Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: So You Want to Start a Home-Based Recording Studio
Why Start a Home-Based Recording Studio?
Is Self-Employment For You?
Meet Your New Boss
How The Industry Has Changed
What Can You Offer?
Are Your Skills Up To Par?
Balancing Work & Family
Your Most Valuable Tool: Your Ears
Chapter 2: Envisioning Your Business
Who Needs You?
What Kind of Studio Are You?
Producing vs. Engineering
Understanding the Studio Process
Time Frame
Your Finances
Role Models
Know Your Competition
Chapter 3: Writing a Business Plan
What's a Business Plan?
Explaining What You Do
It's All About Marketing
Organization & Management
According to the Law...
Fixed Costs, Variable Costs, and Estimated Fees
Plan B
Chapter 4: Getting Started
First Things First
Finding Your Niche
Getting Legal
Banking & Credit
Contracts
Finding a Good Lawyer
Marketing Materials
Your Resume & Demo Reel
Chapter 5: Financial Planning & Management
Financing Your Dream
Insurance & Licenses
Business vs. Personal Finances
Don't Forget Your Taxes...
Your Rate: Hourly vs. Flat-Rate?
Financing For Your Clients
Full or Part-Time?
Knowing When to Quit
Chapter 6: Outfit Your Studio
Finding Your Space
Commercial Studio Essentials
Recording Gear: Staying Current
Room Acoustics 101
Renting & Borrowing Gear
Analog or Digital?
Making Your Studio Unique
Chapter 7: Taxes and Record Keeping
Keeping Good Records
Dealing with Employees -- Including Yourself
Filing Your Taxes
When Should You Hire a Tax Service?
Chapter 8: Legal & Ethical Issues
Music Industry Law 101
Intellectual Property Matters: Producer vs. Engineer
Software Piracy
Before The Check Clears: Holding The Master
Client & Project Confidentiality
Noise Pollution: Know (And Use) The Law
Alcohol & Drugs In Your Studio
Equipment Theft
Fair Price vs. “The Hookup”
Keeping Client Expectations In Check
Chapter 9: Marketing Your Studio
All About Exposure
You, As A Brand
Go For The Ears First!
Social Networking
Blogs
Special Promotions
Everybody Likes Something for Free...
Finding Government & Corporate Work
Working The Media
Chapter 10: The Internet & E Commerce
Your Web Site
Craigslist
Paying for Internet Advertising: Is It Worth It?
Forums
Online Client Payment
Chapter 11: Training & Certification
Staying Relevant
How Client Expectations Change
Keeping Up With The Big Guys
Standing Out: Professional Certifications
Chapter 12: After Recording: Helping Clients To The Finish Line
Mastering: In House or Outsourced?
Packaging & Artwork
Digital Distribution
Storing Client Masters
Chapter 13: Business Endgame
Repeat Business & How To Ensure It
When to Leave Home: Outsourcing & Buying Time
Employees
Studio Interns
Your Standard of Quality
Ongoing Royalties
Selling Your Studio
Setting a Price: Equipment Sale vs. Selling a Business
Letting Go
Appendix A: Resources On The Web
Appendix B: Suggested Professional Organizations
Appendix C: Recommended Listening
