<p>In many recording studios, they offer to (and for them, it is customary to) add reverb to your playing so it doesn’t sound so dry. Is this okay for college audition tapes?</p>
<p>My understanding of most school’s requirements is that they want no modifications made or editing done. To be on the safe side, I would tend to go without the reverb, but a recording studio sound for classical music is horribly dry without it, so I certainly understand the desire to add. I would suggest contacting a couple of schools to ask this question directly. </p>
<p>I do know of someone whose technician added reverb for a movement that was recorded in a dry venue (the technician added it without asking, assuming that it would be fine). I heard the recording and while the reverb wasn’t constantly noticeable to my ear, I did detect the arificiality of it in a couple of spots. The recording made it past all its prescreens at good schools.</p>
<p>This is such a tricky subject. I wish that the NASM schools would make some kind of joint statement on what the rules are exactly. Right now the situation reminds me of athletics before the banning of performance enhancing drugs.</p>
<p>Proceed with caution. One man’s “slight sweetening” is another’s “saccharine” when it comes to reverb, and these folks have the ear. If you do it, include very specific technical notes outlining exactly where, why and how the sound was enhanced.</p>
<p>The most recent discussion (there are others, some rather heated) of the opinions on editing here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1016685-prescreening-recording-help.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1016685-prescreening-recording-help.html</a>. </p>
<p>I’m a purist. No enhancements.</p>
<p>^Buzzer, I should clarify. I am actually with v-dad on this one in terms of no enhancements, but I also recognize that an affordable studio is not necessarily the best raw acoustical environment.</p>
<p>I would consider foregoing the extra expense (and possible ill-conceived meddling)of a recording studio entirely and instead try to find a really nice acoustic space in which to record, or even DVD with a decent mic. Then do a straight shot. Much cheaper, easier, and authentic.
I don’t know what instrument you play, but churches, performing arts centers, etc. are usually available by request on off hours.</p>
<p>During an admissions tour this summer at NEC. The adcom specifically made reference to reverb. “Absolutely no reverb - we can hear it” He stated that they don’t expect perfection as in a recording studio for consumer purchase but want to hear the true musician.</p>
<p>thanks everyone for helpful advices!</p>