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:

Platform for Online Lessons

Initially, I offered online lessons via Facebook Messenger, Skype, and Zoom - whatever my students preferred. As time went on, we stuck with Zoom, as it seemed the most stable of the three. However, the sound quality drove me nuts.

Then, I discovered StreamYard. StreamYard is a web-based video streaming service. Basically, my adventures with the Music Ministry Hour live streams prepared me to organize live streamed recitals for my students.

The sound quality is just fabulous. Hear for yourself:

We switched to StreamYard for lessons in May. However, StreamYard did have its limitations as a piano lesson platform. In the end, I decided to go back to Zoom in the fall for online music lessons, utilizing the full screen views, Share Screen tools and Breakout Rooms. I continue to use StreamYard for live streaming recitals, pre-recording studio performances, and content creation (but that’s a post for another day).

Tech Setup for Online & In Person Lessons

First Week of Lessons. Photo by R-M Arca.

I use my studio Asus desktop exclusively for teaching. It is connected to the Internet via ethernet cable. One computer monitor is the dedicated Zoom monitor, while the second screen is for everything else - typing up homework, sharing videos, etc. I toggle between three webcams as needed:

• Pedal Cam: Logitech C270 HD Webcam ($39.99 CAD & up)

• Profile Cam: Logitech C910 HD Pro Webcam (discontinued by manufacturer)

• Overhead Cam: Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam ($140 CAD & up)

The Overhead Cam is attached to a microphone stand ($25.99 CAD & up on Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade) via a camera Digital Recorder Adapter ($15.99 CAD & up on Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade). The Pedal Cam is attached to an old mini-tripod with gaffer tape, while the Profile Cam sits atop the dedicated Zoom monitor.

I initially used my Zoom H2N Handy Recorder ($229.99 CAD, available on Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade) as an input mic and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones ($129.00 CAD & up on Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade). Now that I’m dedicating more time to content creation and the Practice Time with Ms. Rhona live streams, I’ve reallocated equipment and now use my Turtle Beach Gaming P11 Headset ($39.99 CAD & up) for online teaching.

Over the summer, I picked up a 10” Ring Light with Tripod and Smartphone Holder ($39.99 CAD & up), which has been working quite nicely.

For in-person lessons, I utilize the Overhead Camera via StreamYard to check my students’ fingering. The dedicated Zoom monitor is used to display the Overhead Camera view, while the second monitor is used to type up assignments.

Tech Setup for Live streaming and Content Creation

Initially, I used my desktop, Zoom H2N Handy Recorder and Sennheiser headphones for live streaming and content creation. It worked quite well, but soon, I added my Asus Tuf Gaming laptop to the mix so that I could offer two simultaneous camera views during live streams and videos, as well as toggle between four cameras. The laptop also connects to the Internet via Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

At the beginning of the school year, I picked up a Mackie ProFX6v3 Mixer Board for $214.99 CAD from Long & McQuade. It’s also available on Amazon.ca. That way, I could attach my old Shure Wireless Headset Mic ($50.99 CAD & up from Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade) and AT4040 Condenser Microphone ($449.00 CAD & up at Amazon.ca and Long & McQuade). More importantly, I could monitor my sound via my Sennheisers in real time as StreamYard lacks that capability.

My live streaming setup one week.

Depending upon the video project, I utilize digital cameras in addition to the webcams, along with my Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone - VMGO ($139.99 CAD on Best Buy and Amazon). I plan to add the H2N Zoom Recorder to the mobile gear kit.

Check out my Studio Tech vlog below for a tour:

What are your favourite studio tech tools? Let me know in the Comments.

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DISCLAIMER: This post contains Amazon affiliate and StreamYard referral links. If you click on a product link and make a purchase the Studio will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting the Studio’s YouTube channel and blog

Note Reading Apps for Android (Fall 2020 edition)

I explored three note reading apps for Android this week, two new ones and one old favourite: Jungle Music, Game of Clefs, and Note Rush.

Jungle Music

Jungle Music is a very cute note reading game. It reminds of me of Note Works for iOS devices. Students practice note reading in the Treble Clef, Bass Clef, Baritone Clef, and all C Clefs. The free version has sections locked, whereas the paid versions have unlimited use, extra-time on timed parts, and more landscapes to customize your game.

Play with up to four players and choose between piano, guitar or violin/cello sounds.

Jungle Music

There are three versions: free, $1.49, and the $3.49 Teachers’ version.

Game of Clefs

Game of Clefs has a free and $1.35 paid version (ad free) as well. Players can test their note reading in the treble, alto, tenor and bass clefs. Up to two players may play.

Game of Clefs

Note Rush

Note Rush is an old favourite at my studio. Test your note reading and keyboard geography. Choose between seasonal themes and customize levels.

This app is also available for iOS devices. The Android version costs $4.99.

Note Rush

The Final Verdict?

Check out my gameplay and commentary video on the Studio’s YouTube Channel to find out!

Do you have any favourite note reading apps? Apple users, do you have any recommendations? Please drop them in the Comments.

My Practice Tracks Recording Project

Before Christmas, my singing coach, Sherry Kennedy, sent one of her students to me with a new project. Her student sings with one of the Up2Something choirs in Calgary. Some of the pieces the choir is working on are challenging, so she hired me to make practice tracks recordings of the alto part.

A New Kind of Gig: Recording Practice Tracks

This was a little different from the practice tracks recordings I make for my piano students on occasion, so I had a bit of a learning curve. From the get-go, I knew that it would be most efficient to record the alto tracks digitally from my Yamaha CP-33 straight into my computer, using my favourite free audio recording and editing software: Audacity by SoundForge.

First, I had to research just how to get my digital piano to “talk” to Audacity, as initially, the program didn't recognize that the my piano was plugged into the computer. More specifically, my digital piano was plugged into my M-Audio Box, which wasn't on speaking terms with Audacity.

The turnaround time was approximately one week to do eight songs. I quickly saw why my client needed mp3 practice tracks: some of them were quite tricky, with multiple time signature changes and/or key signature changes. If it wasn't that, there were complex rhythms.

My client asked for just her part. However, there were bars and bars of alto tacet, with tempo changes in between. I decided to play one of the other vocal parts during those times.

Part 2: Recording Vocal and Piano Accompaniment mp3 Tracks

Last month, my client came back. She and her fellow altos wanted practice tracks of all their repertoire for the year: 15 songs. Actually, it was more than 15 as "A Celtic Fantasy" was a set of three songs, while "A Tribute to Queen" was a medley. Many of them were fast and lively.

This time, they asked for piano accompaniment during the alto tacet. Now, I could have done that, but that would have broken the flow. What if I messed up and played the soprano part after playing the piano interlude?

Besides, what if someone from one of the other choir sections came back and hired me to do practice tracks for them? The piano accompanist/sometime conductor in me demanded that piano accompaniment mp3 tracks were required for all of the works. That way, I could separate the tracks: piano accompaniment only, alto only, or vocals with piano accompaniment.

Talk about a make-work project. I tried to speed learn/semi-fake all the works in under a week. It didn't take long for me to realize that I would need to record a section at a time and then mix the tracks together. With a short window, made shorter with music teaching and writing, I could be “on” for short sections but not extended periods of time. This also made it possible to record each piece in multiple sittings. I could take a break, teach, sleep and start up, right where I left off (the beauty of digital recording).

Here's a screen shot of one of the tracks, “A Tribute to Queen”:

Did I have to do all of that? Probably not. However, I was looking at this from a long-term perspective. If I get more gigs like this – making piano accompaniment mp3 tracks – I need to hone my skills at each step. Not only that, I also need something that I can show off (Note to self: add a clip to your Soundcloud).

Besides, the pieces were just plain cool. I was itching to play them. As far as piano accompaniment projects go, this was pretty neat. Hard work, but I can see the potential  practice tracks recording to be a neat sideline gig.

Music Education Apps for Android - 2014 edition

Back in September, I shared some music education apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Now, it’s Android’s turn. These are some of the best music education apps for Android that I have found. I have tried all of these on my phone, tablet (or both). Music Note Flashcards, Sight-Reading and Music Theory Apps for Android

Music Note Flashcards is a simple, free app for music students who need to work on their note recognition. Unfortunately, you can’t specify the testing range and there is no way to keep track of your progress.

Music Note Quiz is also a free note-reading Android app. I like how you can select your testing range: treble clef, bass clef, or the grand staff. You can also choose to repeat cards.

Music Tutor Sight Read Lite (FREE): Now this is what I’m looking for in terms of a music lesson and practice tool! With the free version, students can test their sight-reading. There are three game modes: timed tests, study and learn. I tested out the timed mode. A note appears on the grand staff. Players must quickly press the correct key. You can specify how long the test will be as well as the naming conventions (standard notation versus solfège). There is a note-writing mode as well. It scores your accuracy.

The full version of Music Tutor Sight Read ($2.99) also quizzes key signatures. What I really like about this app is that is tests keyboard geography. For instance, is that note G4 or G5?

I cannot believe that My Piano Assistant is a free app. This is a great app, not just for music students, but teachers and all types of pianists. If you are having trouble with your chords or scales, just punch in what the chord is and the app shows and plays you the notes. So, next time you’re baffled by an F7 chord with a flat 13th, worry no more. If you keep mixing up jazz minor with melodic minor, check out exactly how they differ.

Piano Sight Read is another free note-reading app. It’s not as fancy as Music Tutor Sight Read. It has two modes of play: practice and examination. You can’t specify the test range. It probably displays better on a phone versus my tablet. My score went down because I wanted to play the correct pitch on the keyboard and couldn't with such a small keyboard (just short of an octave).

Simply Music is a neat app. You know the card game, “Memory”? Well, this is Memory: the music version! There are four levels of difficulty. You can select if you want to pair up note to note or note to letter name. You can also select which clef. All this for free!

Ear Training and Rhythm Drills Apps for Android

Perfect Ear was one of the first apps I downloaded onto my smartphone and tablet. Musicians can test how well they can identify scales, chords and intervals by sight. They can also see how well they can recognize scales, intervals, chords and cadences by ear. If you upgrade to Perfect Ear Pro ($0.99) you can get more options for for singing intervals and recognizing cadences.

Perfect Ear 2 was released earlier this month. The free version has 20 different tests, whereas the Pro version has approximately 100 tests. It’s quite a step up from Perfect Ear 1.0. In addition to the music tests above, there are also interval comparison, rhythm reading, rhythm dictation and pitch training. You can use the standard tests or create a custom test.

It also contains a scales dictionary and theory articles. Soon, it will have the Circle of Fifths.

The newest version has a beautiful design. It’s also a smaller app than Perfect Ear Free.

With Rhythm Sheep Free, learn music, players have to successfully tap back the rhythm they hear. There are 40 levels to try out. The full version ($1.27) has up to 230 levels.

Recording and Backing Track Apps for Android

iOS devices have the edge over Android as far as recording, mixing, sequencing and editing go. This is for several reasons. The main ones are: latency issues (playback delay), processor and connectivity issues (Android devices aren’t OTG compliant nor MIDI class ready at this point).

In a pinch, I use the Smart Voice Recorder. You can change the sample rate (recording quality). The thing is, the sound quality depends on how good the mic is. However, for recording and reviewing your practices, it will do the trick. You can share your files easily as well.

With iReal b Pro ($10.99), you get a mobile band. Download the chord charts for over 1,200 songs available in the forums. Or, enter in the chord progression for any song, choose your instruments, tempo and style and play away. Instead of using a metronome, why not try practicing with a virtual band?

Metronome Apps for Android

I have been searching for an Android equivalent to MetroTimer. It’s my favourite app on my iPod Touch. My students and I giggle over the cartoon voice counting out the beats.

The one metronome app for Android that is like it is Metronome Beats. I had it on my smartphone for the longest time. Like the free version of MetroTimer, you don’t have as many sound options, subdivisions or time signatures to choose from. For $2.95, you can upgrade to Metronome Beats Pro. This has all the time signatures and different sound options. If you’d rather listen to claves or a cowbell instead of the regular metronome sound, go for it!

Before I got my tablet, I was looking for apps that could multi-task and didn’t take up a lot of memory. I found this free Metronome and Tuner app, called Soundcorset. You can’t change the metronome sound, but you can change the number of beats per bar, the beat subdivision and use the tap tempo function.

There are countless other music education apps out there for both iOS and Android devices. One of the most comprehensive lists I have come across is by David Brian Williams, Ph.D. Click on the link to see his recommendations of Tablet and Smartphone Apps for Music Education: Android and iOS.

Fixing My Case of WordPress Database Bloat

As some of you know, I've run into a few issues with my website this year. Let's just say that I've seen that "Internal Server Error" message more times in the past two months than I ever want to see.

Last week, everything went down - again. The main website, as well as aspects of all seven blogs. I contacted my webhost, Tera-Byte Dot. Com, and they informed me that I had over 220 database tables and over 7000 files. This slows things down to a grinding halt. The support team advised me to start going through the WordPress Support documentation, but to also be prepared to delete everything and start from scratch.

Words no blogger or website owner wants to hear.

I whined to my brother and colleague before taking the next step. That's when he asked, "Have you read any of the documentation on "database bloat"?"

Database what?

A quick Google search revealed 108,000 hits for "WordPress Database Bloat". Strangely, I was relieved to hear that my websites had a common affliction. At least, I had my starting point and I did not have to blow all my sites to smithereens and start from scratch. I was off to find helpful tutorials.

First, I followed Kimberly Castleberry's instructions in her article Is Your WordPress Blog More Than 2 Years Old? Fixing Database Bloat Issues!This required me to be a brave trooper and log into MySQL and pHpAdmin. With 220+ tables, I was glad that Ms. Castleberry spelled out what I needed to delete.

Once I completed that, I was able to log into my WordPress network admin dashboard. You can imagine how relieved I was to be able to do this.

Next, it was time to prevent this mess from happening again. I found Narga's article Prevent Hidden Causes by Clean up WordPress Database Bloat Issues. I decided to purchase and install GDragoN's WordPress plugin Smart Cleanup Tools as it is compatible for WordPress Multi-site installations.

Perhaps if I only had one website to maintain, I would have taken the most secure route of doing my website database maintenance in MySQL and pHpAdmin. However, you have to keep in mind your skills and the time you have available to deal with such things. Using Smart Cleanup Tools on all my WP sites saves me time and headaches.

I already mentioned that it is WP-MU compatible. The other thing I like about it, is that Smart Cleanup Tools allows you to schedule database clean-up at regular intervals at the click of a button.

The final thing that I did to help manage my database size is limit revisions of posts. One of the reasons that I had over 7,000 files is that WordPress dutifully saved everything! Every spam comment, every comment, every auto-save draft and every revision.

I used this Revision Control plug-in which is specifically for multi-site installations. If you only operate a single site, then use this one.

Fellow entrepreneurs, please note that you will only battle database bloat if you have a self-hosted WordPress site. If your website or blog is hosted on Wordpress.com, then WP takes care of all this for you.

However, most WP users who are uses WordPress for business will have a self-hosted website or blog through WordPress.org . More control, many cool design templates to choose from and the clincher for me: the ability to control operate all my blogs and my main site in a single network.

Those in the same Wordpress.org boat as me will have to tackle database bloat sooner rather than later. They will also have to clean up their databases on a regular basis.

So far, everything has been working smoothly. Page load times have sped up incredibly, so it seems that my website and blogs have been cured of database bloat. Now, I can put my IT hat down for a while and put the teacher/consultant hat back on, thanks to WordPress Support forums, Narga, Kimberley Castleberry and GDragoN.