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Video Basics (for Musicians)

From Bach to Bytes:
Classical Musicians in the Digital Age

Mastering the Art of Video Creation: A Guide for Classical Musicians in the Digital Age

Harnessing Video to Propel Your Musical Journey

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, one of the most essential skills for any creative professional, especially classical musicians, is the ability to work with video. Video is more than just a medium; it is the lingua franca of our age, a powerful tool that connects, engages, and inspires audiences globally. The ability to create compelling video content can be the difference between staying invisible and building a thriving, connected audience.

As a classical musician navigating this era of change, I’ve seen firsthand how integrating video into my work has transformed my career. From accumulating over 70,000 subscribers online to establishing a stable income through performances and teaching, video has been at the heart of my journey. In this blog post, I’ll share the core principles of video creation, offering actionable insights to help you master this vital skill.

The Evolution of Video: A Creative Necessity

The history of video creation dates back to the 19th century, where it began with photography. Early photographers realized that by stringing together still images in rapid succession, they could simulate motion. Fast forward to today, and this principle forms the backbone of video technology.

Classical musicians, much like early pioneers of motion pictures, have an opportunity to reinvent how we present our art. Video offers a canvas to blend tradition with innovation, reaching younger audiences who consume content primarily through digital platforms. But to wield this tool effectively, we must understand its nuances.

Why Video Matters for Classical Musicians

Classical music, often perceived as niche or elitist, needs a bridge to modern audiences. Video content—whether performance clips, educational tutorials, or personal stories—breaks down barriers, making the art form accessible and relatable. By presenting yourself authentically through video, you become not just a performer but a storyteller, inviting audiences into your world.

The Technical Foundations of Video Creation

1. Understanding FPS (Frames Per Second)

Frames per second (FPS) determines how smooth your video appears. Cinema standardizes at 24 FPS, creating a professional, cinematic feel. Higher FPS, such as 60 or 120, is better suited for sports or slow-motion effects but can look unnatural in classical music videos. Matching FPS to your country’s electrical frequency—50 Hz in Europe and 60 Hz in the US—avoids flickering, especially in artificial lighting conditions. A simple setting adjustment on your camera can dramatically improve video quality.

2. The Three Pillars of Exposure: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO

Exposure determines the brightness and clarity of your video. Balancing three elements ensures your videos look professional:

Aperture

The aperture, measured in f-stops, controls how much light enters the camera. A wide aperture (low f-stop) creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and focusing attention on the subject. This “bokeh” effect is ideal for solo performances or intimate storytelling.

Shutter Speed

For video, your shutter speed should typically be double your FPS. For example, at 25 FPS, use a 1/50th-second shutter speed. This ratio ensures natural motion blur and prevents your video from looking disjointed.

ISO

ISO measures the camera’s sensitivity to light. A low ISO produces clean, noise-free images. In low-light conditions, increase ISO sparingly to avoid grainy footage. Good lighting—like a softbox—is your best ally here.

3. Composition: The Art of Framing

Composition is about guiding your audience’s focus. The rule of thirds—dividing your frame into nine equal parts—is a simple yet effective technique. Position key elements (e.g., your face or instrument) along these lines for a balanced, visually appealing shot. Experiment with angles, lighting, and backgrounds to enhance storytelling.

Elevating Your Videos: Beyond the Basics

Lighting: The Foundation of Great Video

Lighting transforms a video from amateurish to professional. Natural light is excellent, but when filming indoors, invest in softboxes or ring lights. Diffused lighting minimizes harsh shadows and creates a flattering, even tone.

Audio: The Often-Neglected Hero

As musicians, we understand the power of sound. Poor audio quality can ruin even the most visually stunning video. Use external microphones to capture clear, rich sound. Whether it’s a lavalier mic for speaking or a condenser mic for performance, prioritizing audio elevates your content.

Editing: Polishing the Final Product

Editing is where your video comes alive. Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve offer powerful features, but even beginner-friendly software like iMovie can produce impressive results. Focus on trimming excess footage, syncing audio perfectly, and adding titles or effects to enhance your message.

Authentic Storytelling

Audiences connect with authenticity. Share the story behind your performance, the struggles and triumphs of your musical journey, or insights into your creative process. These personal touches humanize you and foster deeper connections with viewers.

Applying Video Creation to Classical Music

Engaging Modern Audiences

Video content helps classical musicians reach younger, tech-savvy audiences. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram thrive on engaging, shareable content. For example, a short reel explaining the history of a Bach fugue or a time-lapse of your practice session can spark curiosity and invite new listeners into the classical music world.

Expanding Your Brand

Your video presence shapes your personal brand. A well-produced performance video doubles as a digital business card, showcasing your professionalism to potential collaborators, concert organizers, and fans. Regularly uploading content builds a portfolio that amplifies your reach.

Collaborative Opportunities

Video fosters collaboration. Partnering with other musicians or creatives expands your network and diversifies your content. For instance, you could team up with a videographer for a music video or collaborate with visual artists to blend mediums.

Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Video Creators

  1. Start Small, But Start: Use your smartphone to create short, simple videos. Focus on lighting, audio, and framing to maximize quality.
  2. Invest in Basics: A tripod, external microphone, and basic lighting setup are affordable tools that dramatically improve production value.
  3. Practice Composition: Study photography rules like the rule of thirds and experiment with different setups to find what works for your style.
  4. Prioritize Audio: Don’t rely on built-in camera microphones. Clear sound is crucial, especially for music-related content.
  5. Engage Through Storytelling: Let your personality shine. Share your passion for classical music in a way that resonates with your audience.
  6. Experiment with Editing: Learn basic editing techniques to polish your videos. Many free tutorials online can help you get started.
  7. Leverage Social Media: Tailor content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube to maximize visibility and engagement.

Conclusion: The Future Awaits

The fusion of classical music and modern technology is not just an opportunity; it is a necessity for ensuring the art form’s relevance in the 21st century. By mastering video creation, classical musicians can transcend traditional barriers, reaching new audiences and inspiring a global appreciation for this timeless genre.

So, start today. Experiment, learn, and refine your skills. Whether you’re sharing a practice snippet, an educational series, or a full performance, your efforts contribute to a richer, more connected musical world. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your top takeaways from this guide? How do you plan to incorporate video into your creative journey?

Let’s continue this conversation and build a future where classical music thrives in the digital age.

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We inspire musicians to connect deeply with their audience, turning passion into a sustainable income. Through the “Modern Marketing Mindset,” we help you discover how to make your art resonate so powerfully that your audience keeps coming back for more. It’s about more than marketing—it’s about finding the right tone, creating meaningful connections that amplify your creativity and ensure your music leaves a lasting impact.

Created by
Nenad Leonart

Nenad set out on a personal mission to reach younger generations with classical music in a meaningful way. An ambassador for baroque keyboard music, he grew his digital influence with proven methods, reaching millions of people online. He now coaches and inspires classical musicians to do the same.

-> If we manage to excite the coming generations for classical music and create lasting resonant bonds, we open ourselves up to a whole new future with amazing possibilities.

»Connecting is everything.«