Little Folkies Teacher Application

Song Submission instructions

Objective: Your goal is to create a high-quality instructional video where you teach a song to a beginner audience. Please record yourself performing two repetitions of the song, demonstrating different skills in each take.

Please prepare by learning the following for “Fuzzy “Caterpillar:

  • Lyrics: Memorize the words so you can sing without reading.

  • Hand Movements: Master the specific hand motions provided.

  • Guitar Chords: Practice the chords until you can play them smoothly and transition between them confidently.

Filming Instructions

We want to you to make a video that looks like the one in example below so please follow instructions carefully or you will need to resubmit.

  • Film in a well-lit room, ideally daylight

  • Sit in front of white clean background

  • Face the light. No backlight (window or light behind you)

  • Sit on the floor (not a chair or couch, teachers sit on the floor at kids level in class)

  • Set up camera horizontally on tripod 5-6 feet away from you at eye level

  • Look into the camera the whole time when singing

  • Upbeat, natural energy, don’t forget to smile!

  • Don’t talk too much, short instructions

  • Film in HD at 60 frames per second. See instructions below*

  • Upload video to Google Drive and include link in application


    *To film at HD (1080p) at 60 frames per second (fps) on your iPhone, go to Settings > Camera > Record Video, and select 1080p HD at 60 fps from the available options. You can also make this change directly in the Camera app by tapping the HD or 4K toggle at the top of the screen, which will change to show different resolution and frame rate options, then tap 60 to select your desired settings.

Video Structure - Perform in this order

Part 1: Introduction (5-10 seconds)

  • Start by briefly introducing the song.

  • Example: “Hi everyone! Today we’re going to learn Fuzzy Caterpillar. We’ll start with the hand movements first.”

  • Imagine you are a teacher leading a class. Speak clearly, look directly into the camera, and maintain a friendly, encouraging tone.

Part 2: Repetition 1 - Voice & Hand Movements

  • Perform the entire song from start to finish.

  • Use only your voice and the specified hand movements.

  • Focus on making the movements clear, expressive, and easy for a viewer to follow.

The Fuzzy Caterpillar

Part 3: Transition (5-10 seconds)

  • After the first repetition, pause and speak to the camera again.

  • Example: “Great job! Now that we know the movements, let’s add the guitar.”

Part 4: Repetition 2 - Voice & Guitar

  • Perform the entire song a second time.

  • This time, sing and play the chords on the guitar.

  • Focus on clear chord changes and steady rhythm.

Part 5: Conclusion (5-10 seconds)

  • End the video with a simple and friendly sign-off.

Final Checklist Before You Finish:

  • Did I record everything in one take?

  • Is my introduction and conclusion included?

  • Is the first repetition only singing with hand movements?

  • Is the second repetition only singing with the guitar?

  • Is the video and audio clear?

  • Am I presenting like a teacher for the entire video?

  • Did I follow the filming instructions?