Going into a recording studio for the first time can be quite intimidating for any musician. It seems like the recording process should be less stressful than playing a live gig; unlimited do-overs, right? But that’s rarely the case. Studios are where the magic happens and any artist surely wants the finished product to be a representation of their best work. Just like many other things in life, where there’s pressure to do well, there can be nervousness. That’s why I’ve put together this list of ways you can maximize your studio experience to avoid wasting time and money. The last thing any musician wants is to be nervous and over budget. (If you don’t have a studio budget yet, check out our blog on how to record like a pro from home.)

Me and my xylophone at the Tremolo Lounge in West Boylston, MA

Before going into the studio:

1. Plan out which songs you want to tackle first. This will help you focus on what’s at hand rather than getting distracted with all the exciting ideas you have for the project as a whole. I find it easiest to plan in “rounds”: round one, round two, and so forth. Each round consists of three or four tracks and I don’t worry about a round of songs until the previous one is done, or at least “as done as it can be”, barring final mix downs, etc.

2. Once you’ve figured out which songs you’re working on, make notes about which instruments are used when. For a rock band in which each member always plays the same instrument, this won’t be that big a deal. If your band is constantly switching guitars and adjusting amp settings, it’s super important. Why set up and mic the drums on a day when you only need a tambourine part? Organization is key!

3. Change your guitar strings/drum heads/clarinet reeds in advance. Just like before a live show, guitar strings need time to stretch and settle. Don’t do it the morning you’re scheduled to go in. You’ll be setting yourself up for a long day of tuning and retuning. Drum heads should ideally be brand new for the recording session. Trust me, it makes a difference.

While you’re in the studio:
1. Set up as soon as you get in there. Of course it’s awesome if you have a friendly relationship with your engineer, but save the chit-chat for after all the cymbals are where they should be and all your effect pedals are plugged in. You don’t want to feel rushed, but getting organized will help you stay motivated throughout the session and save time. Remember, studio time isn’t cheap!

2. This may sound trivial, but keep an eye on what you put in (and on) your body that day. If you’re singing, avoid dairy and spicy foods. And just like getting ready for an audition, hot tea with lemon can help you sound your best. Make sure you wear comfy clothes, too. It could be a long day and feeling your best is more important than dressing to impress.

3. Relax. You know your songs. Otherwise you wouldn’t be in the studio, right? Have fun and don’t stress.

Once you’ve finished your first day in the recording studio, you’ll probably be given a CD of what you’ve done so far. Take the time to listen at home and make notes about things you’d like to add or change. Just like planning for the first day, being prepared for subsequent sessions can have a huge impact.

Good luck in the studio, and don’t forget to share your music on OurStage when it’s ready!