A little preparation helps your studio time stay focused on the music. Before you leave, confirm what the studio provides and what you need to bring yourself. Pack your main instrument, any essential accessories, current charts, and reference tracks the recording team can access. This checklist covers the basics for jazz sessions and works for solo artists, bands, and small ensembles. Use it to catch missing items before they interrupt a take.
Pack Your Instruments
Bring the instrument you plan to record, plus any alternate instrument or setup the arrangements require. Check that it is in playing condition: tune it, replace worn strings or reeds if needed, and address rattles or loose hardware. For a band, confirm who is bringing shared items such as a bass amp, keyboard stand, or percussion gear before loading the car.
Ask the studio in advance about available equipment, including amplifiers, piano, drum kit, microphones, and stands. Do not assume a particular model or setup will be on hand. If you use a specialty instrument or need a specific piece of gear to get your sound, bring it or arrange its availability ahead of time.
Bring the Right Accessories
Pack the small items that keep you ready to play: picks, cables, tuner, spare strings, reeds, sticks, mallets, straps, rosin, and a music stand light if you use one. Bring backups for anything that can wear out or fail during a session. Label your gear and keep related accessories together so you can find them quickly between takes.
Include practical essentials such as a power supply for electronic instruments, batteries, and any adapters your setup requires. If you use pedals or other signal-processing gear, bring the correct cables and a simple layout plan. Keep drinks away from instruments and recording equipment, and check the studio’s policies before bringing food or additional gear.
Organize Charts and Notes
Bring the latest charts for every tune, with clear titles, keys, tempos, forms, and endings. Make sure each player has the same version, especially if you have revised a bridge, solo order, or tag. Printed copies can be easy to mark during a session; a tablet works too if it is charged and you can turn pages without disrupting the performance.
Write down arrangement details that are easy to forget: who starts, where solos begin and end, dynamic changes, cue notes, and how the tune finishes. Mark any sections that need a specific feel or transition. If the band is recording several takes, use a consistent chart version and note changes clearly so everyone can follow the same plan.
Prepare Reference Tracks
Bring reference recordings that communicate the sound or arrangement you are aiming for. Choose specific examples and note what you want the team to hear, such as the groove, balance, room sound, or instrument tone. A reference is a guide, not a requirement to copy every detail, so explain which qualities matter most to your project.
Save tracks somewhere you can access without relying on a spotty connection, and check that the files play before the session. Make a short playlist with clear labels rather than searching through a large library in the room. Add brief notes about each track, then confirm whether the studio prefers playback from your phone, laptop, or another source.
Before you head out, run through your checklist and confirm any studio-provided gear directly with the recording team. A ready instrument, shared charts, dependable accessories, and easy-to-play references help the session start smoothly. If you are recording at Blue Note Room in Calgary, contact the studio to discuss your setup and preparation needs.