Recording Studio Etiquette | Learn More

Professionalism is essential in every job, and in the music industry, your studio etiquette can make or break your career. From leaving a mess to going over your time, it’s important to avoid these recording studio etiquette no-nos for a variety of reasons:

You Could Miss Out on Opportunities

If you’re a pleasure to work with, chances are, people will want to keep working with you. Good studio etiquette can go a long way, especially if you’re looking to develop relationships with the people who run the space. Poor recording studio etiquette could cause you to miss out on future opportunities. If you leave a mess, invite too many people to the recording session, or go over on time, word gets around. So, other studios in the area may hear about you and not let you use their space as a result of your unprofessionalism.

You’ll Have to Pay for Expensive Equipment

You break it, you buy it. Breaking equipment is pretty high on the list of unacceptable behavior in the studio. Not only is it an inconvenience for the studio, but you also have to pay to fix or replace the broken equipment. Most musicians are a little cash-strapped when they’re starting out, and the added financial burden of repair could set you back in significant ways. Be respectful, treat studio equipment with care, and build a good reputation with people who could help boost your career.

Friends Can Damage Your Reputation, Too

Be cautious about who you invite to the recording session. Studio etiquette isn’t just about you—it’s also about the crew you invite along. Even if you’re respectful, it won’t leave a good impression if your friends make a scene and get in the way of your recording session. Be sure to invite people you can trust to observe proper recording studio etiquette around the producers and engineers you’ll be working with.

You’re Not Able to Perform or Are Burned Out

We get it—working in the music industry is tough. Long nights, early mornings, and lots of action can lead to burnout. If you’re not able to perform, don’t waste people’s time. It’s expensive to book a recording session, and it’s easy for tensions to run high when it doesn’t go well. So, demonstrate good studio etiquette and cancel the session if necessary, or even better, be conscientious of your schedule and coordinate your studio time when you have enough downtime to focus.

Don’t Let Your Ego Get in the Way

Hubris is the downfall of many, so when you’re looking to develop good studio etiquette, keep your ego in check. Music is a collaborative process, and when you’re working with seasoned producers, it’s a big mistake not to take their feedback on board. We know you have your vision, and it can be hard to compromise with others when you think you know exactly how it should sound, but you (and everyone else) will be grateful you stayed humble and kept your recording studio etiquette in proper form. The finished product will be even greater, and you’ll have truly exceptional songs to get out to your audience.

Fighting Leads to a Cycle of More Fighting

Being around a couple who fights is awkward enough; who wants to be around a band that fights? If you need to have a discussion with your crew, do that on your own time, not studio time. Fighting is a cyclical habit, and it’s a huge mistake that can drag your band down and leave a bad impression in the studio. Open conflict is a reflection of poor studio etiquette and a lack of discipline, and you want to make sure that’s not how you are perceived.

Avoiding these negative behaviors can help you leave an impression that advances your career, not damages it. To learn more about building a successful music career, make sure to follow our blog. Willing to go the extra mile to break into the business? Enroll in 1500 Sound Academy to work with the pros and learn from their years of experience.

How Your Recording Studio Etiquette Can Make or Break Your Music Career