The Apple iPod seems to be everywhere and on everyone. Many singers find these handy modern cousins of the Sony “Walkman” allow us to listen to operas we are learning (or want to learn) while making our commute or exercise time more productive. Did you know, however, that Griffin Technology has developed a voice recorder for your iPod that allows you to record your voice lessons, rehearsals and coachings for playback on your iPod?
If you just get on the Web at www.griffintechnology.com, you can purchase the iTalk (or GriffiniTalk) for about 40 bucks (plus shipping). It is essentially turns your iPod into a voice recorder with a built-in microphone and “notebook quality speaker.” My order arrived quickly (in two days) and I have rapidly found this handy bit of technology indispensable. To use the voice recorder, attach your iTalk to the top of your iPod. The recording functions appear instantly. Your iPod automatically switches to the voice memo mode and a timer appears on the screen, along with your choice to record or cancel. Press the Play button, and the iPod begins recording.
I found distortion to be an issue if I placed the iPod on the piano or on the music stand, but I solved this easily by setting the volume at a moderately high level and placing the iPod on a nearby desk or table. You’ll need to fiddle around a bit for a sound level that works best with your voice, but a few adjustments should do the trick.
You can pause and then continue recording as often as you like. When you stop, you can select either “resume” or “stop and save.” When you finish your coaching, turn your iPod wheel so that you stop and save. You’ll then have the choice to “play” or “delete.” Scroll to your choice, press the “select” button and you can hear what you did (or didn’t) manage to learn in that coaching.
You can play back the “voice memo” from your iPod during or after your lesson by scrolling to Extras>Voice Memos. Your “memo” is automatically saved, with its date and time, for easy reference. You can transfer these recordings to your computer’s iTunes, where you can find and listen to them in the iTunes playlist named “Voice Memos.” I would suggest renaming the files in a more meaningful way, (for example, “Magic Flute Coaching #3”). Downloading your coachings into your iTunes also means you have the ability to do something extremely useful: You can burn a CD of your rehearsal to share with your colleagues and friends. I’ve found this ability to be invaluable.
Be aware of the technical requirements for the iTalk before you buy. To use this voice recorder you need an Apple iPod with a dock connector (at least a 3rd-generation model) with iPod software version 2.1 or later. Enjoy!
