How To Plan Your Recording Project

sheboygan recording live room with drums set, guitar, and grand piano

Key Components to Consider

Wether it’s an EP, an album, or a set of singles, the most successful recording projects show up for sessions fully prepared and well organized.

When you take your music seriously enough to invest in professional studio production, you're embarking on the wonderful process of capturing music that may be around for decades. No big surprise that records that last that long didn't happen by accident.

We offer worksheets for planning and preparing for recording. When you book studio time with us, you get all the worksheets free, plus our custom recording project grid for maximizing efficiency from planning to releasing your music.

Planning Worksheets

Here are some key components of preparing for your recording project.

The Music

The foundation of any recording project is the music itself. Before stepping into the studio, ensure your songs are complete—both musically and lyrically. While creative magic can happen in studio recording sessions, so can disaster if music is not fully written.

Ask yourself:

  • Are song structures and instrumentation finalized?
  • Are lyrics, melodies, and harmonies fully written?
  • Do you know your beginnings and endings?

The Concept

If you're recording multiple songs, consider whether they fit within a broader concept. Even if you’re not making an album, having a cohesive sonic or thematic identity can make the project stronger.

Think about:

  • Do the songs relate to each other or do they stand alone?
  • Should they have a consistent sound or vibe?
  • How will the track order impact the listener’s experience?

Having a clear artistic vision helps guide decisions in the studio and ensures the final product is cohesive.

Musicians

Make sure all the musicians involved in the project are fully committed and prepared. Whether it’s your full band, session players, or guest musicians, communication is key.

Consider:

  • Who is playing on each song?
  • Are all musicians available for the recording schedule?
  • Do you need to bring in additional players or singers?

The better prepared your musicians are, the smoother the recording process will be.

Instruments & Equipment

Instruments and gear can significantly impact the sound of your recording. Plan ahead to make sure everything you need is available and in working order.

Think about:

  • Are all guitars, drums, and other instruments set up and in good condition?
  • Do you need to rent or borrow instruments or gear?
  • Are amplifiers, pedals, and effects dialed in for the right tones?
  • Who is bringing what?

Full preparation here can prevent technical issues from derailing your sessions.

Performance Preparation

Great recordings start with great performances. The more prepared you are to deliver tight, expressive performances, the better your recordings will be.

Make sure to:

  • Rehearse extensively before recording.
  • Practice to a click track if you’ll be using one.
  • Know your parts inside and out to minimize re-takes.
  • Focus on both precision and emotional delivery.

A well-prepared performance saves time in the studio and results in a more confident, dynamic recording.

Timeframe

Both the musicins and the studio need to understand and agree on a timeframe for recording, production, and duplication or distribution. Consider the availability of the musicians for recording sessions, as well as any deadlines for concerts, release dates, or other commitments.

Discuss with your engineer:

  • How much time you need for tracking, overdubs, mixing, and mastering?
  • When can you start recording?
  • Are there deadlines for releasing the music or starting a tour?

Rushing through recording can lead to compromised quality, so plan a realistic schedule.

Budget

Professional recording is a wonderful investment in your music, and can pay off in multiple ways. Understanding how your musical vision translates to costs is something to consider. You may have an open-ended budget or a limited one. Discuss this with the studio manager and make sure you are clear about the costs to ensure you can complete the project you have in mind.

Think about:

  • Studio time costs
  • Producer, engineer, and mixing/mastering fees
  • Musician costs
  • Equipment rentals or purchases
  • Artwork, distribution, and promotion

Being clear about your budget from the start helps you make informed decisions and avoid shortcomings in the final product.

Audio Specs

Different audio file formats and specs are required for different applications. You don't need to learn all the technical specs, you just need to tell the studio what you plan to do with the final audio files. For example:

  • make CDs
  • make vinyl records
  • stream on music platforms
  • make a music video

If you know specs, great; if not, your engineer will determine the various file formats and specs you need.

Final Thoughts

Take the time to plan ahead, and your recording sessions will be focused, productive, and ultimately more rewarding.