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AMTA Video Tips & Guidelines
- A tablet, smartphone or laptop is all you need.
- If the audio quality isn’t great consider getting an external mic (like Blue Snowball, or similar.)
- A simple tripod with a clip for your device can stabilize and enhance the video.
- Run a dress rehearsal with everything in place.
- Check the loudest and softest parts of the piece and make sure the softest parts can be heard and the loudest parts don’t distort.
- Dress nice and observe concert etiquette! (Your family could be showing this video off for a long time).
- Make sure your performance space is clean and clutter free
- Use natural or warm lighting if possible, from the front only – backlighting will wash out your video
- BE SURE to put the camera in a horizontal, landscape position. Vertical videos cause us problems.
- BE SURE the camera sees your whole body and instrument, and accompanist if applicable.
- Once the video begins recording, be absolutely still and quiet for about 3 seconds while smiling at the camera before you begin to play. After you take your bow, smile at the camera again and remain still and and quiet for about 3 seconds. This helps us with the video edit, and makes you look like a real pro.
- Most Importantly, play musically. Take slow, deep breaths. Enjoy the experience!
- Bow from the frontmost side of the bench if at all possible (be sure the camera doesn’t chop your head off!)
- Watch the entire video from end to end to verify the quality of the recording and the performance
- Save or export the file as a .mov or .mp4. Ideally your format will be 1080p HD at 30 frames per second (the default for most smartphone cameras). DO NOT SEND HDR OR 4K UHD VIDEOS!
- Use wetransfer.com to transfer the file to [email protected]. You may be asked to register, but the service is free at the level we’ll be using it.