4. Choose the right players and singers for your project.

It's fun to go into a studio with your worship gang. The idea of doing a project together is an exciting event. The intensions of many Worship Leaders and Music Ministers are great in wanting to use their people for the project when in reality it is not realistic. There is a reason studio musicians make such good money. They play perfect...the first time. It's what they do...all the time. To ask an average musician to come into a studio and play the song right first time through is unrealistic. On average it will take hours to get one song done. Now, let me say that there are many players who can nail it in a few takes. You are the only one who knows what your people can do. Keep in mind that time is money. We need to be good stewards of it. Determine up front what you plan to do with regards to players and singers. Think through your group and decide who will work best in this situation. It is not a bad thing to bring in a pro to help make your project the best it needs to be. Remember the final product will represent Christ and your church. If you can't do it well, don't do it. You will regret getting into the studio with people who cannot do what you need to get your project done. It will harm relationships when you have to make changes. Keep in mind that many groups use studio musicians on their CD's. There is a reason for it.

5. Have as few in the studio as you need during each session.

The fewer people in the studio, the more expedient things will be. Noise level and distractions are a killer of session time. People love to socialize. Keeping the numbers down will keep things moving along.

6. The forgotten cover and insert.

Many churches go full steam with the recording end and fail to spend the proper time and money on the cover. Sadly, if the cover stinks, people won't buy it. The cover and insert are an important part of the CD. It is the visual art of the project. Spend the money and time on producing a quality cover that adds to the music and the project as a whole.

6. Pray about whether this a something you need to do.

Sounds almost too foolish to mention. However, half the projects I have listened to should never have been recorded in the first place. I am not a beat around the bush kind of person. Most of us are not good songwriters. We want to be but it's not our gifting. The idea of making a CD is a cool venture. We want to "get our songs out" to others. The truth is it's usually songs they don't need or want. There are those who are called, gifted and anointed writers. We are not all called to write songs. Our egos tend to get in the way of what we really need to focus on. I share this only to keep you from doing something in vain. I've done it.

7. Bathe it in prayer.

Once you decide to go with it, pray that God's anointing is on it. Pray that His spirit flow through everything. Pray daily for those involved. Pray that God will use it for His glory. It's a wonderful thing to have God's anointing on what we do. Keeping Him first in the whole process will make the process more focused and run smoother.

8. Be Flexible.

The process of recording is an art as well as a science. There will be times when things aren't going as expected. You have to be willing to take advice from others. The engineer will make suggestions. The producer may want to change something. Once you go into the studio, your music in no longer your own. If you have the right people around you, things will change for the better. If you are not good at receiving constructive criticism beware.

9. Keep things simple.

The tendency in recording is to add a ton of sound and parts because you can. We have umpteen channels and can do anything. Some of the best songs are the simplest. A drummer who keeps a steady simple beat. The guitars who know when to play and when not to play. Simple is cheaper and easier to lay down. There are few Quincy Jone's out there. I think Jesus appreciates the simple. He always loved children because they were simple. Simple faith, simple love, simple music.

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