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Recording Studio Booking Agreement

For booking studio time — covers hourly or day rates, deposits and cancellation, master ownership of the session output, gear damage, and engineer responsibilities.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your session?

This contract is built for booking studio time by the hour or day. It fits a studio renting its space and gear to an artist, producer, or label, where the parties want the rate, deposit, dates, cancellation terms, who owns the session recordings, and responsibility for equipment set out before the session begins.

Good fit for

  • Studios renting time to artists, producers, or labels
  • Artists booking studio time for a session
  • Producers reserving a room for recording
  • Bookings with a deposit and cancellation terms
  • Anyone setting who owns the session recordings

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Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • Studio name and client name
  • Hourly or day rate and what is included
  • Deposit amount and payment terms
  • Booked dates and times
  • Cancellation and rescheduling deadlines
  • Who owns the session recordings
  • Whether an engineer is included
  • Who pays for gear damage

What's Inside This Contract

Booking details

Records the booked dates, times, rate, and deposit.

Compensation

Sets the rate, payment terms, and any overtime charges.

Studio obligations

Covers what the studio provides, such as the space and equipment.

Client obligations

Covers the client's responsibilities during the session.

Recordings and ownership

States who owns the recordings made during the session.

Liability and damage to gear

Sets responsibility for damage to studio equipment.

Insurance

Addresses any insurance the parties must carry.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • The rate and what is included
  • The deposit and cancellation deadlines
  • Who owns the recordings made during the session
  • Whether an engineer is included and their role
  • Who pays for gear damage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a recording studio booking agreement?
It is an agreement to rent studio time, setting the rate, deposit, dates, cancellation terms, and who owns the recordings made during the session.
Who should sign it?
The studio and the client booking the time both sign. The signatures confirm the rate, deposit, dates, and who owns the session recordings.
Who owns the recordings made at the studio?
Whoever the parties agree. The agreement usually states that the artist or client owns the session recordings, while the studio provides the space and equipment.
What happens if I cancel a session?
The cancellation terms control. The agreement sets a deadline and explains whether the deposit is refundable if you cancel late.
Who is responsible for damaged equipment?
The agreement states this. Studios usually make the client responsible for damage they cause beyond normal use.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the studio and client names, the rate, deposit, booked dates and times, cancellation terms, who owns the recordings, and whether an engineer is included.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a recording studio booking agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any recording studio booking agreement:

  • Unclear ownership of the session recordings
  • No cancellation or refund terms
  • Open-ended liability for damage
  • No clear rate or overtime terms
  • No record of booked dates and times
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