DOWNLOADABLE RECORDING TIPS PDF
Location, Location, Location
Consider finding a room with high ceilings and very few hard surfaces. Example 1 was recorded in a bedroom with carpet, bed, and curtains over the windows while Example 2 was recorded in a living room with wood floors and no curtains. Although the sound in Example 2 may be louder, it is difficult to hear the clarity of each note throughout the scale, especially at the top. Example 1 has resonance but also gives the judge a real sense of the player’s technique.
6 Feet Apart
The recording quality of most modern smartphones is very good and will allow you to get high quality audio when setup properly. Set up your phone 6-8 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from your instrument. This will allow the recorder to get a good mix of direct instrument sounds and the feedback from the room. Example 3 was recorded on the music stand that the performer was using to read his music while Example 4 was recorded 6 feet away. The sound quality is much less harsh and airy in Example 4, making it the clear choice.
Silence is GOLDEN
Once a location has been chosen, it’s time to remove any unnecessary sounds. The world is quite loud and we often forget about the many external noisemakers such as air conditioning, family, pets, outside noise, etc. If possible, find a room that is far away from other people to avoid these extraneous sounds in your recording. No Fans. Period.
Lights, Camera, Action
Although the judge will not see the video (in an effort to keep the auditions anonymous) it is good practice to ensure the video quality is as superior as the audio. Lighting makes an incredible difference in video quality. When available, natural light is the best with the light facing towards you. Imagine this video is going to be seen by your biggest celebrity crush and you WANT to be noticed. WARNING: Avoid lighting from behind at all costs!
Dress for Success
When choosing an outfit for a recorded audition it is important to be comfortable but professional. Most musicians perform standing so look at yourself in the camera to make sure your outfit is appropriate from head to toe. Because this audition could be recorded from your home, dressing in a more professional outfit will get you in the audition mindset and provide the necessary adrenaline rush for a great performance.
Eat. Sleep. Record. Repeat
The weeks leading up to the audition you should be recording something every time you sit down to practice. Become familiar with the HeartOut app so you know what issues may arise on audition day and are able to fix them. Listening to a recording of yourself is very different than practicing as we often have a different perception of our sound when we play than what is actually coming across. Just like hearing a recording of your own voice can be jarring, it may be just as shocking to hear what your flute playing really sounds like.
Pick a Winner!
Through the HeartOut app you will have the ability to record your audition three times before selecting which recording to submit. As you listen back to your audition, consider the judging rubric that will be used. Lyrical (60 points), Technical (60 points), Chromatic (15 points), Scales (145 points). If you are stuck picking between two recordings, choose the one that has a stronger take of your scales as they take up the largest part of the rubric.
Spencer Ray Katz 