Recording Studio Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Musicians & Producers
Every recording studio has their own studio rules, these are general recording studio etiquette for being in someone else’s recording studio, especially a professional recording studio. In your own studio you can do whatever you want, in someone else studio you want to some some class. It’s important to remember that recording studios are professional spaces that require a certain level of etiquette. We’ll cover the do’s and don’ts for musicians and producers when recording in a studio.
Do: Be Prepared
Before arriving to the studio, make sure you’re well rested and have rehearsed your songs thoroughly. Time in the studio can add up, so it’s essential to make the most of it. Have all your equipment and instruments in working order and be ready to play your parts. If you’re working with a producer or engineer, communicate with them ahead of time about your goals and what you want to achieve during the recording session.
Don’t: Be Late
Recording studios usually have tight schedules, so it’s important to be punctual. If you’re running late, make sure to call ahead and let the studio know. Otherwise, you risk throwing off the schedule and delaying the recording process for everyone involved.
Recording studios are often small and delicate spaces, so it’s important to be respectful of the equipment and environment. Avoid touching any gear or equipment that isn’t yours without permission, and be careful not to spill food or drinks on any surfaces. Keep the volume down when you’re not recording, and make sure to clean up after yourself when you’re finished.
Don’t: Bring Unnecessary Guests
While it can be tempting to invite your friends or family to watch the recording process, it’s important to remember that studios are professional environments. Bringing along a large group of people can be distracting and disruptive to the recording process. If you need someone to listen to your recordings, consider sending them a link to the finished product once it’s complete.
Do: Be Open to Feedback
As a musician or producer, it’s essential to be open to feedback. Musicians should be willing to take direction from the producer and be open to trying new things to improve the recording. Producers should be open to the musicians’ ideas and input and be willing to adjust the recording process as needed to achieve the best possible result. Recording in a studio is a collaborative process, and it’s essential to be open to feedback from your producer or engineer. They have years of experience and can offer valuable insight into how to make your music sound its best. Be willing to listen to their suggestions and work together to achieve your goals.
Don’t: Waste Time
Recording time is valuable and can be expensive, so it’s important to use it wisely. As a musician, avoid spending too much time on individual parts or getting bogged down in unnecessary details. As a producer, keep the session moving forward and avoid spending too much time on any one aspect of the recording process. Keep your focus on the big picture and make sure you’re making progress towards your goals.
Do: Communicate Clearly
Clear communication is essential for a successful recording session. If you’re a musician, make sure you communicate your goals and what you want to achieve during the recording process to your producer. If you’re a producer, make sure to communicate your expectations and the recording process to the musicians you’re working with. This can help ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
Don’t: Let Ego Get in the Way
Ego can be a significant obstacle to a successful recording session. As a musician, it’s important to remember that the recording process is a collaborative effort, and the end result is the most important thing. As a producer, it’s essential to set aside personal preferences and work towards creating the best possible recording for the musicians.
Do: Be Respectful
Respect is an essential aspect of studio etiquette. As a musician, be respectful of the studio space and the equipment. Avoid touching any gear or equipment that isn’t yours without permission, and be careful not to spill food or drinks on any surfaces. As a producer, be respectful of the musicians’ time and effort, and be willing to listen to their ideas and input.
Recording in a professional studio can be an exciting and rewarding experience for musicians. By following these do’s and don’ts for recording studio etiquette, you can ensure a smooth and successful recording session. Remember to be prepared, be respectful, and be open to feedback, avoiding wasting time, and you’ll be well on your way to creating high-quality recordings that showcase your music in the best possible way.