More on Scheduling Studio Time:

There are a few common rules that you must know when dealing with recording studios. Just like any other business, these rules are in place to prevent loss of revenue to the studio, and to keep a clear understanding with all their clients so that there are no surprises.

Although some rules may differ with each studio, the ones listed below are the most common:

1. Small children are typically not allowed unless there is someone (that's not involved in the project) that can pay undivided attention to then. If you MUST bring children they should be teens that can sit and not interrupt your session. Suggestion: Don't bring kids to the studio!
Note: I engineered a session about a year ago in which the singer brought her 4-year-old daughter that went nuts when 'mommy' left the control room to go into the vocal booth to record. We ended up standing the child up in a chair, right in front of the view window, so she could see 'mommy'. That was the only thing that quieted her down a bit, but not completely.

2. Advance deposits are non-refundable if a session is cancelled by the client. However, some studios may credit you the amount (or a portion of it) if the cancellation was done within a reasonable time frame. The best advice is to only book a session if you KNOW you can make it at the specified time.
If you book a session and don't show up (no-call, no-show) you will likely lose your deposit, plus you may still owe the studio for the time you booked (minus deposit). You could also be banned from future bookings, or be charged 100% in advance for future bookings.

3. The "clock" starts at the scheduled time of your session, provided that the studio/engineer is ready at that time.
If the engineer is not ready, and you are, the clock starts when he is ready. If you show up late to your scheduled session, and the engineer is ready at the scheduled time, the clock starts at the scheduled time whether you're there or not, even if you called ahead.

4. If you finish your project early, or for any other reason you end the session early, you usually will still have to pay for the full amount of time you booked (minus your deposit).

5. If the engineer ends the session early you will only have to pay for the time used (minus deposit).

7. If the engineer does not show up, or cancels at any point, you'll usually have the option to reschedule or retrieve your deposit.

8. Typical rules regarding session breaks are as follows:
Any breaks that YOU take or initiate (smoke breaks, phone calls, restroom, going for pizza, etc.) will not stop the clock, and therefore becomes part of your session time, even if the engineer decides to break with you.
Any breaks that the ENGINEER takes or initiates (smoke breaks, phone calls, meal breaks, equipment malfunctions, engineer mistakes, etc.) SHOULD NOT be charged to your session. Suggestion: Get an understanding of this BEFORE scheduling a session, and take notes of the minutes the engineer is killing during the session.

Note: Studio time can (and should) be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks in advance to insure an open spot. If you have a team/group working with you it will be necessary to decide on this as soon as possible, due to varying schedules of your group members.

Having the above information in mind (and written down) should help you to be disciplined and focused. Failure to do so will always cost you more time, money, and aggravation.