Advice on admission DVD

[m.rusuichim]

Hello my name is Mihai, and I will soon need to make a recording of myself in order to send for admission to the International Hamamatsu International Piano Academy. Unfortunately, I do not have a large sum of money at my disposal.  Could it be done on my computer with good software and a good microphone? How does one go about making an admission tape anyway? Does anyone know of any good and relatively cheap recording studios in Toronto (that’s where I live)? What important points besides clarity and correctness should I look out for when making the recording (i.e. things that make a good impression on the people reviewing the DVD)?
Thank you in advance
Mihai Rusu-Ichim

[quantum]

I'm guessing sound quality is more important than video in this case.  So if you buy your own stuff, spend a bit more on the sound end.  

If you are good with a/v devices and computer / technology stuff it may be cheaper for you to invest in some recording equipment than pay by hour or day at a studio.  Then again if you would rather record and be done with it, studio is probably better.  

For a good impression, I'd say make the video look clean, presentable, and professional.  You don't need hollywood FX, you just need to show that you payed attention to details and quality.  Please use a tripod, cut out unncessary silence, label you video according to the instructions of the institution, don't use cheap recordable media.  

Performance wise, I value musicality over note perfection.  If do not have recording experience this may be your first experience in recording psychology.  Believe me, the ominous presence of microphones does things to you that you will only find out at that moment.  Do not fear, we have all been there.  It is very different than playing for an audience.  Just remember, go for musical expression.  A couple wrong notes do not mar a good performance.  

Equipment:
Go check out Long and McQuade for equipment.  Go to the Bloor one if you are in downtown.  When you walk into the recording department you probably will first run into a centre display of Apex mics and gear.  This is entry level stuff, but also quite decent sounding.  You may want to consider these mics if you are on a budget.  

As for recording studios.  Check out some churches.  They tend to have lower rates plus great accoustics and much preferable decor than acoustic tile if you need to shoot video.  Pianos may need a tune though.  

[richard black]

The sound quality of your recording is very, very important and the video quality is also important, though not as much. The point is not that the judging panel will consciously assess technical quality, but it will subconsciously colour their judgement of your playing.

Given that you have to ask, you clearly don't know much. (Not a criticism, just a plain statement of fact.) So find someone who _does_ know about this stuff and pay them to do it right for you. Needn't cost a mint to get someone with decent semi-pro video gear to record you, especially if you are well prepared and don't need to do dozens of takes. If you go to Hamamatsu it will cost you far more in air fares than you'll need to spend on a decent recording.

[m.rusuichim]

Thank you for your answers, they have been very informative and comprehensive. I think that I now have a better idea of what to do. I will look for an inexpensive yet good recording studio so as to get the best quality of sound and picture.

Thank you very much

Mihai Rusu-Ichim