Guide To Filming Piano Keys From Overhead

[@RobFlaxMusic]

"I used to work as a photographer, so I have this gear..." and THERE IT IS. Now I know why all your shots are so good... You've logged the practice hours! #inspiring

[@LoffysDomain]

Yes, I agree. I have a (very modest) channel and as a youtuber I also noticed that her video quality was top class. So, this explains a lot indeed. In sum, unique content + excellent sound and image quality! Thx for sharing Nahre!

[@SerenityFisher]

Hi Rob Flax!

[@maldivirdragonwitch]

I was wondering the same!

[@luisalbertodiaz8138]

Excellent Video clip! Apologies for butting in, I am interested in your thoughts. Have you heard the talk about - Riddleagan Possessing Piano Remedy (should be on google have a look)? It is a good one off product for learning how to play the piano easily without the normal expense. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my best friend Jordan after many years got great results with it.

[@RobFlaxMusic]

@@luisalbertodiaz8138 Not sure to whom you're replying, but if it's me: (a) no I haven't; (b) There's already lots of free resources-the hard part is making the practice time. (If you're replying to Nahre and mistakenly did so here, I would go so far as to say she probably doesn't need this product.) :-)

[@YimYamYo]

I love that you specifically targeted low budget setups and showed how some editing can make even using a webcam look good

[@Diamond88keyz]

Me too

[@RandomAwesomeism]

I've been holding my phone camera between my chin and neck, lmao

[@Lwmyoun]

Hhahahah me too!

[@letsnotgothere6242]

Holding it in you mouth works too XD

[@herobrine1847]

Omg I always hoped I wasn’t the only one who did this

[@GantsilyoBaguio]

hahahha

[@songotenson]

xdd

[@cedarspringdesign]

Wonderful presentation! Very clear, and complete. I am 70 and have mastered engineering and physics for 50 years but have yet to learn how to play the piano. Your excellent video has motivated me to learn to play a simple piano piece and try filming it and using a "particle" visual application with a midi file to combine it with the video. Thank you so much!

[@pianospeedrun]

sir playing the piano is much easier than engineering and physics, it's basicaly just muscle memory. If you're patient, have good sleep, and practice regularly at least 10 minutes per day, you're golden. If you want to improvise start by playing with the music in your head. You know how you have a radio in your mind that played songs for you for the past 70 years. Maybe you've fked around a bit with it. Well go ahead, somehow (don't try to understand too much about it) you'll sing your own melodies, once your brain has associated the sound of notes to the keys to press you'll find yourself improvising. Enjoy and thanks for your service

[@gideon2580]

i was like."what, how does she knows about sensors and lenses?" Ah used to be a photographer. probably dabbled in video as well thats why your visual storytelling is so good.

[@michaelconnormusic]

Absolutely LOVE this video Nahre!! I'm just about to start filming some footage for a course I'm putting together and needed some tips for shooting the piano from overhead. Low budget options are so valuable as I'm just starting out, so THANK YOU for doing this 5 years ago lol. It's still very timely!

[@jazzutako]

I've never thought of putting the tripod OVER the music stand!! That's a great idea. Thank you for sharing!

[@savvaspavlidis7774]

Hey hi Nahre! I just wanted to say a big thank you for this video. I was exploring ways to film overhead, as I am trying to create mini-piano video lessons for my students and the way you explain everything, as well the ideas for using accessible solutions is great! Especially the way you put a stand and a Ulanzi attachment is exactly what I needed to see! Thank you so much and sray safe during this period! Have a nice day from Greece!

[@uniworkhorse]

Love that you made this video informative for those with more gear knowledge, but still very accessible for folks just getting into video! Everyone is better for it :)

[@markserban8154]

You're the best. Your level of understanding and playing is beyond my understanding ❤

[@MusicalTouchIRavi]

Could not look away of that baby dog. So cute it is.

[@robertbrown1778]

Notice how Bobby supervises the civil engineering project. Ensuring Health and Safety compliance. Btw, folks, if you ever find a dumbbell inside a Bosendorfer, you'll know how it got there. ;)

[@NahreSol]

Haha, that is hilarious! :))) Yes, I get nervous about the dumbbell, so I usually replace the pouch at the earliest signs of wear.

[@thomasarneson4511]

The best video I have seen on the subject. All your videos are wonderful, and you are very talented in both composing and playing, jazz also.

[@ua6523]

Did she Nikon??? Subbed hon. I've spent the last 20 min searching for your video! Imagine my joy when I found it because the last time I checked your video out for equipment (exactly what I needed) was about a year ago. Such a God-send!

[@acousticselection]

great vid! thank you!

[@KerkettaMusic1]

Hi

[@eecorr]

Thank you for this video. I always struggle with the weight so the pouch and the stand that can stand horizontal as well was a good idea!

[@educapro]

Gezzzz....I am so inspired by you ...watching and listening to you play, Nahre. Thank you. I've been in a rut because in my culture there's so much competition...thank you for helping me rethink and get back to being me.

[@JTPCovers]

0:32 When you're so talented you can record audio with a taser :')

[@GustavAstep]

CEO of taser audio recording

[@JTPCovers]

@@GustavAstep - xD I wonder who's the founder¿

[@kurt.31.obrien68]

lol

[@lorendigiorgi]

Thanks for this! Overhead shots are critical to piano videos and tutorials, so it’s important to eat them right. Very informative video. And nice playing, too!

[@smashingdan3720]

A really thorough overview! I use a mic stand and have it behind the keyboard

[@GuyMonroeVoice]

You rock Nare! Thank you for your generosity and love! many blessings! 🙂

[@fallingnotes920]

Thank you for the video, the ballhead tripod mount saved my life!

[@lizs.6061]

I googled "how to record my piano pieces from overhead angle" and came across this video. I am hooked. Thank you so much for this video- I now realize my tripod stinks! This is super helpful as my current videos on my channel are recorded w my iPhone and they dont look/sound great (also could be my shoddy playing haha). thanks again!

[@goranlevi]

I kept seing your videos on my recommended feed and watching them but not subscribing for no reason. But your content is just so good time after time that I just couldn't stay unsubscribed anymore. Great work Nahre! Keep it up :)

[@NahreSol]

Thank you!! Welcome!! :)))) So glad you're on board

[@ShawnFerris]

Thanks for this. Some great suggestions. I teach piano at a Berklee global partner college in Canada and, due to Covid 19, we are going with all online delivery. This has been very helpful!

[@xifan521]

Thanks Nahre, just KZbin suggested me this video, already knew your channel and your music, but not as a photographer, very helpful ! Thanks !

[@Chantmagick]

Yes! I've been looking for information about this. I film all of my music videos with my iPhone 7. I use the app Filmic Pro to imitate the filmic look. Anyway this is brilliant. I appreciate you covering the options. Thank you! 🙌🏿

[@NahreSol]

Chantmagick Thank you!! I hope the tips come in handy! Also the iphone has a really good camera so it's very capable of doing a lot of film work.

[@flipteezy]

your voice is so calming.

[@MrWhiteKeys1]

If you are looking for a virtual piano, the Synthogy Ivory II American Concert D is an amazing sounding VST that works stand-alone or as a plug-in for Logic Pro X. It is a very impressive sample of a 1951 Steinway D from Carnegie Hall. It is well under $200, and gives you a lot of options for mic position, etc.

[@sheepsgamedev3511]

Thank u, I was looking for something like this, appreciate it🎹

[@frankyfernandes6283]

I stopped at 2:13 mins just to say I loved that four legged white fellow. He might be saying, “hey what’s this all about, what’s going on here?”. Very useful video. Thanks !!

[@Yadeehoo]

It's funny cause yesterday I started doing this for the first time and been wanting to do it for years, and today this video pops up, Life is a funny thing

[@JakeRobImprov]

This is very helpful, thank you! I have referred back to this video a couple times while trying to figure out where to start on actual semi-quality-looking, or at least, "passable" video captures of my piano pieces. Will probably be buying that tripod and attachment using my new phone camera, syncing the digital piano music in the video to preserve sound quality as you recommended, until I can upgrade piano, camera, mic, etc. Again, thank you for creating this extremely helpful video! I feel a little more confident in using what I have, rather than perpetually "waiting" until I have everything I need.

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Thank you, Nahre Sol long time not seeing your video but then got this very good idea suggested by youtube. I think I have to start building my own special channel rather than just videoing things not that seriously only for when I have time and opportunity. Sure it needs effort, but it is better late rather than not doing it at all while still alive. Hmm, live begins at 60 - hahahahah. I love your channel, learning so much from your musical approach, Sist. Now, my home work is getting those gadgets. Cheers!

[@GaiaMoto]

Thx Nahre, I‘ve implemented this setup and it suits the purpose perfectly! Ready to publish 😅 Thomas

[@PieceofSheet0]

This is super useful! I also have an LG G5 and used it to film a video inspired by your overhead setup. I ended up using my mic stand and a rubber band to secure the phone to the microphone shock mount. Hardly the best way to go, but it did the job. In the end my video resolution was set only to HD and I had to do additional zooming on the video, so the footage wasn't great.

[@NahreSol]

So cool! I've definitely thought of using a mic stand, but it wasn't portable enough for me. I've seen some videos on youtube with people doing it with great results though. The LG G5 camera is really not bad, it gets distorted sometimes on the edges or with random exposure changes, but when things are very controlled, it seems pretty good. Video editing can make the footage look much better though :)

[@PieceofSheet0]

Yeah, tripod is definitely the way to go! Also, I imagine I speak for a lot of people here when I say that we're very grateful for the amount of attention and love you give in the comment section. As your subscriber base and channel grows it might be hard to maintain this level of interaction, but know that at least for me the personal quality and charming mood of your videos is definitely what got me hooked and keeps me around. Your personal touch will not go unnoticed, regardless of the size of your channel!

[@NahreSol]

Ah, thank you so much! That's sooo kind of you to write. I really love that (so far) most of the people that come to watch these videos, such as yourself, have been extremely nice and supportive. That's not necessarily common for the internet! :D

[@brianmay1617]

Now I got a good setup for filming myself playing piano, and its time to learn to play piano

[@MartinSmithMFM]

Interested in overhead filming for capturing composition ideas as they arrive. Lovely Chopin extract.

[@pianoproject9252]

Thank you, Nahre, I've always watched your videos and you inspired me to start my own little piano project!

[@reallynotpc]

How useful you are! Exactly what I needed to know. Fortunately, I won't need to switch my setup around and also I can use a fixed overhead mount, so no need to worry about dumbbells.

[@GantsilyoBaguio]

Thank you! It was very useful as I want to shoot some overhead videos.

[@rhapsodymusiclessons]

Thank you. Big help. I'm working on the distortion levels I'm getting using the Logitec camera you have. I'm making basic/beginner teaching videos for my students but you've helped me by pointing me in several, very useful, directions! I've got a Nikon D5200 and would probably get a much higher quality video using that. I never thought of it before and thanks to you, I am now! :) Great video.

[@DavePawson]

Whatever the setup, I find your videography first class! (Even the in car sequences :-) )

[@jazztemple2]

Ms. Sol, Fantastically educational video! Thanks

[@danbrown4134]

This was super helpful. I would love to get a Nikon D750, but gonna look into some more affordable options first. I thing that having a super clear video is so important, so a "real" camera (like a Nikon) might be what I end up getting. So, I really enjoyed this video, but where is the rest of it? It seems like it needs to keep going. Wish it would! Thank you so much!

[@basedbattledroid3507]

Thank you so much!!! I had my camera suspended from a mini-easel hanging from my neck by a lanyard; this is much better!

[@tommasocona]

Nahre you are a blessing

[@johningram2153]

Thanks for this. I stumbled across your "funk in the park with Bobby" video somehow, and then checked out your channel and saw this how-to on filming a piano from overhead. I keep procrastinating making some KZbin videos of me at the piano, but the overhead angle will be an important part of that, and I've just been putting it off. But this video was inspiring. Maybe I'll get off my lazy duff soon and do something in that area.

[@pedromrls6]

I was thinking on learning some photography and this video convinced me to finally take that step. Thanks so much Nahre, love your work.

[@NahreSol]

Javier. Thank you!! Photography and videography are really fascinating :))

[@seanconnolly4069]

I know this is an old video, but it's helping me tremendously. My bank account, not so much. Thanks!

[@Faustharrisonpianos]

Awesome stuff! Thank you for mentioning the Ballhead mount. Exactly what we need to get.

[@umrkhayam]

don't need to setup an overhead rig or anythin... just watched it cause you're so fun :D

[@ua6523]

Also can you also let us know of budget friendly lighting gear? Thank you so much!

[@frankpiccinini1652]

Hey Nahre, thanks for the very beautiful tutorial. I would like to add that a cheaper option would be to use a microphone stand instead of a tripod and to attach your smartphone to the horizontal bar using a wonderful gadget by IK multimedia called Igrip, that basically imitates the grip of a hand and is attachable to a tube-like structure. Problem with this is that the legs of a mic stand are not of great quality: if you film with the stand on top of the piano, the image will likely shake a lot due to vibrations. You can put the stand right behind you when you play, but then you have to recline your back too much if you don't want your head to appear in the image and cover your fingers in the middle register. I think the cheaper and more quality effective option would be to create a crane like structure: put the mic stand behind you, but on top of something else (ex. a chair/a small table) and reach the smartphone on top with a small ladder, where you can direct it and regulate it.

[@WillsJazzLoft]

That's an excellent suggestion. I saw in another video the presenter recommended spending no less than $50.00 on a quality mic stand. Now, with the mic stand depending on dimensions for a grand piano it could be mounted on the floor behind the performer or even better yet to the side. That should sufficiently address the challenges that you've outlined

[@markgriskey]

Please do a video on your video editing tools! ... Very helpful. Thanks!

[@laurakahar8397]

Thanks Nahre! What about Acoustic Piano setups. Do you have any advise on that? Thank you!

[@MotifMusicStudios]

What a helpful video! Love how practical it is! Appreciated!

[@deanheadland6879]

Great Video Nahre ! Really helpful particularly to remedy and adapt and improve and move to online teaching after decades of face to face teaching. If its done right this is definitely the way to go! Many thanks, Dean

[@kaizze8777]

webcam is the best version if you teach and live stream, zero uploading to pc and its LIVE, thanks for your advice!

[@NoahJohnson1810]

Thank you!!! Love this.

[@keithlutman5611]

Many thanks Nahre, great information; very generous of you.

[@setphaser]

aha! professional photographer! this explains a lot! you have a passion for more than just music, lucky us. and PUPPY!

[@aprilwentzell3288]

I always have placed the tripod behind me which requires me to extend it all the way up. Never thought of putting it on the piano. lol. And all the different cameras. I have a Nikon D3200 but I'll stick to my phone for now. Thank you, Nahre!

[@Neil197]

Excellent content. Very informative. Kudos.

[@jelmermulder7276]

Thanks for all the tips

[@2024Warren]

Thank you for a very useful video. Just starting my journey here - undoubtedly there's lots of trial and error to come. Based on your suggestions, and unwilling to purchase yet another tripod (too many already), I've just ordered a horizontal tripod extension arm. Various similar arms are available from K&F, Neewer, etc at hugely differing prices. Mine is a Yunteng 369 - cheap but looks very good. Using a dumbell in a neoprene bag, as a counterweight, is a great idea - a 1kg dumbell would be sufficient for my rig. Also ordered a ball-head just in case. although I know that my monopod (that I never use) has one that I could unscrew. Thanks for these suggestions. I'm using a Sony A6700 (APS-C crop sensor) + Sigma 16mm (effective 24mm) lens, a metre from the listener-side of my baby grand, with a Sony ECM-M1 stereo hot-shoe mike attached (amazing microphone). I'll be adding my old A6500 + Sony 11mm f/1.8 overhead, once the Yunteng 369 extension arm arrives. I intend to merge views from the side and above using Filmora, which is simple to use but has fairly good audio editing capability. I will experiment with recording audio from the overhead camera instead of the side of the piano, and also closer in from the side by using a wider-angle lens on the A6700.

[@WillsJazzLoft]

This is pretty good and on a certain level affordable. In fact, it is possible to get a tripod and a compatible boom arm at Wal-Mart all for just under $50.00. Additionally, it's possible to get a lighting stand with a boom arm for between $50.00 and $70.00. Still you have some good recommendations

[@mthwyang]

Thank you. Also, lovely little pup!!

[@TimothyGondola]

Wow this is really helpful!

[@ChicoBlack]

Nahre Sol Amazing Gear Thank you for sharing ❤

[@swcpiano1225]

Thank you so much for this! Super helpful!

[@JSBach-pd4yg]

Videographer + Video Editor + Piano Composer How magnificent ur!!!

[@sergio_slzar]

Very useful. Thanks Nahre

[@Jestunes]

Hi Nahre, What a wealth of information you are. You never stop ceasing to amaze me. I will probably come up with the cheapest way to film a video using my cell phone and a tripod. I'll let you know. lol You've inspired me to try to make better videos. Your photographic work sure comes in handy. Thank you as always. Your devoted fan and student. Jes

[@joeallen9420]

Thanks for the great ideas! It works for me.

[@michaelgerald91]

So helpfull 😁😁

[@NahreSol]

Awesome, thank you! :))

[@oselini]

Great setup! Where do you place the Zoom h5? on the camera or inside the piano. Is it better than the Rode mic?

[@heatherbennett6824]

Thank you so much! This will be helpful with my private students

[@samuelwhitesell3104]

Wow really great information and tips! Thanks so much!

[@N125AS]

great video, thank you

[@atsushi.jazzpiano]

This is so useful! Thank you for sharing your idea. I've seen many videos that have overhead view, but never seen how to do it besides yours! Cheers :)

[@ljornliam]

Thanks for the explanation! Very clear. Do you have a video or explanation of post processing on how to combine video and audio?

[@LauraValleMusic]

Love you!! I have been trying to figure this out for weeks!

[@Musicaadorecchio]

great video Nahre. What about the lighting? do you light the piano in a particular way?

[@kristinfung]

Hey Nahre, you rock! I love how you showed what you do but you also suggested affordable ways for people who don't have all the gear to make it work. I play my keyboard without a music stand but I'm thinking of putting a table or desk in front of the keyboard for the tripod to stand on. If you have any tips for streaming virtual lessons in realtime, I'd love to know :)

[@stevebarrymusic]

Excellent video!! Thank you.

[@MrJimmason]

Awesome ideas and comparisons. thanks !

[@premramaneeyam]

VERY USEFULL VIDEO. THANKS.

[@ElisePartlow]

Hey --- THANK YOU!! This is super helpful! Thank you for sharing this video -- your videos are of fantastic quality!!! And you're an amazing pianist. ❤️🎹

[@jasmincameron3032]

Really, really helpful. Thank-you!

[@Jubinell]

Hi Nahre! Thanks for your deep insight. I always come back to this video for tips about recording and camera setup! Could you give some tips on how to create videos with split screen, keyboard at the bottom and notes with annotations or flowing in real-time at the top?

[@betsybhannah]

Quite useful and helpful. Thanks.

[@nokturnal886]

Absolutely loved the energy! Thank you for targeting low budget setups as well! As an aspiring composer and someone who is relatively new at playing piano, do you have any advice for staying motivated throughout the learning process?

[@zerosum1290]

hi mate of course you have a guide for this!!

[@Mojadushi]

Great explanation!

[@jennystengards8089]

Very helpful with lots of options - thank you! (And your piano playing wasn't too bad either!)

[@MauriceMaitlandJr]

This video was exactly what I needed!

[@pianomaniac14]

When you set up the tripod, how do you film from the correct point of view? In other words, how do you film "away" from the pianist rather than "towards" the pianist? I of course want the point of view to be what I as the pianist would see

[@omarjanudin]

thanks for your great guide videos..

[@SianaGearz]

I remember i bought a Sumikon 0,45x wide angle lens adapter about 15 years ago, it was pretty cheap. It goes on the front of a point and shoot camera. You glue a steel mounting ring to the camera, and then you can just throw the wide angle converter on it whenever needed, it's magnetic, and it's a pretty generous piece of glass, the inner element is 22mm across and the front is 30. I imagine it's a bit of an overkill for C920, but i guess you can find some kind of phone wide angle kit that you can fit to it - but not clamp style, C920 is a bit thick.

[@fakerating]

It would be helpful to know how much distance there is from the NIkon camera 20mm lens, to the keys, to get in a full 88 size keyboard.