Tooter Tutor

I think recording ourselves is a terrific idea and I do it while practicing from time to time (mini-disk). However, I would recommend doing it only with strong goals in mind. I have found that "doing it for the sake of doing it" is not inherently beneficial to me and is often discouraging because "the truth hurts!" I am not alone here, am I?

If we decide in advance what performance quality we are going to zero in on on for recording then we can focus specifically on that during the playback. It is hard to fix every challenge we hear at once! I try to set my goals against the SMART goal setting acronym:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Timed

So, I would recommend that we set our goals, then record ourselves, listen against those goals, then repeat (adding salt, to taste, if necessary).

This will help keep us on the positive side of the emotional barometer while we strive to improve!

-Greggie

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Gregory Alley, the Tooter Tutor
www.tootertutor.com

"...heaven is eating pate de foie gras to the sound of trumpets." Revd. Sydney Smith (1771-1845)

mahaberio

I have a Blue Microphones "Snowball" mic that I use to record myself. It's nice, fairly inexpensive, and plugs right into your USB port. The sound could be a little better but for a USB mic it's wonderful and for practicing purposes it more than does the job. It's also nice because there is no set-up time and you can use a free program such as audacity (highly recommended) and record yourself right onto your computer. Unfortunately my computer has been on the fringe for a while now so it's not been reliable for recordings (keeps freezing). Looks like it's high time to front the money for that new hard drive. Back on topic.

In my opinion, nothing is more valuable as a musician than being able to be your own teacher. Think of what you accomplish in a good lesson. Wouldn't it be great if we could duplicate that every time we practice? I think that recording yourself is an essential tool in becoming your own teacher. At the very least, it certainly makes you have a more intimate relationship with your tuner and metronome.

-Matthew

TrentAustin

Matt, your post just nailed everything I think as well.

My best teachers have always been:
1. Metronome (without great time forget about playing)
2. Tune (if you can't play in tune with yourself bandmates will notice!)
3. Recording device (it doesn't lie!)

-T
PS: Studying with Ed, Charlie Banacos, and Hal Crook also played a part ;) :) :)

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Trent Austin
Taking a break to focus on my music but I am lurking around. If you want to chat PM me.
http://www.trentaustin.com
http://www.onlinejazzimprovisation.com

ptynan

Trent,

Have you ever transcribed yourself?

Very Painful....but worth it.

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Paul Tynan
"Now Available in California!!"

TrentAustin

yeah, Hal Crook made me do this often. yucccccckkkkkk!

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Trent Austin
Taking a break to focus on my music but I am lurking around. If you want to chat PM me.
http://www.trentaustin.com
http://www.onlinejazzimprovisation.com

trpt2345

For a musican to record him or her self is like a dancer having a big huge mirror to watch themselves. It is an indispensible tool. Pitiless and merciless, but indispensible nonetheless.

Michael McLaughlin

How many computer engineers does it take to change a light bulb?
Why bother? The socket will be obsolete in six months anyway.
Garrison Keillor

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Chicago MM

John P

I just recorded myself playing the ITG orchestral excerpts list last night. I noticed a lot of stuff about my articulation that worried me. I've been trying for a long time to correct my natural "heavy tongue", but now my articulation is barely audible. I've got some practicing to do...

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JP

FreshBrewed

Since jumping back on the horn, I noticed that some of my mechanics were "off". I used my webcam and recorded myself the last few days. The visual as well as the audio is really helping me to get back on track. Looks like this will be a great tool for me in the future. Thanks.

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Mike
Eclipse MHY Bell
1949 Olds Ambassador

Listening has nothing to do with moving your mouth!