Dos and Don'ts
- don't add any "processing" to the recording - some apps offer an enhanced "live performance" sound effect. We will add those nice-sounding effects to everyone's recording when we put them all together. This works best if you just send the clean, unprocessed recording.
- don’t fiddle with your voice or manipulate your technique to try to overcome the frustrating & disappointing sound of a small room or the limitations of your recording device. These frustrations are normal for everyone, and we can fix it in the final mix!
- don’t sing without the accompaniment - for this to synchronize, we all have to sing along to the same accompaniment.
Please DO:
- focus on singing the lyrics and the meaning behind the words. Get familiar with all the lyrics before you start recording.
- keep the mic pointed at you from 3-4 feet away in a quiet place
- warm-up your voice first (see Jen’s helpful guided warmup video)
- sing out with abandon and ease.
- enjoy singing. Relax, sing along.
- let your breath be free! Breathe deeply.
- use your breath to send your best intentions out into the world.
- make sure you can hear both your own voice and the accompanying track. You may sing along to whichever version is most helpful to you: the accompaniment track, or the example track that has your part.
- if you have the choice, set your recording device to record at a good quality - a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz or more (48 kHz is common, and very good!)
- if you can change the filename of your finished recording, please name it with the song title and your first name (ex: Jingle Bells - Jim). Add the name of the part you sang if you are submitting multiple parts (soprano, alto, etc.)
- send to shssmusic@gmail.com
Here's a Video Guided Warm-up Routine you can do before you record. Develop your voice by doing this warm-up every day!
