Performance and recordings through technology
Technology has become an integral part of our musical lives. It has changed the way music is heard, transmitted, preserved and performed. Through technology, many musicians are able to perform for people around the world through live streamed performances and record/ release albums on various streaming platforms! With the advancement of music technology, it has become imperative for the music professional to be updated with the latest music technology.
Take 1… 2… 3! … etc.
In class, we were introduced to various positions and roles that needed to be addressed and assigned to each person before recording. These were:
- Audio (sound engineer): Mostly in charge of the volume/ balance between the performers and adjusting the microphones position. We used a Zoom H5 Recorder and a set of headphones in today’s class.
- Video (camera operator): In charge of capturing the desirable angle/ shot of the performers. We used a fixed camera and two panning cameras (the Conservatorium’s camera equipment and a student’s iphone)
- Lighting: In charge of adjusting the lights and choosing an appropriate background setting. For this, we have used a Photography Studio Soft Box Lighting Kit Continuous Light (as well as the lights in the room)
- Director: Mostly in charge of checking that everyone has done their job correctly e.g. is recording properly, the angle/ shot is set appropriately and that the lighting isn’t too dark or too light that it covers the performer’s face and/ or body.
- And of course the performer/s
Still setting up! Meanwhile, our lovely performers are warming up 
Testing that our equipment works
In today’s workshop, I was designated as the director and by the end of class was able to:
- Understand the roles each position were held responsible for
- Check that each equipment were placed at a suitable distance and position from the performer. E.g. ask performers to play their highest/ lowest and loudest/softest section in the piece in order to check that everything is heard clearly and well- balanced from the recording device (checked with the sound engineer), and
- Give accurate, quick cues to the production crew as well as the performers to signal when the cameras are rolling.
Music Education 