Agenda

Are you eager to record live with an orchestra or chamber ensemble? This lecture breaks down the entire process—from budgeting and session planning to team roles, recording strategy, and post-production. Drawing on hundreds of hours in studios around the world, Mike will share real budgets, scheduling templates, and behind-the-scenes stories from sessions in London, Vienna, and beyond. Learn how to save thousands through smart planning, avoid costly pitfalls, and get the most out of your musicians and recording time. Whether you're a composer, audio director, or music producer, you'll walk away with practical tools to approach your first (or next) live session with confidence.

Takeaway

Attendees will gain a clear roadmap for planning and executing a large scale professional recording session. They'll hear the powerful difference live players make, compare real-world studio costs, learn how to build the right team, and discover smart scheduling tactics to boost creativity and save money.

Intended Audience

This lecture is targeted to composers at any stage of their career, planning their first—or next—live recording session with a large ensemble. Developers, audio directors, and anyone managing a music budget will also gain insider strategies to maximize quality, minimize costs, and avoid common pitfalls in professional orchestral sessions.