The Instructional Video Creators Network is a community of practice where educators can experiment, share ideas, and support one another in educational video production techniques. Our last meeting focused on sound and music. It included a discussion of
- Sound editing techniques
- Sourcing music
- Music and sound selection
Lights, Camera, J Cut!
Have you ever watched a video where the sound of a storm rolls in before you see the first flash of lightning? That’s not a mistake—it’s a clever editing technique called a J Cut.
A J Cut is when the audio from the next clip begins before the video appears. It’s a subtle but powerful way to:
- Create anticipation
- Transition smoothly between scenes
- Set the tone for what’s coming next
Think of it as a way to gently guide your viewers’ attention and emotions—perfect for storytelling, interviews, and instructional videos.
Take a look at an explainer video for using a J Cut technique:
Sourcing Music for Your Videos
Here are some great sources for music that can elevate your content. As you explore these resources, pay careful attention to copyright restrictions and ethical use.
- Mobygratis: Free music from Moby! But…check the acceptable use and credit requirements.
- Artlist.io: High-quality tracks! But…be sure to review licensing terms.
- Epidemic Sound: Great for educational content! But…double-check usage rights.
- Pixabay: Free music library! But…be sure to review licensing terms.
Choosing Music and Sound for Your Videos
Before you start that long hunt for the “right” music and sound for your education videos, ask:
- Who is your audience? (Undergrads? Grad students? Fellow faculty?)
- What’s the intent of the appeal? (Inspiration? Calm focus? Energy?)
- What mood do you want to create? (Reflective? Exciting? Professional?)
- How long is the music clip? (Will you need to loop it or fade it out?)
Music isn’t just background noise—it’s a storytelling tool. Preview a National Geographic clip about arctic foxes to witness how sound and music support educational storytelling:
Did You Know?
The standard volume for videos on the internet is -12 decibels.