Before the Recording Session

1. Plan how many recording sessions you need – Lay down the rhythm tracks first (drums and bass), followed by the accompaniment and finish with the vocals.
2. Plan which musicians you will use – Give musicians the music in advance to rehearse.
3. Plan how you will capture each instrument – Decide how you want the final mix to sound – do you want natural reverb on the recording?
4. Book studio time and musicians.

Have a listen to these coursework examples to give you an idea of what to choose. 

At the Session

1. Set up all mics and headphones required for the session before the musician(s) arrives.
2. KEEP LEADS TIDY AND ORGANISED.
3. Make a new project folder for each new project and line check each track to be used.
4. Import your guide track and set the tempo.
5. Make sure session musician is in tune (drums included) and warmed up (especially vocals).
6. Get a comfortable headphone level for the session musician.
7. Get a recording level for the instrument that does not distort on the multitrack recorder during the loudest part of the song.
8. For the vocals: 
1. Use a pop shield
2. Make sure the distance of the singer to the mic remains constant 
3. Make sure the singer sings UP into the mic.
9. Make sure no trailing wires or mic placements interfere with the performance.
10. TURN OFF THE SNARE when not recording the drum kit.
11. Listen back to and SAVE after each take.