Master the Basics of Making Synthesia Piano Covers

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Setting up the Recording
3. Required Equipment
4. Choosing the Right Programs
5. Recording your Playing with Ableton
6. Creating the Top Video with Synthesia
7. Converting and Editing the Videos
8. Adding Effects and Adjustments in Final Cut Pro
9. Exporting the Final Video
10. Conclusion

How to Make Professional Music Videos with Ableton and Synthesia

Are You interested in creating professional-looking music videos like the ones you see online? In this tutorial, I will guide you through a step-by-step process to help you Create your own music video in a similar style. Don't worry if you don't have a professional setup; I'll Show you how to work with what you have. Let's get started!

Setting up the Recording

To begin, you'll need to set up your recording equipment. It doesn't have to be fancy; even a simple smartphone will work. Place your phone on top of a window to record yourself playing. You can prop it up with an extra book to get a better angle. Make sure your electric piano is connected to your computer, as you will need a music program to record your playing.

Required Equipment

Before we dive into the process, let's make sure you have the necessary equipment. You'll need an electric piano, a computer, and a few software programs. In this tutorial, I'll be using Ableton, Synthesia, and Final Cut Pro. These programs have worked well for me, but feel free to explore other options that may suit your needs.

Choosing the Right Programs

Now, let's talk about the programs we'll be using. Ableton is the first program I use, as it allows me to Record my playing digitally. It records the signal from my electric piano to the computer. Although it can be a bit pricey, you can test it for free with limited features. Synthesia, on the other HAND, generates the top video Based on a file exported from Ableton. It comes with a cost of around 30 dollars, but there is also a free trial version available.

Recording your Playing with Ableton

Once you have everything set up, it's time to start recording with Ableton. Launch the program and create a new project. In Ableton's interface, delete all the unnecessary lines except for one MIDI line. Drag a grand piano instrument from the sound rack onto this MIDI line. Begin recording by hitting the record button. Every time you play a key on your piano, it will be recorded by Ableton. When you're finished playing, click on the stop button to end the recording. You can edit the recorded keys, adjust the volume, and make any necessary changes. Export the audio, which will be the sound you hear in the final video. Additionally, export the MIDI file, which will be used in the next step with Synthesia.

Creating the Top Video with Synthesia

Now, let's move on to creating the top video using Synthesia. Open Synthesia and import the MIDI file you exported from Ableton. Choose the desired color for your video. I recommend selecting a color that complements your style and preferences. After selecting the color, the video will be generated based on the MIDI file. Synthesia saves the video in the WebM format, which is not compatible with most video editing software. To convert the file, we'll use a program called the Free Video Converter. Drag and drop the WebM file into the Video Converter, and convert it to a suitable format, such as Apple TV 1080p.

Converting and Editing the Videos

Now that you have both the bottom video from Ableton and the top video from Synthesia, it's time to combine them in a video editing program. In this tutorial, I'll be using Final Cut Pro, but you can use any video editing software you're comfortable with. Import the videos into your chosen program and arrange them accordingly. To create a clean and focused look, you may want to crop and adjust the brightness of the videos. Experiment with different effects and adjustments until you achieve the desired result.

Adding Effects and Adjustments in Final Cut Pro

In Final Cut Pro, you can further enhance your video by adding effects and adjustments. To create a polished and professional look, consider adding some effects like color grading or applying filters. You can also adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation of the videos to ensure they look consistent. Be creative and experiment with different settings to make your video unique and visually appealing.

Exporting the Final Video

Once you're satisfied with the editing and effects, it's time to export your final video. Choose the appropriate settings for your intended platform, such as YouTube or other video-sharing platforms. Save the video in your preferred location and wait for the export process to finish. The duration of the export will depend on the speed of your computer. Once the video is exported, you can upload it to your preferred platform and share it with others.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now learned how to create professional music videos using Ableton and Synthesia. With the right tools and techniques, you can produce high-quality videos that showcase your musical talent. Remember to experiment, be creative, and have fun throughout the process. If you have any questions or ideas for improvement, feel free to share them in the comments. I can't wait to see your amazing music video creations!

Highlights

• Learn how to make professional music videos with Ableton and Synthesia
• Create stunning videos using simple recording equipment
• Customize your videos with effects, adjustments, and unique styles
• Combine audio recordings from Ableton with visuals from Synthesia
• Export and share your final videos on platforms like YouTube

FAQ

Q: Will this tutorial work with different music programs? A: While this tutorial specifically focuses on Ableton and Synthesia, you can adapt the techniques to work with other music programs.

Q: Can I use a different video editing software instead of Final Cut Pro? A: Absolutely! The principles discussed in this tutorial can be applied to any video editing software of your choice.

Q: Do I need expensive equipment to make professional music videos? A: No, you can achieve great results with simple equipment like a smartphone and an electric piano.

Q: Can I use free alternatives to the recommended programs? A: Yes, there are free programs available that can serve as alternatives to Ableton, Synthesia, and Final Cut Pro. Explore different options and find what works best for you.