by Cadence Leipsig

Created on: January 08, 2005   Last Updated: September 18, 2006

To record music in a studio you first a- have to have music, and b- have the proper liscensing in place to protect your music during the recording and finalization process.

Depending on the quality of recording you are looking for, you can record your music in a professional studio or in someones basement. I have heard excellent recordings come from a basement studio that near almost copy in quality that of a complete professional studio recording sound.

Once you've picked your ideal 'type' of recording (bearing in mind that the basement ones are usually cheaper) scout around in your area by asking at music stores/instrument stores if they have a preference or if that can refer you to one. If this yeilds a studio that interests you pursue it, if not, search the yellow pages or an online search directory for more studios in your area.

With a few studios in mind, call and speak to the studio manager/director about rates, rules and regulations of the studio. You want to know whether the rates are hourly, daily, or packaged, and what exactly you are paying for. Does it include an in house producer? does it include liscensing fees? does it include anything but the room and the equiptment?

Depending on your knowledge of the music industry, you can either go with a detailed studio (more expensive) or a bare bones studio, as long as you research the requirements yourself.

In regards to protecting your music you will need to register it for a copyright , which includes applying for one (in canada you contact CIPO for this) usually at around $60 per song, and the protects the music AND the lyrics for life, and upto 50 years after the death of the last surviving name listed on the copyright.

If you want to make money, sell or lisence your music to television shows and movies you will want to be able to collect royalties from them. Having a music publisher at this time will be very handy. Without one you will need to research all of the neccesary legal information regarding mechanical and synchronization (televsision and film placements) rights yourself. For more information in canada on royalties you can visit SOCAN, (for mechanical visit BMI, CMRRA or ASCAP)

Because Synchronization rates varythere is no agency to administer them and they are negotiated and paid directly through the company/outlet to you (composer/lyricist) and the publisher (master holder)

Recording itself is a simple practice, you book, you pay, you go, you sing. But inregards to staying protected and in creating a hopeful path for success in the music industry you need to ensure you research yourself very carefully to avoid mishaps.

Good luck!

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