Recording Sessions...

Posted on Feb 05, 2005 07:47 pm
Satellite Jack
Member Since: Nov 29, 2004

I am a high school music student looking to go to a music college. I’ve done lots of recording on my own, but I’ve never been involved with a band, and I wanted to know if you guys had any tips before I try it for the first time. I compose all of my music using a MIDI device on my Cakewalk program that lets me print out the score, which I then play live. Except for the drums that is… I keep that as a MIDI.
So assuming I find people who can read music, I don’t see this strategy being a problem. The question comes up when I don’t want to have a full score already completed, putting more emphasis on the musicians. In this case, what’s the least amount of material I need to hold a session?

Thanks!

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olddog
Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003

Feb 05, 2005 08:18 pm

That really depends on what type of music your doing. If it is score type music in which you've written all the parts and expect them to be played as written then yes your going to need people who can read music.

If it's a pop/rock/jazz/country etc, type of music, most bands are a collaborative effort and you'll probably have trouble finding members who will want to follow printed music with no input, nor would it be absolutely neccessary that they read music. You would want session/studio musicians if your looking to have that much control IMO.

Dan

Satellite Jack
Member
Since: Nov 29, 2004

Feb 05, 2005 08:32 pm

I agree with you there.

So say that I don’t come in with music written out for lead guitar, and I want sort of a discreet melody line under the vocal… what information does he need in order to be able to do that effectively?

Bleak
A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004

Feb 05, 2005 09:09 pm

Basically what you just said will be enough for them.

I think the best step would be to find other like minded musio's and basically start jamming it out! Eventually it will all fall in to place.

Dont get too cuaght up in having to 'score' everything if just playing in a band is what you want to do.

Most muscisians i know wouldnt have a clue how to read. Music score's too :)

Walt
Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Feb 06, 2005 11:58 am

All good comments.

It's all about how you want to approach the production. I use a 'people first' approach. I have come to know a lot of musicians and what they like and do well. When I have a piece and need parts, I go to the folks and ask them if they are interested in doing it per the terms of what is 'in it' for them. They will in turn tell me what their needs are. Maybe take it home and listen to it for a week, maybe a few jams, or maybe a written score.....whatever. I give them what they ask for as best I can.

Rigsby
Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004

Feb 07, 2005 10:03 am

I usually provide a demo if i can either way so there's a reference point of what i'm getting at musically. If it's something really set in stone that i want then i score it, but otherwise most people i've worked with will work well from just having a brief discussion or two about what's needed, like Bleak said, what you said should be enough to get them thinking, if you don't like what they play then have a think and suggest alternatives, but at least you have the ball rolling. Being in a group with the right people for your musical tastes is pretty important, having some common interests or goals muscially can make all the difference, some people will play in a completely different style from what you may be after, then you have to decide whether you like it or not, whether you wnat to be part of that music. That said, playing in a group where everybody has exactly the same tastes (while rare) will really narrow the field of your endevours ...wow, that sounded like i knew what i was talking about for a second there. Most of all, have a ball!