How to make great sounding classroom recordings Take One Kevin Lane, D.M.A. Music Teacher, Woodstation Elementary School Catoosa County, Georgia

Why Record Your Students? self and teacher assessment - they and you can hear what they really sound like improve reading fluency project presentation student motivation - a chance to do their best communication - parents can hear progress and performance

What Equipment Do I Need to Make Recordings? Computer, digital recording device, iPad, iPod Touch, or smartphone Microphone (internal or external USB) Recording software Playback speakers

Do i need a computer?

Better Mic = better recording Blue Snowball $65.00 Blue Yeti $90.00 Blue Snowflake $52.00

Recording Software Audacity: Free, PC or Mac GarageBand: Comes with every Mac Voice Memo (iOS) iTalk Recorder (iOS) Blue FiRe (iOS) Voice Recorder (Android) For Computer For iOS or Android

Playback speakers $$$=Quality Computer or mobile device Cheap computer speakers Headphones Stereo with AUX imput Self-powered speakers Audioengine A2 $199.00

Protip #1: Control Room Noise Away from AC Teach respect for recording Use corners, closets, hallways If using mobile devices, have students record each other in pairs or teams

Protip #2: mic placement Get a good level. Not too much or too little 6 to 12 inches (depending on voice) If recording a group, place mic above center Use cardioid to block unwanted sound Use omnidirectional to record group in circle around mic Use pad when recording extremely loud sounds

Protip #3: Edit! Delete anything unwanted Use fade in at beginning and fade out at end Use compression. Experiment! Use effects sparingly but appropriately Don’t be afraid to multitrack

What to do with your recording! Label them! Student name, date, purpose Let students hear them and assess Create student audio albums in iTunes Create story boards with photos and audio Upload to teacher website Create a class podcast

Recording Resources band for Apple’s online manuals band Apple Training Series: GarageBand 09 by Mary Plummer, Peachpit Press, 2009 The Book of Audacity by Carla Shroder, No Starch Press, 2010

Questions? Kevin Lane Music Teacher, Woodstation Elementary School