Would you like to record an audio fragment yourself? That’s great! We’ll tell you exactly how to do that.
This is what you need
- A sound recording device (such as your phone or laptop)
- Possibly a headphone
- Possibly an audio editing program on your laptop, phone or tablet (such as Garageband)
Where are you going to record?
To make a good audio recording, make sure you’re in a room that is not too big, preferably has a wooden floor and a lot of stuff in it to avoid echoes. You can also limit background noise by closing the windows, for example. It’s best to make some test recordings before you start your actual recording.
How do you know if the quality is good?
A good soundtrack has no white noise, is free of echoes and has no background noise. Also, pay attention to the distance between the microphone and your mouth. If you are too close, you will hear “pop” sounds, and you will hear the letter “s” very loud.
How do you record your fragment?
Place the device in front of you, on a non-hollow surface. A table is perfect. Follow the application or program of your choice to start and stop the recording. Make sure you don’t have to move too much during your recording. This will reduce the chance of recording unwanted noises. Once you have made a few test recordings and you are satisfied with the quality, you can start recording.
How do you tell your story?
Your sound recording can be short or long, but make sure you stay within 10 minutes. Not everyone has the same frame of reference as you, so try to describe your chosen work of art as clearly as possible, and don’t be afraid to involve your senses. You can write down some notes or a script first, although some people may find it more pleasant to tell their story without.
How do you edit your fragment?
Try to record your fragment as clearly as possible, so that you have to edit as little as possible. First, listen to the whole recording and then decide which pieces need to be changed or cut. If you fall silent, or hear a lot of “uhm’s”, cut the relevant pieces out of your recording. If the “s” are too loud, you can adjust the volume down. If you hear “pop” sounds, it’s best to make a new recording. These are very difficult to edit. Secondly, paste all the parts you decide to keep to each other, so that it becomes a nice and smooth fragment.
Where do I send my fragment to?
Please send your fragment to educatie@marres.org and include the title of the art work, its location (if you know), and a short bio about yourself.