Figure Skating Music: Expert Tips for Selection and Editing

by | Jul 27, 2024 | Conversations

music editing

Welcome to the second part of our blog series on editing figure skating music. If you missed the first part, you can find it here. Richard Hollman, a figure skater and music editor/owner of Strigiform Productions, has uniquely combined his passions to help skaters bring their performances to life. In this conversation, we drew on his extensive experience in both skating and music editing to bring you valuable tips and insights on selecting and editing music for figure skating programs.

1. Choosing the Right Music:

Selecting music for a figure skating program is more than just picking a favorite song. Here are some key considerations:

    • Emotional Connection: Choose music that resonates with the skater and makes them want to move. It should inspire them to skate and help convey their story on the ice.
    • Musical Clarity: Opt for music with clear and crisp sounds. As Richard rightly pointed out, rinks often have poor acoustics, turning beautiful music into a muddled mess. Music with less orchestration and a strong rhythm is usually more effective.
    • Longevity: The skater will be practicing to this music hundreds of times. Ensure it’s something they love and won’t get tired of, even when working on challenging parts of the program.
    • Test in the Rink: Before committing to a piece of music, listen to it on your rink’s sound system. What sounds great at home may not work as well in a large, echo-prone space.

2. Editing Tips:

Effective music editing is crucial for a smooth performance. Here are some techniques Richard has found useful:

    • Emphasize the Start and End: Boost the initial beats of the music to ensure a clear starting cue. For the ending, avoid slow fades and aim for a definitive conclusion. This really helps the skater hear the beginning and end of their program.
    • Tempo Adjustments: Minor tempo changes can help fit the music to the skater or program without making it sound unnatural. However, avoid significant tempo changes within the same song, as it can disrupt the flow.
    • Layering Sounds: While layering different versions of a song can be tricky due to tempo and key differences, overlaying instrumental breaks or percussion on vocal parts can add a unique punch.
    • Compression: Use compression to make sure your music can be heard in a noisy rink environment. This technique makes quiet parts louder without distorting the louder sounds, ensuring all musical elements are audible in the rink.

3. Collaborating with a Music Editor:

When working with a music editor, clear communication is key. Here’s how to ensure a smooth process:

    • Basic Information: Share the length of the program, the music chosen, and any specific sections to include or avoid.
    • Revisions: Sometimes, the editor can offer valuable insights or alternative suggestions that might work better for the program.  By the same token, be sure to let your editor know if anything in the edit is not in line with your vision of the program.
    • Flexibility: Be prepared for adjustments. As the program develops, certain sections might need to be faster or slower. Communicate these changes to the editor.

4. Special Effects:

Adding voiceovers or sound effects can enhance the performance, but use them judiciously. They should complement the routine without overwhelming the music.

    • Voiceovers: Common in artistic roller skating, voiceovers can set the stage and build character, but ensure they blend seamlessly with the music.
    • Sound Effects: Well-timed sound effects, like a dramatic explosion or a subtle bell, can highlight key moments in the routine. However, they should be integrated smoothly to avoid sounding out of place.

By following these tips and/or working closely with a music editor, you can create captivating and harmonious music that truly enhances your figure skating program. Enjoy the process and happy skating!

What makes the perfect soundtrack for figure skating?

by | Jul 20, 2024 | Conversations

music editing

Music is such a large part of the sport of figure skating; it’s what brings a program alive and allows skaters to tell a story on the ice. It’s something that needs to resonate with the skater, the judging panel and the audience.  Recently, I had the pleasure to sit down and speak with Richard Hollman, a professional music editor and owner of Strigiform Productions, to talk about how he got started in the music editing business and what advice he had for getting the perfect soundtrack for your program. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did, and as always, please leave any questions or feedback in the comments below!

From the Ice to the Studio: Richard Hollman’s Journey in Figure Skating and Music Editing

In 1997, Richard first laced up his skates and ventured onto the ice, beginning a journey that would evolve in unexpected ways. By 2006, he joined the Sharper Edge Club, driven primarily by a desire to be part of the adult synchronized skating team. Although the team was his focus, over time, he found himself exploring solo programs and spotlight performances.

Richard’s foray into music editing began out of necessity. For his individual performances, he started cutting his own music using Audacity, a free, open-source audio editing software. Initially, it was a straightforward tool, but as he delved deeper, he discovered its vast potential. Over the years, he not only cut music for his performances but also for the synchro team and friends who needed a polished cut for their programs.

In synchronized skating, the importance of matching beats and maintaining a smooth rhythm cannot be overstated. This need pushed Richard to enhance his skills in creating seamless transitions in music. He aimed to ensure that the edits flowed naturally, without any jarring interruptions. Interestingly, even as he and his wife watched top-level figure skating competitions, they noticed discrepancies in the quality of music cuts. Often, Richard found himself thinking, “I could do better than this.”

Upon retiring in 2022 from a 40-year career in the semiconductor industry, Richard had more time on his hands. This newfound freedom allowed him to transform his music editing hobby into a low-stress home business. Initially, the venture started slowly, but as he mastered promotional strategies, it began to gain traction.

Working with Audacity has been a constant in Richard’s journey. He learned to harness its many features to meet the diverse needs of his clients. Whether out of curiosity or necessity, he delved deep into the software, always finding the perfect tool for the task at hand. It has been a fulfilling process of self-teaching and discovery.

This journey has also brought Richard immense satisfaction through repeat clients. Knowing that his work is appreciated and trusted is incredibly rewarding. Moreover, the editing process itself is meditative, allowing him to immerse himself in the music and enjoy the creative flow.

Beyond the technical aspects, this venture has connected Richard with the global skating community. It’s a wonderful feeling to contribute to a sport he loves, combining his passion for music and figure skating into a fulfilling second career.

Stay tuned for part two of Richard’s story and tips on editing music.

Your Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly Figure Skating

by | Jul 13, 2024 | Skating Essentials

Budget-Friendly Figure Skating

No doubt about it, figure skating is an expensive sport. You’ve got equipment, ice time, lessons, and off-ice training to think about. And in this sport, more really is more, meaning the more time you spend on the ice and the more lessons you take, the faster you’ll progress. But don’t worry, there are ways to save money and make the most of your training. Here are some tips and ideas I’ve picked up along the way for budget-friendly figure skating. Feel free to share yours in the comments below!

LESSONS

Starting Out: If you’re just beginning your figure skating journey, the Learn to Skate program is a fantastic way to get started. These are group lessons where your semester or session fee covers both the coaches time and ice rental. Typically, these are six-week sessions with a lesson plan that covers basic skating skills. At the end of each session, you can test your skills and maybe move to the next level. Group lessons at this stage are great because everyone’s learning the same elements, so the coach’s time is well-focused, and you get to watch and learn from your peers’ too.

Along the Way: Once you progress beyond group lessons, you’ll need a private coach. But there are still ways to save. If you have a friend at a similar level, ask the coach about semi-private lessons to share the cost. Another option is to lesson on half-sessions (25-30 minutes) instead of full sessions. Communication with your coach is key – ask about the best way to focus on specific skills or program run-throughs during these shorter lessons. This way, you can tailor your warm-up beforehand and maximize your lesson time. Also, look for workshops, seminars, or specialty group classes like edge classes, which often cost less than private lessons and include ice fees.

EQUIPMENT

Starting Out: If you’re trying skating for the first time, consider taking a couple of lessons in rental skates to see if you like the sport before buying your own. After that, you’ll need your own skates since rentals aren’t designed for learning actual elements. (more on that here) Your first pair doesn’t need to be expensive however I would recomend a trusted skate brand like Riedell, Jackson, or Edea, and don’t shy away from used skates to save money. You will likely progress out of this first pair relatively quickly as your skills improve.

Along the Way: Saving on equipment gets trickier as you advance and need specific gear, but good care can extend the life of your skates.  Dry them thoroughly between sessions and change the laces often. (more on that here) Buying used skates is another way to save, especially if you’re switching brands. For example, buy a used pair of your considered brand online for $50-$100 to see if you like them before investing in a new pair (this pair doesn’t need to last years). This is very common with skis, where you can rent a demo pair for a higher fee to get a feel for them. Another option is to ask your skate technician if they have any slightly used skates or blades that didn’t work out for someone else.

ICE TIME / PRACTICE

Starting Out: For extra practice between lessons, public ice sessions are perfect and cost nearly half the price of a freestyle session. Everyone skates in the same direction, making it easy to navigate. Check your rink’s rules, as some may not allow jumps or spins during public sessions or in designated areas only. These sessions are great for learning edges, turns, and crossovers. If you can, be flexible, a Saturday afternoon session will be way more crowded than an early morning one.

Along the Way: As you progress, freestyle ice sessions become necessary, but there are still ways to save. Contract ice or purchase a punch card to lower the cost per session. If you don’t see these options, ask your rink. I find these options don’t always make it onto the rink’s website. If you can be flexible with your schedule, look for quieter sessions (typically early in the morning or later at night) to help maximize what you can accomplish per session. Public sessions can still be useful at this stage for practicing edges, turns, and figures, or when breaking in new skates.

FITNESS / OFF-ICE TRAINING

Starting Out: At first, you might not need much off-ice training, but this sport requires flexibility, mobility, and strength. Consider adding exercises that incorporate these to your regular workouts. Working on spins and turns with an off-ice spinner can also be very helpful, as it slows down the element, giving you time to think about positions and arm placement.

Along the Way: As you advance, look for group fitness or jump classes specific to skating. Post-pandemic, there are many online options, often less expensive than in-person classes. Make sure to vet the training source, preferring actual coaches over social media influencers.

OTHER IDEAS

Record Yourself: Most of my skating practice is solo, with a couple of lessons per week. Recording myself has been invaluable. I use a Pivo Pod because the camera will follow me (AI has come to the ice rink), but even just propping your phone up against your coffee cup on the boards works.  Reviewing the footage helps you verify if what you feel aligns with what’s actually happening.

Watching: Watching other skaters can also be a great learning tool. I often observe high-level skaters during their lessons or warm-ups. If your rink doesn’t have many high-level skaters, volunteer at a competition to watch and learn from others. You can pick up helpful warm-up techniques and training tips this way.

I hope you found these budget-friendly figure skating ideas helpful.  Don’t forget to share your ideas in the comments below.

The Powerful Impact of Diversity in Figure Skating

by | Jul 5, 2024 | Conversations

Diversity in Figure Skating

The Powerful Impact of Diversity in Figure Skating

Figure skating is known for its grace, athleticism, and artistic flair. However, beneath the glittering surface, the sport has also faced criticism for its lack of diversity. Embracing diversity means supporting skaters of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and LGBTQ+ athletes, making the ice a truly inclusive space.

Breaking Down Barriers

The sport has made significant strides in promoting diversity, but the journey has been long and arduous. Think of pioneers like Mabel Fairbanks and Debi Thomas, who shattered racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of skaters of color. Fairbanks, the first African-American inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, and Thomas, the first African-American to win a U.S. national title and a world championship, set inspiring examples with their courage and tenacity.

When it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion, athletes like Rudy Galindo, Johnny Weir, Adam Rippon, and Amber Glenn have left indelible marks on the sport. Galindo’s 1996 national championship win resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community, showing that being true to oneself can lead to greatness. Weir and Rippon, with their outspoken advocacy, have become beacons of hope, promoting LGBTQ+ rights in the sport. Glenn, who came out as bisexual/pansexual in 2019, continues to foster inclusivity, showing that the ice is a place for everyone.

Celebrating Differences

Diversity in figure skating brings fresh perspectives and experiences that lead to truly innovative programs and creates a more supportive community where everyone feels valued. Elin Schran, founder of Joy Skate Productions, highlights this beautifully with events like Be Here! Be YOU! a joyful, family-friendly gathering that offers a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals while raising funds for supporting organizations. Elin first got her inspiration for Be Here! Be YOU! from a skating show in Portland called Out on Ice. Surprised there wasn’t an event like this in the Boston area, Elin brought the idea to Doug Zeghibe, the Executive Director at the Skating Club of Boston, who has been extremely supportive of the event.

“Be Here! Be YOU! is an amazing collaboration between The Skating Club of Boston and Joy Skate Productions in that it provides an opportunity for our members to be themselves in whatever that looks like to them” says Mia Bailey, Club Director.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Skating federations worldwide are stepping up to make progress in promoting racial diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion. They are implementing strengthened anti-bullying and harassment policies and establishing gender-inclusive competition rules.

Some Federations Leading the Way:

  • Skate Canada: Allows athletes to compete according to their gender identity and provides comprehensive LGBTQ+ education and training.
  • International Skating Union (ISU): Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, promoting gender-inclusive language.
  • United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA): Updated non-discrimination policies, implemented the SafeSport program, promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion, and uses gender-neutral language in competitions.

Additionally, the emergence of USFSA programs like Learn to Skate, Theater on Ice (TOI), and the Excel Series have brought a level of diversity the sport has never seen. The adult skating program and adult skating championships very much infuse a multifaceted group into the sport and also highlight age diversity. It wasn’t too long ago that it was revolutionary to think that skating could last a lifetime.

Moving Forward

Elin hopes events like Be Here! Be YOU! are something that goes beyond her and can be taken to rinks around the country. “Skaters want diversity; they want to share their sport with everybody and don’t want people to feel left out of it.”

After celebrating Pride Month and Juneteenth, events like Be Here! Be YOU! remind us of how far we’ve come and the journey still ahead. Creating a truly inclusive environment in figure skating takes dedication from all of us. By supporting diverse athletes and nurturing inclusive spaces, we make the sport not just more welcoming, but also more joyful for everyone. Embracing diversity enriches our skating community, making it more vibrant and resilient for future generations.

Together, we can make the ice a place where everyone feels at home.

Grown Up Skating Survival Kit – What’s In My Bag?

by | Jun 19, 2024 | Skating Essentials

What's in my bag

Welcome to a fresh twist on the classic ‘What’s in My Bag’ post. While your list might change with the seasons or when you’re heading to a competition, consider this a fun sanity check before your next trip to the rink. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned skater, these essentials will keep you prepared and comfortable on the ice. Dive in and let me know your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or have something to add?

Skates
Ok, obvious, but who hasn’t gone to the rink at least once only to realize they left their skates at home or thought they were in a locker? (I once left mine in a Zipcar and it took two hours of panic calls for the company to track down the car and allow me access to it – years off my life)

Hard Guards
Also known as “tools that let you walk like a normal person without tripping over the toe pick.” (If you know, you know)

Soft Guards or Soakers
They protect your blades and your bag, plus with today’s designs, they look cool and express your personality. I’m looking at you, animal covers!

Towel
A towel because you’re an adult who pays for your blades, and needs them to last so you always wipe off the water post-practice.

Spare Laces + Screwdriver
Because unlike one famous skater, you wouldn’t actually show up to the Olympics without spare laces in your bag. And you responsibly check the screws on your blades every month or so. You do, right? More on that here.

Gloves
Because you’re not a child and therefore much more delicate, you hate to grab the blade with bare hands for those spin positions.

Bunga Pads
Again, because you’re not a child, you know how much blisters hurt, you need to put your best foot forward for sandal season, and you’re not a fan of change. These pads got you through your new skate break-in periods and therefore your thoughts are they must be essential for all future skating success.

Spare Socks
Because you’re an adult who understands hygiene and wouldn’t ball up sweaty socks in the bottom of your bag only to pull them out the next day for round two.

Butt Pads
Because you understand that you are a greater distance away from the ice than your little four foot training mates and therefore your falls will hurt more.

Foot Spray
Sort of like deodorant for the inside of your skates, because you need to store these items in your house or locker and do not wish to smell like hockey equipment at this point in your life.

Bonus
Tissues, hairbrush, and lip gloss!

And speaking of bags, which type are you?

The Minimalist 

Knows what they need, every item has a specific place, cleans out their bag regularly, and meticulously loads and unloads the bag for each practice.

The Multitasker

Sometimes walks or bikes to the rink, thinks of the multitude of compartments as a closet system to-go, and plans for the day ahead by adding hydration and a laptop into the mix.

The Maximalist  

If it fits, they pack it. Skating equipment, change of outfit, recovery tools, extra of everything, tossies from the 2019 competition season, lucky Squishmallow, and a random assortment of snacks. If you ever find yourself trapped at the rink, you’ll want to befriend one of these people; you could live for several days on what’s inside that bag.