Physician, Heal Thyself: Part III – Recording Devices

A recording device “pops the bubble” and keeps you in check.

In Part I of this series, the topic was the metronome and its usage. In Part II, intonation and the electronic tuner is examined.

In Part II, the topic was the tuner: its dual functions and uses for tempered intonation. In Part III, recording devices and techniques are explored.

The Recording Device

While practicing or performing, sometimes I get so wrapped up in the moment that I really have no idea how I am doing. Usually, this means that everything is going well and that I am in the “zone” – an ideal state of the body and mind where I am relaxed, attentive and operating “in the moment.”

Nevertheless I am always on the lookout for delusions of grandeur. It is very easy to believe one’s own hype and fall into delusional thinking. As an opinionated musician (and a bit of an eccentric), I understand and appreciate that there is a fine line between the cutting-edge and going “over the edge” – the edge can cut both ways.

This is where my old friend, the cassette recorder, steps in. It is non-judgmental and captures me exactly as I am – the good, the bad and the ugly. It is my most valued practice tool.

In Parts I and II of this series, the tuner and the metronome are discussed in reference to the basics of musicianship – rhythm and intonation. These basic elements (in tandem with tone quality) are the first things that a discriminating audience will listen for. This is especially true at auditions. Tone, rhythm and intonation are the three main factors that a committee will listen for – especially in the beginning rounds.

So, outside of a supportive private teacher, how does a student recognize and fix weaknesses in tone, rhythm and intonation?

First, let me preface my solution with this:

Human beings are not perfect. They can be self-delusional and sometimes don’t have a clue that a problem exists around them. I remind myself of this every day when I drive on the freeway and somebody cuts me off, or is driving too fast or too slow. Many people are unaware or uncaring of their surroundings; some people are just plain “lost” or overwhelmed with life and its perils. For music students overloaded with classes and new life lessons, their musical path can get lost too – within a self-contained “bubble” of false belief systems or distractions. Without perspective, a music student can become completely unaware of bad habits that have developed over a long period of time.

On the other side of the fence, sometimes even a well-intended teacher can live in their own “bubble,” and may not even notice (or care about) a student’s problems.

In any case, the simple solution is to pop this bubble – use a recording device and to use it often. “Physician, heal thyself,” as the old saying goes. Listen to your recordings (preferably away from the practice room) and listen often. You will find things that need fixing. If you can remain non-judgmental and develop a logical, long-term plan to fix those problems, you will be much more successful as a career musician than by relying on your teacher alone to correct you.

As a side note, I once heard of a teacher who recorded his students with a reel-to-reel recorder, and then played back the tapes at half speed! While this technique lowers the pitch down one octave (and affects the playback of tone quality) every single glitch becomes glaringly obvious – to even the most rebellious or “lost” student.

There are a variety of affordable recording devices available for a musician to record themselves: mini-disc recorders, cassette recorders, MP3 recorders, even a laptop computer can be used. Some units need an external microphone; others have built-in microphones. My preferred method is the external microphone as it records more accurately than a built-in microphone. Built-ins will typically compress and flatten the sound, affecting the playback accuracy of dynamic levels and tone quality.

Personally, I own two devices: a Sony Pro Walkman (which is about the size of a 500-page paperback book) and a small cassette recorder (about the size of a thin 150-page paperback book). The Pro Walkman requires an external microphone and the smaller unit has a built-in microphone. When I have space restrictions and cannot carry the extras required for my Pro Walkman, I use the small recorder as it can fit into a smaller space. Whenever I use the smaller recorder, I take into consideration the compressed sound it produces.

Conclusion

The musician’s path is not an easy one. It will take countless hours of sweat and tears to succeed – especially in today’s American market where good music jobs are hard to come by.

Take full advantage of modern technology and embrace it as a toolbox for self-improvement. The tuner, metronome and recording device are vital aids that when properly used reward you with a dose of reality: they provide you with the ability to stop wasting time, to stop blaming others and to start teaching yourself.

UPDATE July 2008: Another Tool for the Shed