How to make a Recording

Preparing your audition:

Step 1 - Have your music 

• Hard copy available from the folder or the website

• Be prepared to play from beginning to end of each excerpt

Step 2 - Identify the devices you will need to make the recording

• You will need to submit separate video auditions for each excerpt (8 videos total).

• You may not use any aids such as a metronome, therefore headphones/earbuds are prohibited.  Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in a disqualified audition.

Recording Instructions

•  There are two main ways you will make that happen

  • Phone

    • Most smartphones have good cameras and microphones

    • Place your phone in a location where it can "see" your body, hands, and instrument.  Make sure the music stand isn't blocking the view of the camera

    • Press "record" on the device you are using to capture the audition

    • Perform your audition

    • Press "stop" on the recording device

  • Computer

    • There are several software programs you can use to record a video with audio.  Choose what is familiar to you however be sure that the file can be saved in a format that can be sent in the google form.

    • One option is to use OBS which will allow you to add your own camera and USB microphone inputs

    • Another option is to use the camera software on your laptop.  Most times there is a recording feature in those applications.

  • Chromebooks are not good options for making recordings since the files that they generate do not work across all platforms and they often have poor quality microphones.

Step 3 - Set up for your recording session

• Wear generic attire so that judges can't tell which school you attend based on your apparel.

• Position camera/phone so we see your entire instrument generally from the waist up

  • Make sure your device is positioned so you can get the best sound possible

  • Avoid playing too close to the mic to avoid distortion

  • Do not play too loud.  Do the dynamics, but remember that your microphone is designed to pick up speaking voices.  Playing too loud will result in poor audio quality.

• Avoid background noises (siblings, lawn mowers, TV, etc...)

• Try to think about the final product (if we can't hear you or see you it will be difficult or impossible to provide an audition score)

• Listen to your recording before submitting

• Save recordings in standard video formats:  MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI

  • Files should be labeled this way - LastnameFirstnameInstrument (ex:  smithjohn_etude1)

  • Drums will have 8 files (ex: smithjohn_etude1, etc.)

Step 5 - Submit Recording

ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE DECEMBER 5TH, 2025 at NOON!