How to Add Music in Windows Movie Maker

There are many professional-level video editing programs on the market such as Final Cut Pro or Sony Vegas. However, for the entry level video editor, Windows XP comes bundled with Windows Movie Maker. This video editor offers point-and-click as well as drag-and-drop features that simplify the editing process. While making your own video in Windows Movie Maker, you might consider adding its own music track to give it more character.

Step 1

Navigate to the "Capture Video" pane. Click on "Import audio or music."

Step 2

Navigate through your folders to find the music you want to add, then click on it. Afterwards, click on "Import" to add it to the Windows Movie Maker audio collection.

Step 3

Drag and drop the song from the audio collection and onto the video clip where you want the music to start playing. If a prompt window opens, click on "OK" to proceed.

Step 4

Go to the "Audio/Music" bar on the Movie Maker timeline. Click on the edge of the song and drag it so that it ends simultaneously with the movie. Otherwise, extended audio continues playing even when the video concludes.

Step 5

Right-click on the music at your timeline bar and select "Volume." Move the slider left or right to reduce or increase the volume, then click on "OK" to confirm the changes.

Step 6

Press the "Play" button on the Preview Monitor. Repeat steps four and five to make any necessary adjustments to the music in your video.

References

• Microsoft: Windows Movie Maker - Add music

About the Author

Zeus Tyrone Mendoza is an award-winning and accomplished freelance writer from California. Mendoza has contributed works published in "Kerygma" magazine, "Philippine Star Newspaper," and the monthly newsletter for the world renowned GK Community Development Foundation. Mendoza holds a B.A. in English creative writing from California State University, Northridge.

Photo Credits

• musical background image by yelena demyanyuk from Fotolia.com