Help break the ice and welcome new participants so they can make music right away!
For participants new to your Music Studio, stepping into a recording studio or picking up an instrument for the first time can be intimidating. Some beginners are so excited to get started that they can hardly stand it! Others may feel intimidated, nervous, or shy. One way to help new participants feel welcome is to implement an Equipment Orientation Process.
Equipment orientations are for first time users of music technology or instruments. The goal is to show new participants the basics of the equipment and get them playing as soon as possible.
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How to…
Orientations are a great way for the staff to get to know the participants on a personal level and a great way to start building trust. Keep the orientations low key and low stress. The primary goal is to make a new participant comfortable and to demystify instruments or production technology.
Step One:
Orientations can be one-on-one or in a group setting.
Explain equipment rules and expectations to help prevent damage
Encourage participants to treat instruments and gear with respect
Step Two:
For instrumentalists
Explain the working parts of the instrument and how to hold it
Have them chose a simple popular song and teach them to play it right away
For producers
Have them produce a “demo”
The total project should be at least 32 bars long
Distinct “A” and “B” sections
Minimum of 5 tracks (At least one track performed live by the participant then quantized)
Conduct a simple verbal “Quiz” to reinforce knowledge of the basics
Somehelpful hints:
Avoid long lectures – Keep the orientation to 10-15 minutes max
Encourage participants to choose the equipment they want to try out, at their own pace
Start with only “need-to-know” information to get some quick success
Help participants make music right away – keep it short and simple!
