# Getting Here ## Loading In The easiest place to park in is Parking Lot A, located at the corner of Otay Lakes Road and Elmhurst Street in Chula Vista. Turn onto Elmhurst Street toward the campus, and you’ll find Parking Lot A on your left. Here’s a [Google Maps link to Parking Lot A.](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Parking+lot+A,+Chula+Vista,+CA+91910/@32.6425735,-116.9968021,18.28z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x80d94fd2257f66ff:0x6e73fe8ebde60798!2m2!1d-116.9955729!2d32.6419364!3e0?entry=ttu). Parking Lot A is marked by the red arrow on the map. Once you’ve parked, head down to the Music and Recording Arts building at the bottom of the picture. ![[Talent Contract .excalidraw.svg]] Parking Arrangements: - If you book in advance, parking is free. Just provide the make, model, color, year, type of car (sedan/4-door), your name, and any other relevant information ahead of time, and I’ll coordinate with parking services for you. f you arrive last minute, parking permits can be obtained for a nominal fee.  - Or, you can purchase your permit online [here](https://swc.thepermitstore.com/). - Once you arrive, be in contact with us and we’ll let you into the studio. Looking forward to seeing you! - If you have a lot of gear, we can direct you to an alternate load-in area for easier access. # “Learning First” Preamble The Southwestern recording studio is, above all, a learning institution. Consequently, education is the primary focus of all activities within the studio. The instructor holds ultimate authority in setting learning expectations and determining the use of the space. We strive to create an inclusive environment, which can sometimes result in larger class sizes. However, students are taught to respect personal space and avoid crowding talent during the recording process. We’ll do our best to maintain a comfortable atmosphere while ensuring that every student has full access to the learning experience. As part of the learning environment, talent is expected to be approachable and willing to engage with students, fielding questions with patience and understanding. Talent is encouraged to communicate openly with students and foster constructive dialogue. While talent has the right to request that students maintain focus or remain quiet when necessary, it is important to remember that you are also a valuable part of the class experience. Your openness and collaboration are essential to the educational process. # Preparing For The Session We strive to finalize the session setup in advance; otherwise, it will be arranged when the talent arrives. We strongly recommend consulting with the students ahead of time, as decision-making, including microphone selection and placement, requires thoughtful consideration and can take time. Talent can request that specific elements be set up beforehand, and we will do our best to accommodate these requests. # Analog Gear Can Be Finicky Please be aware that analog gear in any studio can be temperamental, and it’s crucial for guests to allow students the opportunity to quickly diagnose and resolve any issues as part of their learning experience. We meticulously document the condition of our equipment and perform regular maintenance, such as exercising the pre-amps on the console, which are often the most common point of failure in large-format consoles like SSL. Despite these challenges, the allure of analog gear remains strong, offering an unmatched sound quality that continues to be highly valued, even with its inherent complexities. # The Session Has Commenced! The students are here to serve you, so don’t be afraid to request anything of the students (within the constraints of the “Learning First” preamble).  As mentioned previously, please note that analog gear in any studio can be temperamental, and it’s important for guests to allow students the opportunity to quickly diagnose and correct any issues as part of their learning experience.  # After the Session After the session, we will provide you with a Google Drive link to the rough mix. You may coordinate with students for assistance in mixing and mastering your project, depending on their availability.  # Consider Donating We are a public school in California with a dedicated Recording Arts and Technology program that provides students with hands-on experience in audio production, music technology, and sound engineering. As we strive to offer cutting-edge resources and industry-relevant training, your donations can help us acquire the latest equipment, software, and learning materials necessary to keep our program at the forefront of audio education. Your support directly contributes to the development of future audio professionals, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving field. Thank you for considering a donation to enhance our Recording Arts and Technology program.