T669 USB Condenser Microphone
USB condenser mic for recording yourself. Clean sound and a simple setup are what matter to me.
I suggest it for recording yourself on a computer to send me a clip for feedback.
Check today's price on AmazonRecording yourself is one of the most useful things an adult learner can do. You hear your playing as a listener does, and you can send a clip to a teacher for feedback. This page covers audio, light and a phone mount for filming your hands, described only by what each listing states.
Why trust a concert pianist's picks?
I recommend this gear because it is what my adult students need to work through my free 41-lesson course and, later, to use with my upcoming method books. I am a concert pianist and a university piano professor, and these are the kinds of tools I look at first when a student asks what to buy.
What do I need to record myself playing?
- Clean audio first. A viewer forgives a plain picture sooner than poor sound.
- A simple setup you will actually use every week, such as a USB microphone or a handheld recorder.
- An overhead mount if you want to film hands on the keys.
- Even light on your hands or face.
- A wireless clip-on mic if you also speak to the camera.
How does recording yourself help you learn?
How this helps you learn: recording yourself and sending it for feedback. A clear clip is all I need to hear your playing, and my feedback is free at the feedback page.
Which recording gear should I buy?
Budget picks
10 picks
12-Inch LED Ring Light with Tripod
The listing says 12-inch ring light with phone holder. Pick something you will really use every week.
I suggest it for filming lessons or performances in a dim room.
Check today's price on Amazon12-Inch Desk Ring Light
In short, desk ring light. A good clip is all a teacher needs to give feedback.
I suggest it for filming lessons or performances in a dim room.
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Mic Mini Wireless Microphone
Ultralight wireless mic system. Set it up once and recording becomes a habit.
I suggest it for speaking to the camera, as a teacher or a performer introducing a piece does.
Check today's price on AmazonNL-116AI 9-Inch LED Video Light Panel
Clean sound and a simple setup are what matter to me. Here: small LED panel for filming.
I suggest it for filming lessons or performances in a dim room.
Check today's price on Amazon12-Inch Ring Light with Overhead Phone Mount
In short, ring light with overhead phone mount for filming hands on keys. Pick something you will really use every week.
I suggest it for filming your hands on the keys for a teacher.
Check today's price on AmazonRing Light with Stand and Overhead Phone Mount
The listing says overhead phone mount with ring light. A good clip is all a teacher needs to give feedback.
I suggest it for filming your hands on the keys for a teacher.
Check today's price on AmazonRing Light with Overhead Camera Phone Mount
Set it up once and recording becomes a habit. Here: overhead camera/phone mount.
I suggest it for filming your hands on the keys for a teacher.
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22-Inch Magic Arm Clamp, Overhead Mount
Clamp arm for top-down filming. Clean sound and a simple setup are what matter to me.
I suggest it for filming your hands on the keys for a teacher.
Check today's price on AmazonHeavy-Duty Aluminum Overhead Phone Mount
The listing says overhead phone mount. Pick something you will really use every week.
I suggest it for filming your hands on the keys for a teacher.
Check today's price on AmazonMid-range picks
17 picks
Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Interface
In short, USB-C interface. A good clip is all a teacher needs to give feedback.
I suggest it for a student ready to grow a home recording setup with other microphones.
Check today's price on AmazonScarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Interface
USB-C interface. Set it up once and recording becomes a habit.
I suggest it for a student ready to grow a home recording setup with other microphones.
Check today's price on AmazonAT2020USB-X Cardioid USB Microphone
Clean sound and a simple setup are what matter to me. Here: cardioid USB condenser.
I suggest it for recording yourself on a computer to send me a clip for feedback.
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H4 Essential Handheld Recorder
In short, H4 Essential Handheld Recorder. Pick something you will really use every week.
I suggest it for recording a whole practice session or lesson without a computer.
Check today's price on AmazonH1n Portable Recorder
The listing says handheld stereo recorder. A good clip is all a teacher needs to give feedback.
I suggest it for recording a whole practice session or lesson without a computer.
Check today's price on AmazonPro 18-Inch Ring Light with Tripod
Set it up once and recording becomes a habit. Here: 18-inch ring light with stand for filming.
I suggest it for filming lessons or performances in a dim room.
Check today's price on Amazon55W 18-Inch Ring Light Kit
18-inch ring light kit. Clean sound and a simple setup are what matter to me.
I suggest it for filming lessons or performances in a dim room.
Check today's price on AmazonRP19H 19-Inch Ring Light with Tripod
The listing says 19-inch ring light with stand. Pick something you will really use every week.
I suggest it for filming lessons or performances in a dim room.
Check today's price on Amazon22-Inch Ring Light with 72-Inch Stand
In short, large ring light. A good clip is all a teacher needs to give feedback.
I suggest it for filming lessons or performances in a dim room.
Check today's price on AmazonMic 2 Wireless Microphone System
Wireless lavalier system for phone or camera. Set it up once and recording becomes a habit.
I suggest it for speaking to the camera, as a teacher or a performer introducing a piece does.
Check today's price on AmazonLark M2 Wireless Microphone
Clean sound and a simple setup are what matter to me. Here: wireless clip-on mic for phone and camera.
I suggest it for speaking to the camera, as a teacher or a performer introducing a piece does.
Check today's price on AmazonMic 3 Wireless Microphone
In short, wireless mic for mobile. Pick something you will really use every week.
I suggest it for speaking to the camera, as a teacher or a performer introducing a piece does.
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HD Pro Webcam C920
The listing says 1080p webcam for Zoom lessons. A good clip is all a teacher needs to give feedback.
I suggest it for online lessons on a laptop or desktop computer.
Check today's price on AmazonC920x HD Pro Webcam
Set it up once and recording becomes a habit. Here: 1080p webcam with mic for online lessons.
I suggest it for online lessons on a laptop or desktop computer.
Check today's price on AmazonBrio 501 Full HD Webcam
Full HD webcam with light correction. Clean sound and a simple setup are what matter to me.
I suggest it for online lessons on a laptop or desktop computer.
Check today's price on Amazon13-Inch LED Video Light Panel Kit
The listing says LED panel kit. Pick something you will really use every week.
I suggest it for filming lessons or performances in a dim room.
Check today's price on AmazonLark A1 USB-C Wireless Lavalier
In short, USB-C wireless lavalier for phones. A good clip is all a teacher needs to give feedback.
I suggest it for speaking to the camera, as a teacher or a performer introducing a piece does.
Check today's price on AmazonScarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Interface
Two-input USB-C interface. Set it up once and recording becomes a habit.
I suggest it for a student ready to grow a home recording setup with other microphones.
Check today's price on AmazonH5 4-Track Handheld Recorder
Clean sound and a simple setup are what matter to me. Here: 4-track handheld recorder.
I suggest it for recording a whole practice session or lesson without a computer.
Check today's price on AmazonAT2020USB+ Cardioid USB Microphone
In short, cardioid USB condenser mic. Pick something you will really use every week.
I suggest it for recording yourself on a computer to send me a clip for feedback.
Check today's price on AmazonWireless GO Gen 3
The listing says compact wireless mic system. A good clip is all a teacher needs to give feedback.
I suggest it for speaking to the camera, as a teacher or a performer introducing a piece does.
Check today's price on AmazonBrio 4K Webcam
Set it up once and recording becomes a habit. Here: 4K webcam.
I suggest it for online lessons on a laptop or desktop computer.
Check today's price on AmazonMX Brio Ultra HD 4K Webcam
4K webcam. Clean sound and a simple setup are what matter to me.
I suggest it for online lessons on a laptop or desktop computer.
Check today's price on AmazonHow do I record myself playing piano?
Recording yourself is the quickest way to hear what a listener hears. It is also how you can send your playing to me for feedback: I read every message and listen to every recording myself, and the feedback is free.
Start with sound
A handheld recorder or a USB microphone is enough. Place it a little above and in front of the instrument, record one short passage, and listen back. If you can hear the notes clearly, your setup is good enough to send.
Then the picture
If you want to show your hands, a phone on an overhead mount or clamp arm looks down at the keys. A ring light or LED panel gives even light. A wireless clip-on microphone is useful if you also want to speak to the camera, as a teacher does.
Keep it simple
Do not wait for the perfect setup. A phone propped at the side of the keyboard works for a first clip. Better gear can come once recording is a habit.
What do students ask about recording?
What do I need to record piano at home?
A recorder or microphone for sound and a phone for video. Start with the simplest setup and improve it once you are recording regularly.
USB microphone or audio interface?
A USB microphone plugs straight into a computer. An interface lets you connect other microphones and gear, and gives you more room to grow.
How do I film my hands on the keys?
Use an overhead mount or a clamp arm that holds your phone above the keyboard, as the mount listings describe.
Can I send a recording to my teacher?
Yes. A clear clip is all I need for feedback, and my feedback service is free: send me a video of your playing.
Where should you read next?
- Why You Freeze When Someone Listens
- How to Run Your Own Piano Lesson
- Give online piano lessons as a gift
- Private online piano lessons with me
What else might you need?
🎧
Headphones
Practice any hour without disturbing anyone.
🔊
Speakers
Powered monitors and desktop speakers.
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Practice Tools
Metronomes, stands, lights, journals.
Would you rather learn than buy more gear?
The shop exists to support your learning. The learning itself can start free: all 41 lessons of my beginner course are published, and I give feedback on your playing at no charge. When you want a teacher, I take private students online.
▶ Start the free 41-lesson course Private online lessons Send me your playing for feedback → Give online piano lessons