thumper1

DS made labels that he put on all of his CDs...we tested each one to make sure it played before we sent them. This is something you should be doing anyway, testing them before mailing. We mailed in the thin plastic boxes. This was for summer programs and was what they requested.

If you're worried about the labels...get a fine point Sharpie and find someone who writes in perfect "Palmer Method"..and have them write on the CD itself.

alohagail

This discusssion brings me back to an issue that has been on my mind. How important is the professional appearance an audition CD. Do you need a professional looking fancy label? More importantly, does it need to be made at a recording studio? Can you make a good one at home on your own?

jazz/shreddermom

aloha, last year my son had three friends who recorded prescreens. All were done with a home video recorder and external mic in one of the HS practice rooms. (Home was not an option, because they're jazz musicians and had three backup musicians, all amped.) All got a live audition and were accepted to their first choice schools. I have no idea how their CD/DVDs were labeled.

We're doing it the way I mentioned above, but it dawned on me that there might be an easy way to make nice, neat label--hence my post.

musicamusica

Professional labeling is in no way a requirement. Only clear concise labeling of the actual CD/DVD and jewel case/envelope are required.

jazz/shreddermom

What if the jewel case is clear - then the CD/DVD label shows right through. Done!

alohagail

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good computer recording program? My son's jazz teacher recommended Pro Tools. It's about $200.

stephmin

Pro Tools for $200?! No way! To install the full HD, or even LE, software as well as equip yourself with all the necessary interface and hardware needed, without which the software would be essentially useless, would easily set you back perhaps $1000 to $1500.

A full all-out computer recording "program" is not needed to merely record an audition. All you need is a basic sequencing program with mult-track support. Even a free one such as the never failing GarageBand will do. However - having a proper high quality microphone is key. Other folks will chime in with specific suggestions, or do a search for microphone topics on this very forum.

jazz/shreddermom

If nothing else, this thread is making me feel better that my son's not even recording his prescreens until next Wednesday (the 11th). I figured we were the last of the bunch.

alohagail

Something about that protools didn't sit right with me. What kind of basic sequencing program do you recommend? And any advice on a microphone for recording piano would be very much appreciated.

stephmin

Perhaps Audacity will do the trick for windows. Garageband for Mac.

alohagail

Thanks stephmin, my son downloaded Audacity and has been playing around with it today. It's very user friendly. Now the next step is buying a microphone (s) to make nicer quality recordings than we currently can. Does anyone know what works well when recording piano?