions needed. You will need to give the Chrome browser permission to screen share to fix this issue.

Please note: You are not currently able to share your screen if you are using an iPad

On a Mac:

Navigate to your System Preferences.
Navigate to Security & Privacy, then click Privacy.
Unlock your system security & privacy settings by clicking on the lock in the bottom left corner.
Select Screen Recording and make sure the checkbox is checked next to the Chrome browser.
Exit System Preferences.
Quit and restart the Chrome browser.

On Windows:

The Chrome browser will automatically have permission to view and record your screen. If you encounter problems sharing your screen, email us at help@fortelessons.com and explain the specific issue. We will try to resolve the issue as quickly as we can.

I didn’t get an email for a recording I took during a lesson

Emails containing your recording link can take between 15-45 minutes after the lesson to send. Please double-check your Spam folder after this time has passed.

If you did not receive the email, please reach out to us at help@fortelessons.com – we will be happy to help!

How to improve signal strength.

The most common signal strength issue is due to the router being blocked by another object. If your router is near other electronics, or if there is another object (small or large, including floors and walls) between you and the router, try moving it to avoid connection disruptions. Sitting closer to your router always helps, and plugging your computer directly into your router via an ethernet cable is always the best option.

How to share additional audio from a laptop or desktop (MIDI keyboards, electric guitars, etc.)

If you want to have more advanced control of the audio mix you’re streaming on Forte during your lesson (including using MIDI instruments, switching between apps, and playing different types of audio files) you will need to route your audio through an external loopback application. When you route your audio into Forte this way you will be able to get the most out of our high-resolution audio streaming and have the most accurate control of your volume levels.

Below are a few applications we recommend:

Loopback by Rogue Amoeba. ($100 for an app license)
JACK Audio Connection Kit” (Free, but less user friendly)

I’m screen-sharing a song from Apple Music or Spotify, but there is no sound

Because Forte is a browser-based platform, in order to share sound while in your lesson, the sound source will need to be from the Chrome browser. To share audio from a service like Apple Music or Spotify, you must log into your account within the Chrome browser.

First, log into your music provider in a new Chrome tab.
Once you log into your account, select the Screen Share option in Forte and select Chrome Tab.
Make sure the Share Tab Audio option is checked.
Your teacher/student should now be able to hear and see the selected tab.

I hear an echo.

An echo can sometimes be caused when the microphone and speaker are too close together. To solve this, you can try the following steps:

Leave the lesson, perform a hard refresh of the Chrome browser (see “Hard refresh” above), and re-enter the lesson.
Use headphones during the lesson to avoid the microphone picking up the sound.
Try using an external microphone pointed away from the speakers.
If you are using external speakers, try to move them away from the mic.

I’m screen-sharing a video, but there is no sound

Because Forte is browser-based, the audio source must come from a Chrome tab to share audio through Forte.

To share a video with sound through Forte:

Click the screen share button in the toolbar
Choose Chrome tab and select the tab that holds the video you wish to share.
In the lower-left corner of the window, there is the option to share tab audio. Make sure that box is checked.

Any other browser-based media will stream with audio so if you would like to share a Spotify track with your student/teacher, open the track in the browser version of Spotify, and then you will be able to share the audio.

If you need to share audio from an MP3 or MP4 file on your computer, open a blank Chrome tab and drag your file into the tab. This creates a browser version of your media file, and you can then share the audio through that tab.

I’m experiencing a hissing sound

This hiss you are experiencing is likely a feedback loop. It happens when the user’s mic and speaker are too close together or pointing at one another. The most common occurrence of this is when someone is using both the internal microphone and the speakers on their laptop for a lesson. The feedback loop is created when sound is picked up by their mic and also being played through their speakers.

Troubleshooting Options:

Ask your student to use an external USB mic pointed away from the laptop.
Ask your student to use headphones.
Ask your student to turn on Forte’s Noise Suppression feature by clicking on the toggle in the Settings menu in the lower right corner.

I am experiencing a lag or delay in the sound compared to the picture

Common causes of audio/video sync issues include:

Bluetooth: Unlike wired headphones/speakers, Bluetooth devices can cause a noticeable delay between the video and the audio.
Unnecessary computer activity: Close apps you’re not using. Close browser tabs you don’t need.
Internet connection: Forte works best with a strong and steady internet connection. You can use fast.com or speedtest.net to test your internet connection.

The picture is grainy or pixelated

Forte is designed to prioritize your audio signal. If you are experiencing a grainy or pixelated image, this may be caused by an unstable connection.

You can use fast.com or speedtest.net to test your internet connection.

Creating your account

Can I switch between cameras and/or microphones during a lesson?

Yes! You can toggle between as many cameras as you would like when using Forte.

To toggle between cameras and microphones, open the Settings button in the lower right corner of the in-lesson window and select the camera/microphone you would like to use.

Can I share files with my teacher during the lesson?

Using the chat function, you can use the attachment button or drag any file into the chat window to share it with your teacher/student.

How is Forte free?

Forte’s investors support our mission to expand access to high-quality music education through online lessons. Thanks to this support, Forte can provide our video conferencing platform to teachers and students at no charge.

How can I share sheet music or other media with my teacher during the lesson?

Please note: sharing from an iPad is not currently available. Those using a laptop/desktop computer can share to an iPad user, but iPad users cannot share their screen at this time.

How do I get connected to my teacher on Forte?

To get connected to your teacher, click on the link in the invitation email you received. From there, you will be prompted to create your account. After creating your account, your Forte account will automatically be connected to your teacher’s studio. To start your lesson, simply click on the camera icon on the home screen.

If you did not receive an invitation from your teacher, you can create your account at studio.fortelessons.com/signup. After you create your account, you will be prompted to enter your teacher’s email address. This will connect you to their studio, and you will be able to begin your lessons.

Note: students under the age of 13 years old must register with a parent with their own parent account.

How can I take lessons from different teachers?

To take lessons with multiple teachers, simply ask each of your teachers to send you an invite to their Forte studio. Once you accept the invite, you will see their names listed in the dropdown menu on your Studio tab.

To start a lesson with one of the teachers, select their name in the dropdown and click on Enter Studio.

How do I access my Shared Notebook in between lessons?

Outside of the in-lesson experience, you can access your Shared Notepad on your Dashboard page.

I cannot hear my teacher.

To perform a Hard Refresh:

Mac: Shift + command + R
PC: Ctrl + F5
iPad: Close the Safari tab where you were accessing Forte. Tap the browser tab icon in the upper right corner of the screen, tap the X in the upper left corner, then open a new tab to access Forte. Simply closing the Safari app will not do the trick. Read more here.

My teacher cannot hear me.

To perform a Hard Refresh:

Mac: Shift + command + R
PC: Ctrl + F5
iPad: Close the Safari tab where you were accessing Forte. Tap the browser tab icon in the upper right corner of the screen, tap the X in the upper left corner, then open a new tab to access Forte. Simply closing the Safari app will not do the trick. Read more here.

I cannot see my teacher.

Ask your teacher:

Have you disabled the camera in the Forte toolbar?
Have you given Chrome permission to access your computer’s camera?
Does the camera you are trying to use work when you use it in another application?
Is the default camera that you have selected in your Chrome settings the one that you are intending to use?
Is there anything obstructing the lens of your camera?

My teacher cannot see me.

If your teacher cannot see you, check the following:

Have you disabled the camera in the Forte toolbar?
Have you given Chrome permission to access your computer’s camera?
Does the camera you are trying to use work when you use it in another application?
Is the default camera that you have selected in your Chrome settings the one that you are intending to use?
Is there anything obstructing the lens of your camera?

Creating your/your child’s account

Signing up your child

If your child is under the age of 13-years-old, you will need to register them as a user under your account.

To do this, first, create your Forte Parent account at studio.fortelessons.com/signup. Select Sign Up as Parent. Once your account is created, click My Account and Add a Child. Complete the required fields, including date of birth, child’s first name, child’s username, and password. You will be able to reset this password as needed.

Once created, your child will now be able to log into their Forte account using their new Username and Password.

Is Forte safe?

A commitment to child safety is one of the founding principles of Forte. All data and lesson recordings are stored on secure servers, and data is never sold.

Do I need to download any software for my child to use Forte?

I cannot login/I forgot my password.

If you have forgotten your password and are having trouble logging in, click on Forgot password? located on the login screen. You will receive an email with a link to reset your password.

If you still cannot log into your account, please try clearing your cache on Google Chrome. To do this:
Click on History in the top menu on Google Chrome

Scroll down to Show Full History
Click on Clear Browsing Data in the left-hand menu
Ensure Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files are both checked.

If you continue to have issues, please email us at help@fortelessons.com

Does Forte have group lessons?

At this time, Forte only supports 1v1 lessons.

Group lesson functionality is a high priority on our product roadmap and we hope to release it in the future.

Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Teachers

Students

Parents

Getting Started

About Forte

Troubleshooting

Using Forte