Performance Video

This is the moment where all your planning, research, and practice hours come together! Your performance video is more than just a recording; it is your chance to show the world the musical "power-ups" you have been working on. Whether you are playing a piece from notation or a song you have learned by ear, this video is a celebration of your unique musical voice. Remember, the goal is not a "flawless" performance, but a purposeful one where we can see you applying the specific technical and stylistic goals you set for yourself at the start of the unit.

To make this a great learning tool (and a great show!), please make sure your camera angle is set up so we can see both of your hands while you play. Seeing your hands helps us see your technique in action, whether you are navigating a keyboard, finding frets on a guitar, or working the controls of a MIDI controller. If you are using a DAW, a "screen record" alongside a video of you performing is a great way to show how you are manipulating the sounds. It creates a professional look that really highlights the work you are putting in.

Don't feel pressured to get it perfect on the very first try. Even professional musicians in studios across Ontario take a few "passes" to find the right energy. It is perfectly okay to do a couple of takes and choose the one that feels the most expressive and true to the style of the music. If you make a small mistake, keep going! Often, the best performances are the ones where the artist shows they can stay in the "groove" no matter what. You have done the work, so take a deep breath, hit record, and show us what you’ve got!

Here is a step-by-step guide to getting the best take possible:

Find Your Light

Try to set up facing a window or a bright lamp. If the light is behind you, your face and hands will look like a dark shadow. We want to see the focus and hard work on your face as you play!

The "Both Hands" Rule

This is the most important part of your setup. Position your camera (laptop, phone, or webcam) so that we can clearly see both of your hands interacting with your instrument.

• For Piano/Keyboard: Place the camera to the side or slightly above your shoulder.
• For Guitar/Bass/Strings: Make sure the camera captures the full neck of the instrument and your picking/strumming hand.
• For Woodwinds/Brass: Ensure we can see your hand positioning on the keys or valves.
• For DAWs: Position yourself so we can see you using your mouse, MIDI controller, or launchpad.

Check Your Posture

Before you hit record, take a "posture check." If you are sitting, sit toward the front of your chair with your feet flat on the floor. If you are standing, keep your shoulders relaxed and your chest open. Good posture isn't just about looking professional; it opens up your lungs for better breathing and gives your arms the range of motion they need to reach those tricky notes.

Clear the Stage

You don't need a fancy background, but a quick "tidy" goes a long way. Move any laundry piles or old snack plates out of the frame. You are the star of this video, and we want all the attention on your performance!

Do a Test Run

Record 10 seconds of your loudest playing, then watch it back. Is the audio clipping (distorting)? Are your hands cut off by the edge of the screen? It is much better to find this out now than after you’ve recorded your "perfect" take!

Polishing Your Performance in Canva

1. Start with a Video Template: Log into Canva and search for "Education Video" or "YouTube Outro." This will give you the correct dimensions (16:9) for our website and Google Classroom.
2. Upload Your Best Take: Drag and drop your recorded performance into the "Uploads" tab. Once it’s there, you can pull it onto your canvas.
3. Create a Title Card: Before the music starts, add a page with a title card. Include the name of the piece, the composer/artist, and your name. Use the "Elements" tab to find some music-themed graphics to give it some personality!
4. Add Lower Thirds: While you are playing, you can add a small text box in the bottom corner (a "lower third") that points out the specific "power-up" or technique you are demonstrating at that moment. This is a great way to show me that you are meeting your success criteria in real-time.
5. Trim and Fade: You can drag the edges of your region to trim any awkward silence at the beginning or end of your video. You can also add transitions to make your video look even more professional.
6. Download and Submit: When you're happy with it, click Share, then Download, and select MP4 Video. This is the file you will upload to Google Classroom.