If you want to get better at the flute, you should learn how to record yourself. You can use your recordings for lessons, competitions, and more.
Learning to do it yourself means you don’t have to work with a professional audio engineer. Keep reading for my top tips.
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Decide Between Audio and Video
The first step in how to record yourself is figuring out what type of recording you’ll do. You can record just the audio, or you can record your audio and video. The better option depends on the context.
For example, when I’ve tried instruments, I’ve done audio recordings. That way, I could send them to people for blind feedback.
But if you want to take asynchronous online flute lessons, you should record the video as well. That way, the teacher can evaluate your sound as well as your posture and other visual aspects of your playing.
Start With What You Have
Next, you need to figure out your tech stack. It’s okay to start with what you have as many smartphones have really good cameras. You can rest your phone on your music stand if you don’t have a tripod.
Alternatively, you could ask a friend to hold the phone to record you playing the flute. I like to use a music stand or tripod though because I don’t have to rely on others to help me.
As you get more serious about recording yourself, you can invest in some more equipment. But for now, it’s okay to use what you have. That way, you don’t waste any money.
Experiment With Distance
You’ll also want to figure out how far your phone or external microphone should be from you and your flute. If you get too close, the sound could get distorted, and you may crop out important visuals from the frame.
On the other hand, if you stand too far away from the camera and microphone, the mic might not pick up your sound. If it does, you could sound a bit too quiet to your listeners or viewers.
Do a bit of a sound check and take a few short recordings from different distances. Then, listen to them all to see about how far you should sit or stand from the microphone to get the best sound.
Learn About Lighting
Especially when learning how to record yourself on video, you should understand some basics about lighting. Good lighting can make or break a video.
Ideally, you’d use natural lighting because it’s the most flattering. You can position yourself so that you’re looking at a window. The camera will be in between you and the window.
If you have to record at night or in another dark environment, you can use artificial lighting. You could get a small ring light to attach to your phone, or you can get more professional lights.
Just Hit Record
Like learning how to play the flute, learning how to record yourself takes practice. You can learn about lighting and other elements, but nothing is good as just recording yourself.
After you record yourself, you can learn from what you’ve done. That way, you can make your subsequent recordings even better.
Figure out what you did well when it came to the recording and what you need to work on. Maybe you need to find a different angle to take advantage of natural light. Or perhaps you were too far from the mic, so you make those changes for next time.
Review and Edit
Depending on the type of recording you’re doing, you might need to edit the video or audio. This is particularly true if you’re recording yourself for an album or another professional project.
However, if you’re taking asynchronous lessons or if you’re recording yourself for a competition, you don’t need to do any edits. In fact, some competitions and auditions forbid you from editing your recordings.
In any case, it can still help to review your footage. Then, you can make sure you don’t sound too quiet and that the video looks nice.
Keep Practicing
The more you record yourself, the easier it will get. I’ve found it a lot easier to record myself playing solos or pop covers as I’ve done a lot of them. Even filming myself talking has gotten easier.
I’ve learned how I need to set up my camera and tripod. And I know what I need to do and where I need to stand or sit to get a good audio and video recording.
Now, if you ever move or change your filming setup, you’ll want to figure out the lighting in the new environment. But aside from that, gaining more recording experience is crucial for getting better at it.
What You Need to Record Yourself
If you want to learn how to record yourself for lessons, competitions, or something else, you’ll need a few things on hand. Here’s what I recommend you nail down before you hit the record button.
Space to Play
Obviously, you need space to play your flute. The flute takes up a lot of horizontal space off to your right. Make sure you have enough room, especially if you like to move while you play.
I’d also recommend having some room between you and your camera. This is particularly nice if you’re recording video of yourself. That way, the camera can capture more than just your face and arms.
And you’ll need room in your filming area for the filming equipment itself. That means you may want space for your tripod and any external mics or lighting gear that you use.
A Quiet Environment
Another must-have when it comes to recording yourself is a quiet space. Any noise from your pets or loved ones can be distracting. Of course, it can distract you, which can keep you from playing the right notes.
But noise and other distractions can also be heard in the audio. And if you’re filming video, any visual distractions behind you will also show up.
That won’t matter as much if you’re recording yourself for an asynchronous online lesson. However, if you’re recording yourself for an audition or competition, it could cost you the win.
Recording Equipment
Next, you’ll need the right gear to record yourself. If you’re a professional musician, you may want to invest in a home recording studio with nice microphones and a good camera.
But if you’re recording yourself for lessons or pure enjoyment, you don’t need to invest a ton. You can use your smartphone for both audio and video recording.
Now, if you think you may edit your recordings, you’ll also need a computer. I have a laptop, but you could also invest in a desktop. Of course, in that case, you’ll also want a desk and a good power source.
Video and Audio Editing Software
When it comes to making polished recordings, you might want to do a little post-production. For that, I’d recommend some video and/or audio editing software.
Since I use a MacBook Pro, I use iMovie for videos and GarageBand for audio. Both programs are free, but you can pay for tools like Logic Pro or Final Cut Pro.
I’m sure Windows has similar programs, both free and paid options. But I haven’t used Windows in many years, so I don’t know what those options are.
Should You Post Your Flute Recordings?
After you learn how to record yourself, you may wonder what to do with the footage you have. You can post your recordings online to share them with your family or friends.
If you’re trying to build a music career, you should definitely post recordings. These can act as your portfolio, and you can use them to try and get gigs.
But if you’re just recording to learn from your own progress, you don’t have to post the recordings. Though it can help to send them to a teacher for feedback to help you improve.
Do You Know How to Record Yourself?
Whether you want to audition for something, take lessons, or build a freelance music career, you should know how to record yourself. Doing so allows you to build a library of audio and video recordings you can send to people.
If you’re looking to learn flute, I teach exclusively through asynchronous lessons and courses. When you enroll, you can send a recording to me for my personalized feedback.
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