How is studio booking or rental time calculated?
As part of our standardized global policy, the booking time for a recording studio commences when the client enters the studio at the scheduled appointment time. All activities, including warm-up, setup, sound checks, and file work, must be conducted within the reserved time slot. Clients are welcome to arrive up to 15 minutes prior to their session and enjoy the amenities in our studio lounge.
Overtime can be accommodated if there is no subsequent booking for the studio and subject to engineer availability. Regular hourly rates apply, billed in half-hour increments.
It's important to note that the studio bills based on the reserved hours, even if they are not fully utilized in certain cases.
Director Session VS Available Engineer Session
(ONLY APPLY TO STUDENT CLASSICAL CATEGORY)
The difference between director (producer-engineer) session and staff engineer session lies in the expertise and capabilities offered. In a director session, the producer boasts an award-winning background as a classical performing artist, with over 15 years of record-producing experience. Their deep understanding of your repertoire allows them to swiftly produce final masters with comprehensive in-session editing. Meanwhile, the staff engineer enhances the sonic experience and can make minor adjustments during the session, though complex classical repertoire editing in real time aren't their primary focus. If needed, additional in-depth editing sessions with the producer-engineer can be requested after the initial sessions.
Can you combine sessions?
Kindly NOT to share your studio time with another artist or group, unless they are integral to your instrumentation setups.
In exceptional cases, we may still accommodate such requests, but an additional charge may apply.
Piano Tuning?
Tuning services are available at the client's request, and the associated tuning fee is the responsibility of the client.
Our Steinway B piano undergoes regular maintenance, with tuning scheduled every 3 weeks. However, it's essential to understand that pianos are susceptible to humidity fluctuations on a daily basis, and we cannot guarantee "PERFECT" conditions. We strongly recommend having the piano tuned before any intensive piano sessions, and the cost for this service is $200.
(Our studio maintains humidity levels at around 45 degrees.)
Our skilled tuners include Tali Mahanor from Lincoln Center (additional $50 fee) and Daniel Debiasio from the Steinway Concert Tech Department.
Monthly maintenance tunings are conducted directly by our chief tuner and cannot be scheduled for specific times due to scheduling constraints beyond our control.
How large of an ensemble can you accommodate?
We have the capacity to accommodate groups of up to 15 musicians, taking into consideration factors like instrument specifics, layout, and percussion setups.
Prepared Piano
Prepared piano recordings are not permitted without prior authorization. Our priority is to maintain the piano's optimal condition for various sessions throughout the day. If you wish to use prepared piano techniques, please reach out to us in advance. Additional maintenance, both before and after the session, will be necessary at the client's expense
Do you contract musicians for sessions?
Yes we do! Contact us for details.
How many iso booths are there at Skillman Music Recording Studio ?
We have 1 iso booth that can be used as vocal booth, drum booth and guitar/bass cabinet booth
How early can I arrive for my session?
Kindly do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time, unless an earlier arrival has been explicitly agreed upon during the booking process.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Refunds are not available due to our high demand and commitment to accommodating all clients. Please book with confidence.
Cancellations within 2 days of the session start time will result in a forfeit of the fee. Rescheduling is not permitted.
Cancellations made outside of 4 days allow for rescheduling.
Special Note for November: Due to the high demand and heavy traffic, all sessions scheduled in November are non-refundable and can't be rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding.
STUDIO LIABILITY AND MONITORING DISCLOSURE
All activities on studio premises are sound and video recorded for security surveillance purposes. To book a session with us in studio, you must agree to the terms of the disclosure and agree to the surveillance.
DISCLOSURE: In consideration for being allowed to participate in the recording session, on behalf of myself and my next of kin, heirs and representatives, I release from all liability and promise not to sue the Skillman Music Inc. (studio) and their employees, officers, directors, volunteers and agents from any and all claims, including claims of the Skillman Music's negligence, resulting in any physical or psychological injury (including paralysis and death), illness, damages, or economic or emotional loss I may suffer because of my participation in this session, including travel to, from and during the Activity. I am voluntarily participating in this recording session. I am aware of the risks associated with traveling to/from and participating in this session, which include but are not limited to physical or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability (including paralysis), economic or emotional loss, and/or death. I understand that these injuries or outcomes may arise from my own or other’s actions, inaction, or negligence; conditions related to travel; or the condition of the studio. Nonetheless, I assume all related risks, both known or unknown to me, of my participation in this Activity, including travel to, from and during the Activity. I agree to hold the studio harmless from any and all claims, including attorney’s fees or damage to my personal property, that may occur as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to, from and during the Activity. If the studio incurs any of these types of expenses, I agree to reimburse the studio. If I need medical treatment, I agree to be financially responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such treatment. I am aware and understand that I should carry my own health insurance.