Use an external USB Condenser Microphone.

You can reduce a lot of stress and frustration by using an external USB condensor microphone rather than the computer internal microphone (a recommended model is listed on the Supplies page for each instrument. Scoring errors often happen when sound coming from the laptop bleeds back through the internal mic. The external mic will also pick up lower frequencies and pizzicato with greater clarity. 

Check your microphone level.
Go to the general settings on your laptop and adjust the microphone level. It needs to be somewhere between 50-75%. If the level is too loud, your recording will be distorted. If it's too soft, MakeMusic won't hear you playing... and I won't be able to hear you either! 

Record with earbuds or headphones.
Use one earbud or headphone cup in/over your right ear only. You will hear the reference piano for pitch and timing but the microphone on your laptop will only hear what you are playing. 

Use wired listening devices rather than Bluetooth.
There is often a signal delay when using Bluetooth devices which affects how MakeMusic interprets your rhythmic accuracy. Using wired devices solves this issue.

If necessary, record with the metronome only.
If you don't have a workable listening device, you can playback through your computer speakers; however, mute everything except  the metronome. Otherwise, MakeMusic will misinterpret what you are playing and in most cases give you a lower score. 

Read from your sheet music rather than the screen.
Because of the instant feedback provided by MakeMusic, watching the screen while recording can be a distraction and impede your best performance. Turn your laptop away or lower the lid so you can't see it. When you finish recording, go back and review the spots that need additional work.

Always listen back to your recording. 

This is how you will reap the greatest benefit of working with the application. It's like looking in the mirror and getting an accurate reflection of your performance. Quite often this differs from your perceived performance while playing. Students are regularly convinced that MakeMusic is wrong when, in fact, the software is quite accurate! Think of MakeMusic as your practice coach vs. your adversary.

Avoid waiting until the last minute to record.

Save yourself a lot of frustration and stress by using MakeMusic consistently through the week rather than cramming it in on the assignment due date. It takes time to become accustomed to playing with the metronome and ensuring rhythms and intonation are accurate.

Record every time you practice.
That doesn't mean spending your whole practice time recording! 

• Practice on your own first.

• Midway through your session, record a take. 

• Review and note areas that need work (this is essential if you want to get the most benefit from working with MakeMusic!). 

• Isolate the trouble spots and work until clean. 

• Record one more time before finishing your session. 

• Keep your best take for your next practice session. 

• By the end of the week, your progress will be apparent and you'll be well on your way to having a recording suitable for submission.

Technology is great... until it doesn't work as expected! MakeMusic is a powerful learning tool, but it's not perfect. There are some known weaknesses that we have to work around. Being aware of the challenges and knowing how to circumvent them can save a lot of stress when preparing passoff recordings. Please know that Mr. Schubert reviews every submission, takes these issues  into account, and adjusts scores when necessary.

Pizzicato passages
MakeMusic does not pick up pizzicato notes very well. Play those passages with the bow instead.

Divisi and/or double stops
MakeMusic will only recognize one note at a time. This can affect the score. If this prevents you from achieving 90%, turn in your best take for review. 

Low frequencies
MakeMusic and/or your computer microphone can have difficulty with low freqency pitches. This most often affects cellos and basses and can cause your score to be lower. Listen to your recording carefully. If you are playing the notes accurately, go ahead and submit it. 

Tempo Changes
Sometimes tempo alterations are unclear in MakeMusic.- or not observed at all. This can differ from how the piece is normally played. Do your best to navigate with MakeMusic for the sake of the recording. We will address the correct tempo adjustments as a group during rehearsal.

When All Else Fails... 

If MakeMusic and/or your computer experience a total meltdown, do not despair! First, you can access MakeMusic from any computer, not just your school laptop. If another computer is not available,  pull out a mobile device (i.e. your phone or tablet) and open the voice memo app. Using an external metronome, record the passoff.  Forward the audio file to Mr. Schubert via email or using ParentSquare. That way you can still meet the assignment deadline and avoid points being deducted from your grade.

Get help directly from MakeMusic through the online Help Center.

Learn how to use MakeMusic from video tutorials at the MakeMusic Academy.

If MakeMusic and/or your computer experience a total meltdown, do not despair! First, you can access MakeMusic from any computer, not just your school laptop. If another computer is not available,  pull out a mobile device (i.e. your phone or tablet) and open the voice memo app. Using an external metronome, record the passoff.  Forward the audio file to Mr. Schubert via email or using ParentSquare. That way you can still meet the assignment deadline and avoid points being deducted from your grade.