Tips

Tips For A More Enjoyable  and  Productive Recording Session

 

 

 

1.  Be Prepared

 

The single most important part of the recording experience is adequate preparation of both yourself and your instruments.  Studio time is valuable to both you and I, so you don’t want to waste that time looking for music, waiting for musicians, troubleshooting equipment problems, etc.  Being unprepared will show through in your performance, you can’t perform your best while you are worried about the details.  Get everything ready several days in advance, get a great nights sleep the night before, then just relax and enjoy the session. 

 

 

2.  Practice

 

The studio is not a rehearsal room.  Make sure everyone involved has his or her part down pat.  Be sure to practice everything in the song, with the actual musicians who will be performing at the studio session, on the equipment you will actually be using that day.  Also - don't rely on luck for your solos on recording day.  That usually works great when playing live, however, when trying to get a perfect track, it often takes several attempts.  Get them down pat before you come to record.  The frustration you save yourself will be well worth the preparation.

 

 

3.  Page Turns

 

When you are recording you should avoid page turns.  It is virtually impossible to turn a page anywhere close to a good quality microphone without the microphone picking it up.  If you must have page turns, you must time them to coincide with an absolute quiet spot on the track (such as a breath) in order for me to be able to edit them out.

 

 

4.  Equipment

 

Make sure all of your equipment is in top shape.  What may sound good in a live performance could sound terrible under the scrutiny of today’s digital recording equipment.  Take some time and go over your equipment and replace worn strings, fix rattles, squeaks, and buzzes, etc.  Also - don't forget to bring spare strings, sticks, reeds, etc.  If you will be playing a stringed instrument, be sure your strings are in good enough condition to be able to hold a tune for a reasonable length of time.  If they are not, replace them a few days before the recording session.  This will save you a lot of lost time and frustration in the studio.

 

 

5.  Plan Your Projects Far In Advance

 

Typically it takes a year or more to write the music, practice to perfection, obtain the required licenses, record, mix, master, and prepare the CDs for distribution.  Plan your projects ahead.  As an example, if you are thinking of recording a Christmas CD, don’t wait until October to begin the process.  Please keep in mind I can only handle so many projects each year.  The earlier you schedule your studio time, the better!

 

 

 

 

Tips For A Great Vocal Session

 

 

 

 1.  As You Practice

 

As you prepare for your recording session, pay particular attention to timing, phrasing, breath control, etc.  Mark them well on your music.     These seemingly small details will become very big problems if not already worked out well before you start recording.

 

 

 2.  Choose The Correct Key

 

Feeling a little uncomfortable with a few of those notes?  Try a half-step up or down and see how much better they may be.  Try at least 3 keys for each song and pick the one that works best for you.

 

 

3.  Get Some Rest

 

The night before your recording session go to bed on time, if not a few minutes early.  You can't possibly sound your best unless both you and your vocal cords are well rested.

 

 

4.  Warm Up

 

If possible, warm up on the way over to the studio.  Most singers need at least 1/2 hour or more warm up to sound their best.  Try singing scales in octaves all the way up to your high end.  Next, try singing the chorus of all your songs.  By the time you arrive at the studio, your voice should feel completely comfortable and ready for a great recording session.

 

 

 

 

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