How to record The Linden Tree
Thank you for agreeing to take part in our After Winter digital project. In this page we will explain how to record your part for The Linden Tree.
Here are some things you need to know:
- You need to listen to a backing track while you record, but it is very important that the recording you submit does not include any audio from the backing track. Make sure to wear headphones while listening to it so we can only hear the audio you recorded.
- Please submit your recording by 12:00 noon on Monday 6 July.
- We will be in touch soon with suggestions for recording your video part, but please record and submit audio and video separately.
- At this moment we are focusing on The Linden Tree. The other song, Frozen Solid, will be recorded later in the year.
Step 1 – Download your part
Step 2 – Set up your recording device
You can record on your phone or tablet, a professional recorder, or a computer / home studio. Please click the options below for instructions.
If you are using your phone, you will need to install the Voice Record Pro app. Click below on the operating system of your device to learn how to install this app:
- Android devices (Samsung, Huawei, HTC, Google, Nokia and others).
- iOS devices (iPhone or iPad).
Make sure to watch this 10-minute video on how to use Voice Record Pro.
If you have any questions about how to use this app, get in touch with Rey Trombetta at rt@streetwiseopera.org.
If you are using a professional recorder, use the following settings:
- File type: WAV (it is very important that you do not record in MP3)
- Sampling frequency: 44,100 Hz
- Bit depth: 24 bits
This is what the screen of a Zoom H4n would look like with the right settings:
If you have any questions or need help setting up, get in touch with Rey Trombetta at rt@streetwiseopera.org.
If you have an external microphone and you have installed audio recording software, you may be able to record on your computer.
Audio recording software can include Audacity, Garage Band, Logic Pro, Adobe Audition or Pro Tools.
Please use the following settings when you export your recording:
- File type: WAV (it is very important that you do not record in MP3)
- Sampling frequency: 44,100 Hz
- Bit depth: 24 bits
If you have any questions or need help setting up, get in touch with Rey Trombetta at rt@streetwiseopera.org.
Step 3 – Choose the best location
Ideally you want to record in a quiet and dry space. A room will be dryer (with less echo and reverberation) if it has furniture, clothes or soft surfaces that will prevent audio waves from bouncing around. You might want to do some recording tests, to make sure you are happy with the quality of the room. You can use towels, bed sheets or clothes to make the space more dry.
Step 4 – Choose the best time for recording
Do the recording at a time when you know you won’t be interrupted. Also, ideally when noise from outside will be minimal.
Before you start to record, pay attention to any noises in the room or coming from outside. Is there a loud appliance on, is there the noise of traffic or a passing train? Maybe wait a bit until the noise passes and then record.
Step 5 – Get your device ready
Make sure your device has enough battery or it is plugged in to a power source.
If you are a singer, it would be best if you do not hold your device in your hand. Instead, rest it on a stable surface with the microphone pointing to your mouth.
If you are using a microphone or a recorder to record singing, consider using a pop filter.
If you are a string player and wish to discuss microphone placement, get in touch with Rey Trombetta at rt@streetwiseopera.org.
Step 6 – Queue up the backing track
We’ve put together a backing track with baritone Roderick Williams singing the baritone part, Hannah Conway singing the Streetwise Opera part, and Christopher Glynn playing the piano.
Please note that the piano track is temporary and will be replaced by a new recording using the arrangement by Iain Farrington.
Step 7 – Record your part
You are now ready to record your part. Press record on your device and then listen to the backing track on headphones. If you are using open headphones, ensure the volume of the backing track isn’t so loud that it will leak into your recording.
IMPORTANT TIP – At the beginning of the backing track you will hear 12 clicks. This will help us sync all the recordings we’ll be mixing.
- Use the first three clicks to grasp the tempo.
- Clap along to the following six clicks.
- Get ready to play or sing (do not clap) during the last thee clicks.
If you need any help or advice about recording, get in touch with Rey Trombetta at rt@streetwiseopera.org.
Step 8 – Check your recording before sending it
Listen to your recording before submitting, to make sure you are happy with your performance and with the quality of the recording.
Step 9 – Rename your audio file
We will be receiving lots of recordings over the next week. We’d be very grateful if you could rename your audio file with your part name and the name of the song. For example:
CelloLindenTree.WAV
If you are using the Voice Record Pro app, remember to have a look at the tutorial video to learn how to rename a recording.
Step 10 – Send your recording to Streetwise Opera
If you used Voice Record Pro, we would prefer you send your recording via email as a password protected link. We explain how to do this from 07:58 in this tutorial.
If you are using a home studio or a professional recorder, just forward your audio file to Streetwise Opera at info@streetwiseopera.org. It is likely that the file will be too big to be attached, so please upload it to Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, DropBox and send us the download link, or use a free file transfer service like WeTransfer or WeSendit.
You will not receive an automatic email notification confirming we have received your recording. But we will monitor emails regularly and write back confirming we have your recording as soon as possible.