Studio Etiquette: The do’s and don’ts of working in the studios.

So that everyone can get as much as they can out of their studio time, it’s vital that we all play our part in keeping the facilities clean and safe to use. A lot of this goes without saying but here’s a reminder of the basic studio etiquette everyone should be following.

Don’t…

• Bring alcohol or illicit substances on site. Even if you are not under the influence, you will be asked to leave immediately if you are found to have illegal drugs or alcohol on the premises. This also applies to any guests you bring on-site, they are your responsibility. Failure to comply to this could result in severe disciplinary action.
  
• Drinks without lids: under no circumstances should open drinks be brought into the studios as they pose a serious risk of spilling and damaging equipment. This includes hot drinks and canned soft drinks from the vending machine. Please enjoy these in the Green Room before using the studios or attending lessons. If you do want a drink, water bottles are permitted in the studios and classrooms, use a sturdy bottle with a sports cap that won’t spill when knocked over.

• Vape in the studios: Not only does this pose a serious fire risk* vaping in the studios can also cause serious damage to equipment and could trigger the fire alarm.

• Eat in the studios: With so much expensive electrical equipment around, we ask that you don’t bring food into the studios.

• Leave equipment on the floor: This is a trip hazard that could hurt you and damage the equipment – the only thing that should be on the floor are foot pedals!

• Smoke in front of the main doors: Cigarettes and vapes alike. There is a dedicated smoking area to the side of the building, if you want to smoke. Please don’t smoke in front of the building, as it’s inconsiderate to people working on reception or people trying to enter the building. You could also incur a fine from the local council if you don’t smoke in the designated area. (This has happened to students before).

*A reminder that in the event of the fire alarm continuously ringing, you must leave via the nearest fire exit as soon as possible. There are illuminated green signs throughout the building directing you to the nearest exit.

Do…

• Drink bottled drinks: If you’re bringing a drink into the studios make sure they’re in a resealable bottle to minimise any risk of spills. Even with bottles, keep drinks away from the equipment; one small spill, one giant mess… let’s not go there.

• Take care of sign-out equipment: We have some of the best equipment available to sign-out, let’s keep it that way. Be careful with equipment, don’t leave guitars leant against the wall – gravity is not always on your side.

• Return equipment as you received it: This means coiling cables, bringing mics back with clips and xlrs, ensure synths are boxed securely with their power supplies.

• Pack up and back up: Leave sufficient time for you to properly save and export your work, pack up your equipment and power down the studio before the end of your studio booking.

• Use the facilities with care. Don’t be heavy handed with equipment as it leads to breakages and disruption for other users. Although our equipment is high quality it’s not indestructible and with so much regular use it’s important not to be heavy handed particularly with faders, buttons and cue buttons on CDJ’s!

• Be mindful when using older equipment. For example the Juno 106 is over 40 years old and is powerful but fragile. It recently suffered a broken fader which can be replaced but please be extra careful when using this, and other older equipment, in future.

• Recycle: There are recycling bins in the Green Room and dotted around the corridors to help make it easier for you to dispose of your rubbish. There are also general waste bins in most studios for you to dispose of any disinfectant wipes after use. 

• Keep the studios tidy: Leave the studios as you found them, make sure you take any rubbish and personal belongings with you.

• Normallise consoles so they are ready for the next session.

• Ensure any guests follow these rules.

Together we can help keep our facilities the perfect place to learn and be creative. If you experience any issues while you’re working in one of the studios you can raise it at reception, or if you need technical support, our Studio Assistants are on hand day and night.

If you need a reminder of how to book out studios and equipment or report any faults, here’s our handy studio guide.