In this modern era of fast and furious, jargon and the 30-second make or break advertisements, I really try to keep up. Being a 60's child, I still find it hard to combine my passion and technology at the rate Generation X, the Millennials and Generation Z prescribe. It takes me longer to grasp certain concepts and fortunately all the courses that I have done, have a life-long membership which means I can go back and re-check what I have forgotten!

The option of giving up is not part of my vocabulary so after 15 years I can now share my first Audio/Video Recording course with other folks that might have experienced the same issues- too fast, too overwhelming, too much information and finding themselves left to their own devices in this web wilderness with so many options.

So what exactly do I offer you? This is a beginners course, presented at a slower rate, on recording your voice and/or a video of your performance, with options of using existing videos and/or pictures and exporting your project. This idea of a slower rate means I cannot claim that this course would be a nice, short weekend project! This is rather a concept of preparing that flask of coffee, buckle up and stay put...after all, what's the rush? Let's dive a bit deeper...

This course covers most of the basics of vocal and/or video recording. All the instruction material is in a video format which is an indication that it is a practical, as oppose to theoretical, course. The topics include recording spaces, hardware, software, the process of recording, editing and exporting the final product in a format of your choice to any social media platform. This beginners course is different in the sense that overload of non-practical jargon is avoided as far as possible. I believe that in-depth knowledge of a function that can be acquired later-what is needed first, is something practical now and visible without the need for theoretical expertise on any given subject/function.

This program starts with an overview of recording spaces and the aim is to assist you in making decisions on where and how to set up your own recording space. This is followed by longer sessions discussing and looking at the basic components that are needed when the topic of "recording" comes to mind. As the main component of your system is undoubtedly a computer or laptop, it continuous with what software is needed and in-depth visual lessons demonstrate which software to download and how to install it. There are also specifications discussed before you decide on purchasing a computer or laptop. Suggestions on "things-that-make-your-recording-life-easier" like headphones, monitor screens, monitor speakers, a keyboard and a mouse for the laptop, are given.

This "thing" (called an interface), that connects your laptop with microphones and webcams, is referred to and I am discussing and demonstrating how a microphone and a guitar connection can be done using this interface that connects to the laptop. The need for a pop filter and an external hard drive is discussed and a quick reference is made to a webcam. Various microphones are shown and discussed. If you are a complete beginner with regards to recording, a combination bundle that includes a microphone, microphone cable and a headset is shown so that you can start recording in no time. The green screen concept is introduced at this stage.

An in-depth discussion then follows with regards to downloading and installing audio, video and interface software. Disabling Windows Sounds is important when moving into the recording world and clear instruction is given on how to do this. Connecting headphones to an interface might be problematic but a solution is shown.

The practical aspect starts when voice recording is introduced. Following this recording, complete guidelines are given as to how to increase the total volume of the recording to a level that compares well with other recordings from the real world using "special tools" called plugins. Mistakes are usually made during recording so techniques are also shown to cut and link sections. Finally the concept of exporting an mp3 file is demonstrated which will be up-loadable to any platform of your choice.

The methods for importing a video is shown and as an example, a short narration is done relating to the video. Editing both the video and voice is demonstrated followed by exporting the product in an mp4 format.

Importing pictures and editing these pictures with basic features like fade-in and fade-out as well as changing the shape of these fade-in and fade-out functions, can be a very useful and relaxing project. The introduction of developing a picture project template can be very time effective for future picture projects. A picture project is usually converted to a video project and a discussion follows with regards to adding sound to this picture-video project and different options are considered. A final project is produced to demonstrate this concept.

The next step is to focus more on the green screen, which lays the foundation for the recording of an artist's performance. A short video demonstrates how an artist did a performance with a green screen, how editing was done and how the final product was exported. An in-depth 4-step process follows showing exactly how to produce a final product without sound. The arrangement of those "special tools" (plugins) is discussed and suggestions on spotlights and wireless microphones are given. As a demonstration of the practicality of this course, a final live performance was done and recorded with audio and video, which was edited and exported in an up-loadable mp4 format.

This then concludes the outline of this course and examples of my work can be seen on my You Tube channel, MusMan Music. I also have a Face Book page with the same name where earlier versions of my work can be seen. Everything is still a work in progress...please have a look and if you feel that this is something you would like to do, join me and start exploring the wonderful world of recording. I hope to see you soon on the other side!

What you'll learn

You will learn about options with regards to recording spaces.

You will learn about recording equipment.

You will learn about sound recording and video software.

You will be able to record and edit vocals.

You will be able to record and edit vocals and video.

You will be able to convert photos into a video format.

You will learn about the Green Screen, an example setup and producing a final product.

You will be able to export your final product to a social media platform of your choice.

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