Copyright © 2009 Bobby Owsinski
Table Of Contents
PART 1 - THE MAKING OF A SESSION MUSICIAN
Introduction
Preface
Chapter 1 - A History Of The Session Musician
The Studio Bands
The Rise of the Independents
Chapter 2 - Why The Studio Is Different From Playing Live
Chapter 3 - Who Hires Session Musicians
Chapter 4 - Different Types Of Sessions
Demos
Jingles
Film and Television Scores
Record Dates
Home Studio Dates
Chapter 5 - How Do I Become A Studio Musician?
Chapter 6 - How Much Can I Make?
Union Gigs
Non-Union Gigs
Getting Paid
Chapter 7 - What Equipment Do I Bring To A Session?
Different Gear For Different Jobs
Well Maintained Equipment Required
The Comfort Factor
Tailor What You Bring
Is Vintage Gear Necessary?
Chapter 8 - Before The Session Begins
Chapter 9 - Session Musician 101
Your Roots
Your Mindset
Your Musicality - Ears, Chops and Feel
Preparation
Serving the Muse – Playing the Music, not the Instrument
Chapter 10 - Session Etiquette
Before the session begins
While recording
When the session ends
Chapter 11 - The Session
Your Studio Comfort
The Headphone Mix
The Signal Chain
Working With The Engineer
Working With The Producer
Working With The Artist
A Session Example
PART 2 - PLAYERS GUIDES
Chapter 12 - Guide For Guitar Players
Before The Session Begins
Your Sound
What To Bring
Standard Session Procedure
Guitar Player’s Utility Kit
Chapter 13 - Guide For Bass Players
Before The Session Begins
Your Sound
What To Bring
Standard Session Procedure
Bass Player’s Utility Kit
Chapter 14 - Guide For Drummers and Percussionists
Simple Is Best
The Concepts Of Feel And Internal Time
Rushed Or Lazy Fills
Are You Playing Too Loud?
What Makes A Drum Kit Sound Great?
Tuning The Drums
Standard Session Procedure
The Drummer’s Utility Kit
Chapter 15 - Guide For Keyboard Players
Your Sound
Hauling Your Gear
The Quick Setup
Standard Session Procedure
Keyboard Player’s Utility Kit
Chapter 16 - Guide For Vocalists
The 3 P’s
Take Care Of Yourself
Mic Technique
Phrasing Is Everything
Standard Session Procedure
Singer’s Utility Kit
Chapter 17 - Guide For Horn Players
Mic Technique
You’ve Got To Hear Yourself
Standard Session Procedure
Horn Player’s Utility Kit
Chapter 18 - Guide For String Players
During The Session
Headphones
Standard Session Procedure
String Player’s Utility Kit
Chapter 19 - Guide For Percussionists
Motion, Dynamics, Texture
Standard Percussion Items
Standard Session Procedure
Percussionist’s Utility Kit
Glossary
PART 3 - INTERVIEWS
Ronnie Ciago
Charlie Drayton
Bernie Dresel
Frank Fitzpatrick
Eric Gorfain
Jerry Hey
Rami Jaffee
Ricky Lawson
Brian MacLeod
Leland Sklar
Gary Solt
Peter Thorn
Author - Producer
Music and Technology Advisor
