Studio Technology

Adventures with Cameras

Adventures with Cameras

(originally published in the Winter 2022 APTA News & Views)

I got schooled by one of my students earlier this year: “What cameras do you use for Practice Time and Trip Up the Teacher?” she asked.

“The Logitech camera overhead and my laptop camera, recording through StreamYard” I replied.

Bruh, no. Laptop cameras suck. The video is so grainy. I can’t look at it. And don’t use StreamYard unless you’re livestreaming. Go old school. Do. It. The. Old. Fashioned. Way.”

Improving Your Audio Quality in your Teaching Studio

Improving Your Audio Quality in your Teaching Studio

Shortly after our October online piano party, one student asked, “Bruh, how come you sounded so clear when the rest of us sounded just okay?”

To which, I replied: “It’s because I didn’t use the device mic.”

“You should write about that. How to improve your sound.”

Adventures in Live Streaming & Streaming

Adventures in Live Streaming & Streaming

I think it was around 9:00 PM that Saturday night when I concluded that if I was feeling depressed about the music ministry not being able to contribute to Holy Week services, the rest of the choir probably felt the same. Perhaps they would like to sing along with me while I practiced?

That led to a quick search on live streaming options.

My Studio Tech Setup (2020 edition)

My Studio Tech Setup (2020 edition)

My journey with studio technology really took off in 2012 with Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir 3.0: Water Night. Virtual Choir opened the doors to experimenting with multiple cameras, audio and video editing projects, and live streaming.

When we switched to online music lessons due to the pandemic, I simply dusted off some of the equipment and away we went. Since then, I have upgraded and added a few new items to my studio tech setup. Read on: