- Wherever you are making your recording, find a quiet calm place with enough space for your instrument and with minimal echo. Turn off all notifications that might interrupt your recording and close the windows if there is noise outside;
- The videos can be recorded with the equipment you have available to you. A smartphone, tablet, laptop or similar device is perfect for your recording. The Trustees will be able to make an assessment on your abilities and performance, regardless of differences in recording quality;
- Be sure to fully charge the equipment you have chosen. Make sure you have spare batteries (if required) and you have enough storage on your device to accommodate each of your recordings in a single take;
- Check where the microphone is located on your device and point this towards you as you record. An external microphone can help to improve the audio quality, but don’t worry if you don’t have one. Whatever you are using, you will need to make sure that the microphone is placed at an appropriate distance from you as you perform: we suggest around two to three metres, but be sure to test this for yourself.
- Use natural or artificial light but make sure that the light source is in front of you to provide a soft indirect level of light within your space. Minimise backlighting as this can cause reflection on your screen or shadowing;
- When setting up for your video recording, try to position your camera so that the Trustees can see not just your face but also your instrument as you play. Think about whether it is better to shoot the video in landscape or portrait. A mini tripod can be purchased cheaply and will provide you with a stable level recording angle, but don’t worry if you don’t have one – prop your device on a book or music stand but make sure it is steady;
- Forward plan your choice of music and refer to our specific requirements for your discipline. If it is not possible for you to provide the repertoire required, please contact Hannah McDonald on hannah@munstertrust.org.uk to discuss what you are able to submit.
- If you are submitting accompanied pieces, it is a requirement that these are performed with a live accompaniment. Applicants will be disqualified if they do not follow this rule. Only one unaccompanied piece for solo instrument out of the two videos required is permitted per application.
- Do a 20-30 second test recording of each piece to review its audio and video quality, make adjustments and ensure your performance is viewed at its very best. And then always watch your final recording before uploading it to make sure you have not overlooked technical problems during the recording.
Please remember that the Trustees will not be assessing the quality of your recording but only the quality of your performance. If you have questions about how to produce a suitable recording, please email Hannah McDonald on hannah@munstertrust.org.uk.