<p>(Arts Supplement for College Admission)
FOR MY FELLOW MUSICIANS I am interested in sending in a cd recording of myself playing a violin solo to several schools. But, I just don't know how to record myself playing onto a cd and make several copies. Can I use iTunes, should I get a mic, or a digital voice recorder so I can put stuff on my comp and burn cds... I plan to head to Staples tonight or a local music shop tomorrow. What is the easiest and fastest way to do it?! I have two days. HELP ME PLEASE?! I WILL BE ETERNALLY IN YOUR DEBT! Seriously, though, I would really appreciate your advice. :)</p>
<p>There are previous threads here <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/427939-zoom-h2-portable-audio-recorder.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/427939-zoom-h2-portable-audio-recorder.html</a> here <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/414774-audition-tapes-cds.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/414774-audition-tapes-cds.html</a> and here <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/399037-nfaa.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/399037-nfaa.html</a></p>
<p>I am going to suggest that you get help from someone who knows what they are doing. I mean physically, not asking for advice over the Internet. Picking out equipment, running around to buy it, learning to use it, doing the recording, choosing the best tracks, producing the master and then making copies is a lot of work for two days (or perhaps one now).</p>
<p>Many colleges and even some high schools teach music tech courses. If you could connect with them (not easy on a Sunday during break, I know) you might be able to get someone to come record you and hand you a CD by the end of the afternoon. Duplicating audio CD's is not hard if you have a computer that can write to CD-R's.</p>
<p>If you must do this yourself, look for something like a Zoom H2 or an Edirol R-09. You will probably also want to buy a larger memory card than the one that comes with the recording device. Try to find a space that is bigger than a room in a normal house if you can. Do not stand too close to any walls when playing and experiment with positioning of the recording unit to get the best possible sound before you start recording in earnest. Take breaks when you need to, this can be hard work. Normally, you are not allowed to edit takes, but you can record individual movements several times and pick the best. You will then have to transfer the selected takes to a PC and assemble them in the order that you need for the CD. You probably already have a program on your PC that will do that if you have a CD-R burner. Make sure to finalize the disc so that it will play in CD audio players and try it out in a CD player (not on your computer) before sending it anywhere.</p>
<p>Do not use an iPod or anything that calls itself a Digital Voice Recorder. They will not give you the fidelity you need to make an important musical recording.</p>