How to Create a Portable Recording Booth

Throughout this lesson, students will learn how to create a portable recording studio and research the costs associated with purchasing music recording equipment. Students will write a blog post educating future musicians on how to find the best deals for music recording equipment and where, based on their research findings.

3-4 Hours

• Computers/devices with internet access • "Cost Comparison" Worksheet • "Blog Post Rubric"

Inform students that today they will be learning about finances, in relation to the music industry – particularly music recording. Hold a whole-class discussion engaging students with the following questions in order to gauge their level of knowledge on the topic of finances. 1. What does the term "personal finance" refer to? This term refers to personal money management including making money, saving money and investing money. 2. What does the term "business finance" refer to? This term refers to money management for a business, including managing revenue, assets, liabilities and debts. 3. What do you think the term "financial literacy" means and why is it important? Financial literacy refers to a person's ability to understand and effectively use financial skills such as budgeting and investing. 4. What money-saving tips you know? Answers will vary; may include tips such as comparing prices, buying items during certain seasons/times of year etc. Inform students that today they will be learning about budgeting for a Portable Recording Booth to record their songs!

Have students read "How to Create a Portable Recording Booth" by Patrick Kelly found on pages 100 - 106 of the Create to Learn textbook. Alternatively, students can watch his lessons here: https://www.createtolearn.ca/tutorial/how-to-create-a-portable-recording-booth To debrief the reading, ask the class the following questions: 1. Why does Patrick say he decided to "make a long-term investment" in an at-home studio? 2. What characteristics should you keep in mind when you're looking to create a home recording booth? 3. What is the Rudegang Recording booth comprised of? 4. What were some challenges Patrick says he encountered? 5. What are some of Patrick's money saving tips? 6. What types of software and music recording options are there? What are some tips Patrick gives to learn to use different types of software?

Inform students that a major tip for saving money is to complete a cost comparison before buying something expensive. Hand out the "Cost Comparison" worksheet and have students research the cost of the equipment required to create an at-home recording booth. Encourage students to use Patrick's tips on page 104 to find the best value for all the equipment they would need. Students will need internet access in order to find the best deals and most accurate costs to ship to their communities. Students will need to find at least three "quotes" for each item in order to compare and find the best deal.

Once students complete the "Cost Comparison" worksheet, have them detail their findings in a blog post educating future musicians on how to find the best deals for music recording equipment and where. Remind students about the features of a blog post and how they will be assessed. Use the "Blog Post Rubric" to assess students' writing. Teachers have the option of setting up a free website to officially publish the blog posts, using their school website, or simply having students' hand in their blog reflections privately.

If your school or organization doesn't have music recording equipment, have students fundraise for it! Students can plan and execute fundraising initiatives until the group has raised enough money to purchase the equipment.