Everything You Need to Know About Uploading Recordings

As a Flex Lessons Studio Member, you can upload recordings of your playing to the discussions area for each course. In doing this, you'll be able to receive critical feedback from me throughout your study. I highly encourage all students to take advantage of this unique feature!

In this post, I address several common questions relating to uploading recordings and getting feedback. If you don’t see your question, feel free to leave a comment below this post.

Where can I find the discussion area for each course?

You can access the discussion area by clicking the “discussions” button in the sidebar for each course (see screenshot below).

How do I create a video recording?

The easiest way to create a video recording is to use the camera app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you are using a MacBook, you might try using Quicktime to create your recording.

If you already know how to edit or trim your video, you might want to film multiple attempts of your piece or exercise as a single video. After you are confident that you recorded a "good take", you can edit out any unneeded footage.

Alternatively, you could just press the record button for each attempt until you get a recording that you are happy with.

How should I position the camera?

Your video should include a clear view of your hands, wrists, and forearms.

You may also wish to show a full side profile view of your playing. This would give me the most information to consider when providing feedback. Alternatively, you are welcome to choose a camera angle that allows you to remain anonymous. Just remember that I do need to see hands, wrists, and forearms at a minimum.

What should I include in my video?

The purpose of your video is to gather feedback that is specific to your situation. With that said, the actual content of your recording will vary depending on where you are in the learning process as well as the type of course that you'll be posting in.

Here are a few ideas for you to consider:

• Full play-through of a piece

• Demonstration of a measure or passage from a piece

• Demonstration of an exercise or series of exercises

• Demonstration of a particular issue that you are unsure about

• Sample practice routine (limited to a few minutes)

Videos should include content that is relevant to the specific course that you are posting in. If you are posting something that is not related to a specific course, feel free to share it in the community instead.

How do I create a new post?

When you are ready to create a new post, simply navigate to the discussions area for any of the courses and click the “new discussion” button. This will open up a new page where you can name your post, upload a video, and add additional text.

Keep these things in mind when creating a new post:

• You should create a new post for each piece or exercise.

• Be sure to include the title of the piece or exercise in the post title.

• Include any relevant information in the post along with your recording.

When you add your video file to the post, make sure you wait for the video to completely finish uploading before creating the post.

What can I expect after I create a post?

I will typically respond to your post within a few days, but it could be a longer depending on how busy I am. Note that I generally don't respond on weekends. While you wait to hear from me, keep the relevant material in your practice routine.

The nature of my feedback will generally fall into a few categories:

• I may tell you that you are welcome to move on from your current piece or exercise. This is likely the response that you are looking for! I generally give this response when I feel that the standard for a piece or exercise has been met (considering your personal situation).

• I may ask you to keep practicing a piece with a few small modifications and then move on when you are ready.

• In many cases, I will request an additional recording from you with some modifications (such as counting, using the metronome, playing slower, etc).

• I may also take a screenshot of the music and highlight certain elements of it if I need to draw your attention to something specific.

• In some cases, I may even create a video where I review your recording and share my thoughts with you. I usually do this when I find text-based communication to be too limiting.

When I respond to you, I will offer you targeted feedback that takes into consideration everything I know about how along with any information that you have included in the post. Please keep in mind that I am very much acting in your interest when I give you feedback.

Note that if I request a followup recording, or if you would like to respond to my comment, be sure to click the "reply” button (not the “comment” button).

Why shouldn't I click the “comment” button?

Whenever you create a post, other members (including me) can click the "comment button" to add a comment to the overall thread. However, you don't want to do this yourself when replying to someone because they won't receive any notification or know that you responded to them.

• The comment button is for adding a comment to the overall post. If you create the post, a "comment" would technically be a response to yourself.

• The reply button is for responding to someone directly (it looks like a little arrow under a comment). If they have notifications enabled, they will receive a notification. Your response will appear directly below their comment. Note that you may see a "reply field" instead of a little arrow, but it works the same.

Since I am managing so many students in this program, I am very reliant on notifications to stay organized and avoid loosing track of anything. If you engage in any back and forth discussion with me, remember to use the “reply” button.

If you don't feel the need to reply to my response, it would still be helpful for you to use the little emoji symbol and leave a thumbs up 👍 on my comment to let me know that you saw my response.

How do I upload a “followup” recording?

If I request an additional recording from you, you can either create a new post or simply drag your file into the comment area when responding to me. If possible, I prefer this second option as it allows me to conveniently compare your original recording against any new recordings.

Will other members be notified when I create a new post?

By default, other members will not be notified when you create a new discussion post. However, they can choose to be notified by visiting their account settings and updating their notification preferences.

You might be inspired and motivated in your own practice when you see that others are working on the same material. In this case, it might make sense to enable notifications for the courses that you are working out of currently.

Do I need to post a recording of everything that I play?

You do not need to post a recording of every piece or exercise that you play.

However, when you first join my program and begin your study, I would encourage you to lean towards creating more recordings rather than less. This is especially true for your first few pieces of repertoire as well as your first few exercises. Once you “know the ropes”, feel free to be more selective.

You’ll also be able to find countless recordings on the very same material that other students have made as part of their journey. You can even search and sort this information to find exactly what you need. In doing this, you may not find it necessary to post as many recordings because you can use other examples as a guide.

Do I need to post any recordings at all?

You don't NEED to, but you should. Unless you have a significant amount of previous experience, you are unlikely to progress beyond a certain point without regular feedback from me or another teacher.

Am I allowed to upload a recording of a piece that has mistakes?

Yes! Your recording does not need to be error free to be worth posting! In fact, and I speak with experience when I say this, it takes quite a bit of effort and time to create a “perfect” recording. This may not actually be a good use of your time, believe it or not. Instead, I’d like for your recording to accurately represent where you really are with a piece, mistakes and all.

With that said, if you do make a mistake, it would be helpful for you to let me know that you are aware of it when you create the post. It is very important that you have self-awareness when it comes to playing correct notes and rhythms.

Can I comment on posts from other members?

Yes! You are welcome to comment on posts from other members and offer constructive criticism. Please remember to be charitable with your comments.

Note that most of your fellow members are studying piano at or near your level. Considering this, they may very much appreciate hearing from you!

I hope you found this post helpful! Feel free to comment below this post if you have any additional thoughts or questions.

Happy practicing!