Tip #1: Be punctual for your session. If you will be recording a drumset or other gear-intensive instruments, have your players arrive 15 - 20 minutes before your session to start setting up. You will not be charged for this time but your charges WILL begin at the scheduled start time of your session so this extra setup time allowance can save you money. It may be possible for you to arrive even earlier to set up but you should check with the studio first to see if someone else is booked into that time-slot. Again, you will only be charged from your scheduled start time (this also applies if you are late to your session.) Also, please know that in all sessions the studio requires setup time to get proper recording levels and headphone mixes, etc. This IS included in the studio's hourly rate and you should expect to spend at least the first hour of your session time working with the engineer at this task in addition to readying yourself and your instruments for your session.

Tip #2: Eat. Try not to come to your session hungry, your energy will be low and you'll be consumed with the thought of pizza, burgers or tofu instead of thoughts of the great solo you're going to play (and the Yarner session clock does not stop when the pizza delivery guy shows up...). Also try not to come to your session on a overly full stomach because then you'll just feel like falling asleep behind your bass amp. If at all possible, come to your sessions satiated, well-rested, well-hydrated and ready to rock. (Don't worry, if your stomach growling gets louder than your vocal line, there are plenty of food options within walking distance of the studio.)

Tip #3: Bring typed lyric sheets of the songs you'll be recording. Providing a lyric sheet to the engineer saves you time (and $) because it allows the engineer to follow along and locate points in the songs faster for the work that needs to be done. If recording instrumental pieces, feel free to bring structure notes, sheet music or tablature.

Tip #4: If you have a pair of (large-cupped) studio-quality headphones, bring them with you. There are 6 pairs of high quality headphones in-house but if you have a set that you are comfortable with and are used to listening through, feel free to bring them along for your personal monitoring during the session.

Tip #5: Be aware of the differences between recording engineers and producers. When you pay for recording time at a studio, you are paying for the technical service of recording audio. Although it is possible for the engineer to offer some feedback on the performance quality or arrangements of your songs, you should be prepared to make your own decisions about the content of your recording. The engineer's main job is to make sure that all the sonic qualities of your performance are recorded properly. (In other words, the engineer is not responsible if your guitar is out of tune or if you accidentally sing the verse where the chorus should be.)

Tip #6: Don't bring a huge entourage. Yarner Studio is a small operation and space is limited. It's best to limit the session to your 3 to 4 essential players or band-related personnel and keep your other peeps to a minimum during the session. There is a waiting area outside the studio at A. Salon and a large lounge for women (attached to the women's bathroom) on the 2nd floor if you have additional friends or family that you would like to be present. They are more than welcome to sit in one of those waiting areas and come into the studio during any breaks or during rough mixing at the end of your session.

Tip #7: Have fun! Recording music is one of the greatest experiences in the world for those who love making music. Some recording studios out there have an intimidating feel because of mountains of equipment, huge "million-dollar" rooms that can make musicians feel "too separated" from one another or engineers that seem bored or "removed" from the creative aspects of the audio they're working with. Yarner Recording Studio is a small, intimate recording suite run by one engineer who listens to a truly wide variety of music and loves the tasks involved with recording. Bring your positive, open mind and ears with you to Yarner and you will find the same.

Tip #8: Call or email if you have any questions at all (contact info above); no question is too minor. All inquiries will receive a timely, respectful and friendly response - guaranteed!