Podcast Project

Learning Goals

1. Learn basic audio recording & editing
2. Create a practical product

Overview

Using digital sound recording, produce and publish an audio program about a public sculpture or an artwork in a local museum.

Choose a work

Pick a sculpture or work of art that you like or one that intrigues you.

Make voice recordings

• Using a computer or digital recorder, first make a test recording to check for volume, noise, distortion
• Record three segments
  
  1. Brief description of the work - you don't need to do extensive research or writing; feel free to copy this from the web (giving credit at the end)
     
  2. Personal commentary – about two minutes (see below)
  3. Credits – description, narrator(s) and background music: something like, “This podcast was produced by __ [and narrated by __ ]. The description came from ___. The background music was ‘__’ by __. It can be downloaded at __.”
• Recording tips:
• Speak out loud, enunciate clearly, do not rush.
• Speak expressively and use appropriate language.
• Get close to the microphone, but do not speak directly into it - place it under your chin.
• Minimize background noise - traffic, computer fan, refrigerator, fluorescent light hum, etc.

• You may recruit a reader with experience in radio or acting.
• If you used a recorder, transfer the digital audio files to a computer

The personal commentary

Consider addressing these questions

• What does the piece say to you? How do you feel when you look at it?
• What insight or lasting impression will you take away from the piece?
• Why do you think the piece was made? What social value does it have?
• Does anything in the piece remind you of something in your own life?
• What story does the piece tell you?
• How does your eye move around the piece?
• What would you have called the piece if you had created it yourself?

Background music

Identify and download appropriate background music.

Music must be copyright-free, "pod-safe". Try Garageband - http//www.garageband.com/

Edit the audio file

• Create a project file using Audacity - http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
• Put the sound clip segments in this order
  
  1. Intro music
  2. Description
  3. Short music break
     
  4. Commentary
  5. Short music break
     
  6. Credits
• The total length should be 4-6 minutes
• Use multiple tracks, placing music behind at least part of the narration
• Make sure the volume level is consistent and music is very soft during narration
• Export an MP3 file

Project Submission

1. Create an account at PodBean - http://www.podbean.com/
2. Upload the file
3. Submit the URL
   

Example