Tracknotes
Realgrey University - Preparing to Record Introduction
Some players may have decades of formal training, relying on charts to bring their best to the session, while others may play by ear, intuitively capturing a song’s essence. The diversity of competencies can be a powerful asset, but it requires a structured approach to help every musician align and contribute effectively.To address this, Realgrey University presents its first offering: a 6-article series designed to help musicians prepare their music for recording with an ensemble. Each article in this series dives into a fundamental aspect of pre-recording preparation, providing clear guidance that speaks to musicians across all levels of experience. Whether you're a high school student discovering the recording process for the first time or a seasoned player, this series will equip you with tools to bring your best to every session.
Article 1: Knowing the Key of your songs explores the foundational task of determining the key of each song. It’s an essential starting point, especially with a diverse pool of players, as it helps everyone understand what key they’re working in and whether the song is in a major or minor tonality.
Article 2: Tempo and time signature focuses on setting the tempo and time signature, elements that establish a song’s rhythmic structure. This guidance ensures that both experienced and intuitive players can lock into the timing and feel of each song from the beginning.
Article 3: Song sound profile examines each song’s sound profile, identifying what makes a song unique. This includes exploring tempo, key, instrumentation, and arrangement choices that can elevate the song’s individuality and set it apart.
Article 4: Song Map looks at building a “song map” by breaking down the structure of each piece. From verses to choruses, bridges to tags, understanding the flow of each section helps everyone stay aligned, making it easier to communicate changes and create a cohesive recording.
Article 5: Musical narrative delves into shaping the song’s musical narrative. This article discusses how aligning dynamics, structure, and lyrical content can amplify the song's emotional impact, helping each player contribute to the song’s overarching journey.
Article 6: Track Progress rounds out the series by providing guidance on building a comprehensive song-tracking spreadsheet. This document serves as a roadmap for the project, helping to organize all critical details in one place—from tempo and key to tracking and release milestones.
By following this structured series, you’ll be well-prepared to bring your music to life in the studio, working harmoniously within a collaborative recording environment. This series isn’t just about managing technicalities; it’s about empowering musicians to bring depth, clarity, and intention to their work, ensuring a seamless recording process and a powerful final product.
