Top Tips for Great Graduation Recordings: 

·          Make sure the instrument is well tuned

·          Try to minimise background noise

·          Check the balance between soloist and piano or backing track by recording a short segment and listening back to it together

·          Put your recording device at least six feet away from the performers and definitely not on the piano as it will pick up the sound of the keys and pedal, not just the music

·          Make sure your students announce themselves nice and loudly – full name, age, piece and composer

·          Give yourselves a few dates to record, not just one. After the first attempt listen back together with your student and discuss improvements you both want to make. If you start the process at the beginning of the Summer term you have a lot of time to get a really good recording. Ask your students to expect that they will try three or four times (and this will take roughly half a lesson each time)

·          Check your students understand that once you and they are happy with their recording, they have graduated – there is no need to wait for the certificate and report before celebrating!