Hi Bob!

Are you studying Cajun Accordion?

If you are, I would *definitely* encourage you to
beg, borrow, or deal in order to get a video recorder.

It really doesn't have to be of primo quality to use
for learning. I think that a big part of learning the
Cajun Accordion is seeing what buttons that are being
used to play the tune.

Because of the sound & nature of the instrument, any
given button's sound can easily masquerade for another's.

And that can make it difficult to listen to an audio
recoding with no accompanying video and try to figure
our how the instructor was playing the piece while
teaching it.

--Big Nick

Yes, I will be taking the Cajun accordion class. Not sure what level yet but looking forward to whatever class I end up in.

I'm just wondering how that all works with everyone with the video cameras. Is everyone crowded around filming? Seems like most of the learning would take place when we leave then since we would all be shooting our videos.

I, too, recommend using a video recorder if at all possible. Get a tripod stand to set the video recorder on -- this is probably how most others will be videoing the instructional sessions. It's surprising how many video recorders on tripods can be set up to film the instructor playing a tune without any of the cameras interfering with one another. Having your camera set up on a tripod also frees your mind and eyes to concentrate on the instructor's playing and allows you to have your accordion in your hands to follow along (quietly) as the instructor plays. When you've been away from the class for a few hours, days or weeks you will be very grateful to have the video to refer back to for audio and visual reference...I promise!

Best wishes for a productive experience at Augusta.

Dale Martin

Thanks Dale, that makes sense.
Bob O'M>

Maybe this is not what you meant, but if you were intending to post videos of Augusta classroom instruction on YouTube, I don't think that would be considered too cool by the teachers, or the school.

But, again, maybe you were talking about just posting videos of you playing, which is legit.

Regarding video cams, I see them down in the $200-300 range. The issue is, how will you view them when you get back home. Specifically, how will you slow them down, or loop them. This will likely take some editing software to get the video into your computer, and then do something with the resulting file. You could run into a few hundred more dollars there.

If you get some of the hard-drive cameras (more than $600), the file is already digitized for you, and you can just link it to your computer (I believe, anyway).

If you're a student, or if you can enroll in a class, then you can get software discounts from some academic software resellers. Just look up "academic software". You'll need documentation that you are a student.

Regarding the digital sound recorders, you'll still need to get them into your computer, most likely, so look for that capability.

Dwight, not to worry. That thought never crossed my mind. You are right, that would be very, very "uncool", I hope no one has ever dont that.

I was thinking of doing what everyone else here does, make a video of me playing (some day when I am good enough) and posting it.

I took a Zoom H4 recorder to Savoy Music Center and set it in the floor and got 3 hours of good quality recording. Its about a $300.00 investment, but well worth it. Records on a SD card which you will want to put a 2 Gig card in it. If you use the mp3 mode you can get about 30hours on that 2G card. I love mine and record jams all the time or sudden inspirations for songs as well. Bruce

boss micro br
does recording
as well as being a portable 4 track
digital studio!
for about $225
smaller than the edirol type units too

wle.

Here are my thoughts after 4 years of Augusta classes:

Some instructers strongly discourage recording, as it takes your head out of the moment and gets you thinking about your equipment etc. instead of really focusing on what's going on. I'd make sure you work this out in advance.

In one class, one student was the "dedicated recorder" and later shared copies with those who wanted them.

Audio recorders are far less intrusive, and you can turn 'em on and ignore them. I've got an Olympus WS-300M for this purpose.

Many instructers, and staff, will meet with you one on one outside class to show you things and let you video this for your later use. This for me was more functional than trying to record a whole 2 hour class.

I consider recording like playing the Tee Fer (note the email address):

Get permission, go forth gently, and make sure you stay in the background.

And most importantly: Oh, man are you gonna love Augusta! Barring rising creeks etc. see you in a few weeks.

Chuck S.

Don't forget, where ever you walk at Augusta, it's uphill.
Steve

Yikes! I was going to bring my bicycle. Not for tooling around campus but for riding in the morning before class. Is it THAT hilly??????

West by God Virginny! They don't call them Ridge Runners for nothing. Beautiful, wild, and wonderful. Steep ridges and deep caves. You will get exercise walking.

Craig

The story goes, if everybody grabbed a corner of WV and stretched it flat, it would be bigger than Texas.
Steve