Planning a podcast is not as hard as you might think. With an idea of the type of podcast you would like to do and a little planning, you can create an outline for your show in just a few minutes and be ready to broadcast on the world wide web!
Podcasts can be many things to many people. There is no one set way to do a podcast or one format. In fact part of what makes podcasting so unique is the variety of styles and types of podcasts. Here are a few examples. If you don’t see one here that interests you, just look up podcasts on iTunes or Google. You will find lots of ways to use a podcast.
The Lecture Podcast - You create a presentation on a topic and present it in a podcast. For example - How To Correctly Double Tongue on a Bassoon. TalkShoe has recently added video to their podcasts so you could even demonstrate different techniques.
Talk cast - One podcast that you may enjoy as a music teacher is the talk cast. This is the primary form of podcast that TalkShoe was designed to support. Listeners call or email with questions and you answer them live on the air (which is recorded for listeners who missed the live broadcast.) The podcast could start with some basic information about your theme for the day (a small lecture segment) and then progress into a Q & A session.
Performance Podcasts - There are a few variations on this idea, but basically you present performances via your podcast. These performances can be your own (this is a great way to build an audience) or those of your students (sort of an online recital.) or those submitted by others (a sort of variety show.)
If you have never done a podcast before, it can be very daunting to start with a blank slate. Here is a basic format to get you started.
Beginning music- This is not a necessary piece of a podcast, but it is nice for setting the tone and letting your listeners know that the podcast is starting. If you use the same track every time it creates a musical logo for your podcast. Every time someone hears your opening music, they will know that it is your podcast. If you are good at creating music, you can create your own opening music using a program like GarageBand. This program also has files called loops that you could use together or separately as music for your podcast. There are also sites that will sell you music for your podcast. One cautionary note with music purchased from other sites. Be sure that you are not breaking any copyright laws and do not use recordings from CD’s unless you own the rights to the music. Here is a link to an article on the legal issues involved with podcasting. I recommend that you take a look at it.This article also contains links to websites with “podsafe” content.
Intro - Your introduction should be used to introduce yourself, your podcast and let your listener know what you will be doing in the podcast. A simple example would be, Hello and welcome to the SingerSpot podcast. The weekly podcast dedicated to helping singers everywhere step out of their shower and into the limelight. I am your host Amy Gould. Today I will be talking about breath support.
Body - The main part of the podcast. It helps to have a subject or theme for each podcast, but depending on the type of podcast, may not be necessary. You don’t have to write your lines down word for word, but it helps to have a basic outline so that you don’t forget anything or blank out. Also remember to keep your presentation interesting and engaging. No one wants to listen to someone ramble on in a monotone no matter how interesting the subject matter.
Conclusion - Wrap up the podcast and summarize what you just talked about. Include a website or email address where they can contact you or get more information.
Final Music - Ads a nice ending and a feeling of completeness. Most podcasts just use the same music as the beginning music.
I hope I have inspired you to go out and create your own podcasts. Simply use a basic format to plan your show, create an outline and you will be ready to record your first podcast. Good luck!
