AMTA

Aurora Music Teachers Association

AMTA

Aurora Music Teachers Association

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. 
If, after reading the info above, you still have questions, contact Jerome Gilmer at [email protected]. 303-649-1830