If you use a coaching service like MTCA, they can also have one of their crackerjack accompanists record all your student’s audio tracks to use during coaching sessions as well as for prescreen filming.
I would be very careful with the prescreen, and probably consider finding a professional or someone with experience, and not just do it with an iPhone. While many kids pass the prescreens with non-professional videos or videos shot in their own living room with an iPhone, passing the prescreen isn’t the only thing the schools use those videos for. According to Kaitlin Hopkins at Texas State, she continues to refer back to them to refresh her memory and to help her make her final decision. I have also heard of some schools that use a “point system” in auditions, where points are given for each phase of the process (prescreen, live audition, interview, etc). Then, the top 20 or so total scores are the students offered spots. In these cases, you would not want to merely “pass” the prescreen, but would want to send the best possible video.
We did do ours at our home, but we have a dedicated music room in our home with proper acoustics, lighting, sound equipment and video equipment. Even with all of that, there were times we considered going to a studio and just letting someone else handle it.
I think recording on an iPhone is completely acceptable. (The current iPhone models have fairly decent cameras, really.) It’s more about the conditions of the video that matter, IMO. If you make sure your background isn’t distracting, or if you’re up against a solid, light coloured wall, even better, you have a good accompaniment/voice mix with no background noise, good lighting, and a student who is professionally presented, you’ve done the best you can. I would wager that auditors would prefer to see videos in that setting recorded on an iPhone than a distracting, professionally recorded video.
That being said, I would absolutely invest in getting some editing help if you’re not savvy. I’m a Mac person, so I generally edit my students’ videos because the preinstalled software is so simple to use. (Same thing for recorded piano tracks.)
For piano tracks, I would really encourage getting someone to play for you and having them record AS you sing. There are some prerecorded tracks that are amazing, but they are always going to be limiting with artistic freedom. If you can make it happen, I believe it is so worth it!
@Dusing2 , I think the point is that an iphone (especially the newer ones) can give a great, quality recording. Everything else (location, sound, lighting) should definitely be on point and with all things in place, an iphone recording is a great alternative to a professional video camera.
This is not on the topic of videos per se, but I have been amazed by the number of people I have seen in the last year in tourist venues (NYC, Las Vegas, LA, Florida etc) who are taking vacation pic/videos with their iPads. Just seems bulky to carry - though it does take nice pics. For filming, a friend has an attachment for his iPad which basically looks like a big camera lens. He uses it for filming and posting speeches, conferences, meeting etc (which is his job- would have LOVED to use him for prescreens but he’s not local) He swears by it- but I think it was pricey.
The reason I thought the iPhone might not be a great idea is that the iPhone itself may be ok, but the posters admittedly are technologically challenged and may have difficulty recording a decent video with one. A quick search of “MT prescreen auditions” on YouTube will give many examples of extremely poorly done videos. Many are done without a tripod and shake, they zoom in and out too quickly, often the piano is too loud for the vocals, poor acoustics causing echoes, etc. If you choose to do it yourself, please pay attention to detail. Educate yourself on how to video properly, make sure you have a “clean” background, make sure the vocals can be heard and sound as good as possible, have proper lighting and eliminate shadows.
A professional quality video can be done from $200+. Considering we spent thousands of dollars flying to auditions, renting cars, hotel rooms, app fees, etc., this extra $200 is really not that much more. Especially if it may mean the difference between an acceptance or rejection.
As was mentioned by @vvnstar it does not have to be a professional, just someone that knows what they are doing, as in a student. Most schools have a department that does videos. Ask around and you will probably find someone very capable of helping. Also, acceptd has instructional videos on YouTube to help with some of this.
Here’s a past thread on prescreens. The first posts may be a little dated - smart phone recording equipment has gotten much better for one thing, but there are some useful nuggets in there and the more recent ones may be very helpful. I think using some form of tripod is critical - no matter what device you film with.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1629514-prescreen-video-recording-resources-diy-p1.html
@Dusing2, I totally hear your point. I think for a lot of the kids I work with, saving money is a huge priority. Not all of them have the resources to hire a photographer for a headshot; many of them don’t even have the resources to audition outside of the state or Unifieds to due travel budget restrictions. So I guess I’ve learned creative ways of making things look as close to professional as possible without having to hire someone. But yes, a shaky video with an iPhone or any other device is not going to be ideal.
It is absolutely true that iPhones can produce excellent high quality video if basic “good video environment” rules are followed (as noted above, iPhone is stabilized, face is well lit, background is a light solid color, etc.). The sound is another story, it really helps if you can get access to decent directional microphone (which will probably need a $10 3-ring adapter plug if the mic comes with a conventional 2-ring 3.5 mm plug).
If you Google “DIY iPhone stand for shooting video” you can see some pretty amazing and inventive no-cost or low-cost solutions for propping up iPhones to shoot stable videos if you cannot get access to a tripod with a clamp for an iPhone. You can rig some decent iPhone clamps out of binder clips.
My favorite is the one made from scrap plastic and elastic cords that mounts on top of a beer bottle.
In addition to videos of songs and monologues, you will also probably need videos of 1 minute dance routines and some “why I want to attend school X” videos, depending on what schools are on your list. I think that D had to prepare three “why I want to go to school X” videos, and at least 2-3 schools wanted a 1 minute dance video (maybe more, its all a dark blur now in my mind).
I think I remember that one school wanted the personal introduction, slate, and all songs and monologues in one complete take, no edits whatsoever.
If you intend to hire a video professional, make sure that you know all the videos required before you start, or be prepared to go back and shoot more video.
Encourage your kids to learn how to do this – they will need this skill as they will submit video auditions all the time – even in college (for summerstock jobs, internships, etc.)
Ditto what @MTTwinsinCA said. I’ve also been hearing lately that more casting directors, etc. at the professional level want to be able to check out your “digital resume” on youtube or other video/music/voice-over hosting venue. Being able to record yourself quickly and utilizing basic editing skills will only become more valuable. Perhaps even a way to make money as your “day” job.
One caveat with hiring a professional – make sure they are totally clear on what the requirements are. Mant (most?) schools indicate they want unedited footage, and some pros want to use all their skills to present the videos – that can actually be a negative if the auditors feel that the sound has been enhanced. And, “special effects” in titling etc. will absolutely not improve a student’s chances.
It’s a tricky line to walk (as are so many other things in this business). You want it to look as professional as possible, while giving off the vibe that it’s completely casual. Never let 'Em see you sweat 
D is at Carnegie pre-college. Her group shot prescreens of their audition material over the past few days. Next week, they will get the chance to watch the videos while getting simultaneous feedback from the professors. They do recommend doing dry runs and watching them, preferably with someone who.is willing to give constructive criticism, so you can see how you come across on video. They reiterate that schools do not expect professionally-edited video but of course, first impressions are very important.
The recommendation among musicians is the zoom Q2HD. It’s video is good but the audio recording capability is excellent for non professional equipment. It has a directional/omni directional mic (u can change the settings) and it can be mounted on to a tripod.
The bonus is that not only can she use it to record her accompanist but she can record her recitals and class projects. During a regional audition one of the conservatories used it to record those who auditioned.
Plus it only costs about $199, can be bought at best buy (if u need it quick) but be prepared because our local salesperson wasn’t versed in it and tried to talk us into other more expensive video cameras.
The Zoom is a great camera, and as mentioned, has great audio. One of the things we like about it is because the screen is so small, you can be discreet with it in filming performances. My husband has even filmed by placing it in his shirt pocket.
Unfortunately, the Zoom Q2HD is no longer in production. The latest model, the Q4, retails for $299 (maybe a little less at some discount houses). You may be able to find a Q2 or Q3 a back shelf somewhere.
The Q4 form factor is more like a standard videocam than the shirt-pocket design of the Q2/Q3, but with the trademark x/y microphones of digital audio recorders (signifying better audio). Note that it has no zoom capability, but it does have great audio.
Ok so after reading all this advice (thanks by the way!) we will only need like 2-3 prescreens I think so I will make the list of all required songs etc and whether 16 bars or whatever, then I guess we can just record the accompanist on our phones. Then we will have all required cuts. This will eliminate me having to edit CDs. I do think we know someone who could then video record D singing /monologues and then perhaps assist in any editing needed and uploading if I have issues…I am more then willing to pay someone! Lol so I don’t have to do it . Does this sound like it would work?
Delete
Did everyone who recorded the 16 bar/2 bar accompaniment record it on their phone? Is the speaker on an iphone 6 sufficient for this? We have never had to have 16/32 bars recorded before so I am not sure what to do… any auditions we have done have always had an accompanist so we never needed a CD or if my D sang somewhere or for showcases etc we just burn CD of the whole song from Itunes, etc. or she plays whole song off her phone… I have never had to edit a CD to just allow the 16 bars…I looked up Audacity but it still looks foreign to me! Do you download the song on Audacity and then cut it and THEN burn a Cd of the cut or save it?? Ugh so clueless about editing etc…