Open Question: How To Record Music For Youtube?

I'm a singer songwriter and I really want to put some of my music and covers out there on youtube. I use a mac right now but I'm pretty serious about this stuff. For all you youtubers who put music on there or if you know anything about it, how is it done? Do you have to use a mic? And what if I'm playing the piano? What mics do u suggest for a mac?