Simpedia

Lorraine W., California

If you have a smart phone, then simply download a free app (on the iPhone it’s called ‘Recorder’ and comes as standard), put in on your piano and start recording. It’s very simple.

You can usually email the recording directly from your phone.

Carla R., Texas

If you don’t have a smart phone, you can purchase an audio recorder, such as one a college student would take to class. Then you can transfer the recordings to your computer; then record to a cd.

April H., Utah

A lot of mp3 players have a “voice recording” feature. This works well. Just push record on the mp3 player, then when you are finished sync it to your computer and email it or burn it to a CD.

Fiona H., Australia

No equipment needed that’s extra to buy!!!!

I just use my normal digital camera!! I like it as it records both visual and audio – easy to put SD card in the computer and burn a CD to send off. I have a tripod (cheap little one) and a normal big one. Keeps it steady.

Also, I use it to give feedback to students on their posture/position/musicality etc. A picture says a 1000 words and it builds confidence to those who ‘don’t like’ recordings as it’s a safe place to watch oneself play back the recording once you’re up on a higher level.

I record ALL my students in lesson as part of graduating from level. I buy SM certificates and give them one. Usually while one student records, I go in the hallway with the other (or parent) and discuss the pathway ahead ie: the next level or skill area I’ll be approaching etc – as it’s all about entering into the next phase…..

Joy V. , Texas

You can buy a small MP3 player at Wal-Mart for $40 which has an internal microphone and a USB cord to connect to a computer (also holds 4 MB). Simply record, transfer to your computer and send them by email.

The nice thing about it is you can also use it to listen to music, share photos, and use as a flash drive.

Shanta H., Minnesota

I bought a $99 Samson podcasting microphone that plugs into my computer with a USB port, and I downloaded Audacity to my computer. Audacity is a free recording software – if you’re trying to do real mixing and production it’s not good enough, but for making simple recordings it works great and is user friendly.

I have been really happy with my arrangement – I’ve even used it to record some of the vocal groups I sing with, It produces surprisingly high quality recordings.

I also go above and beyond on this – I have 27 students and I record every student at the end of every foundation level and I give them a CD of themselves (grandparents LOVE that I do this). So I record enough that it was worth buying the microphone.