Hi Everyone,

One of the big issues that many of you ask about is how to improve the quality of your tracks, demos, home and studio recording technique, EQ, etc. How do you get "that sound" that really makes the recording pop?

As a result, we're doing a Recording Production For Songwriters And Composers workshop, with our good friend Tony Conniff. A number of you attended a tech meetup we did with Tony some months ago, and we're pleased to have him back. The purpose of this meetup will be to improve the sound and production quality of your recordings.

Bring your tracks (on a CD or iPod, etc.). We won't get to everyone. But, I want to take a few examples from the group and have Tony comment on how to improve them. We want to focus on your specific needs as much as possible.

This NY Composers Meetup is for songwriters, composers, and and musicians who,
1) own any recording/production software such as Logic, Protools, Garageband, Performer, etc.,
2) are currently able to create at least a simple demo using both midi and recorded audio, and
3) wish to elevate their production skills and listening ability. Or
4), don't use recording gear (yet), but want to know more about how recorded sound is made and mixed.

We'll ask questions such as:

- In the arrangement - what instruments are included, how = and why - are they used?
- What’s most prominent in the mix? Why?
- What changes were made in the arrangement between verses, choruses, and bridge? How does the arrangement build?
- What effects were applied to the various instruments and voices?
- Creating an arrangement in which highs, mids, and lows create a well-balanced sonic picture.
- What are the highs, mids, and lows, anyway? Where are they... and how do I control them?
- How is the sonic picture created - 'height' (low to high frequencies), 'width' (panning, delays, etc.), 'depth' (reverb, delays, etc.), presence and attack (limiting, compression, etc.).
- How are these elements combined to create a successful finished recording?
- And, of course... How do I Make It LOUDER?

All this information will apply to production in any studio setup.

Tony Conniff is one of New York’s foremost producers, songwriting teachers and coaches. He sits on the Producers & Engineers Committee of the National Academy of Sciences (NARAS - they give out the Grammys) and is current chairperson of the New York Music Producers organization.
He writes and produces music for film and television with clients including PBS, HBO, ESPN, ABC and Air America. He was nominated for the Outmusic Producer & Songwriter of the Year for his work on Alix Olson’s acclaimed debut CD, Built Like That. You can check out his website at: www.tonyconniff.com

This NY Composers Meetup will be at the Tada! Theater is in Chelsea at 15 West 28th Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue--very easy to get to. You westsiders can take the 1 train to 28th Street and walk a few blocks east. And, the R and W local trains stop just a few hundred feet from the building entrance. Tada is on the uptown side of 28th Street. The building entrance is next to a parking lot in the middle of the block. (I'm not sure what the parking situation is in the evening, but allow extra time if you're driving.)

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!
All best,
Preston