Preparing for your session at the recording studio will help keep the workflow organized, but more importantly, it will save you time and money. The old saying, “practice makes perfect”, is especially true when it comes to getting ready to record your music at a professional recording studio. Treat your music and studio sessions with the same level of professionalism and responsibility as you would a full or part-time job with a traditional employer.

Here are 6 things to consider prior to your recording studio session:

1)   If possible, try to memorize your song lyrics. Even if you bring them with you to the studio, knowing your lyrics by heart will improve your delivery and overall performance.

2)   Make sure that you are finished writing your song(s) before your scheduled recording session. Trying to finish your lyrics at the studio will take time away from the actual recording. And, in the recording studio, time is money.

3)   A song typically includes, at a minimum, verses and a hook/chorus. Even if you don’t have a bridge, be sure that your songs have verses and hooks.

4)   Alcohol and drugs tend to impair one’s ability to focus, operate in a professional manner, and gauge the quality of a recorded performance. While these vices might be common at some recording studios, it’s probably not wise to try to record when you’re drunk or stoned.

5)    Meet up with your entourage after your recording session. Don’t bring them to the studio. While it can be a cool ‘scene’ in the studio, you’re there to get a job done. Treat your recording experience with the same amount of professionalism, discipline and integrity as you treat your day job.  Again, time is money. And, believe me when I say that bringing non-essential parties to your recording studio session will hinder progress and cost you in the long run.

6)   If you’re singing, rapping, or performing to an instrumental, bring a copy of the instrumental on a flash drive or CD. This is important. Don’t use your studio time to play an instrumental off your smart phone, or have the audio engineer try to download it from YouTube or your email. Your instrumental is your responsibility. Bring it with you. And, if need be, bring two copies.

7)   Be on time to your session. When you operate in a professional manner, you tend to get professional results. Punctuality is a true sign of professionalism. On top of this, starting your session on time will allow you to maximize the total hours that you booked. If you are going to be late, call the studio to let them know. And, realize that your tardiness will count against your total session time. Don’t expect the recording studio to give you more time on the back end to compensate for your lateness.

Preparation leads To better recording results and studio budget efficiency