Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you perform?

We provide classical acoustic recording services, digital audio editing, audio media transfers, and CD duplication. We also sell recordings of School of Music concerts.

How do I schedule a recital recording?

Once you have scheduled your recital with the Scheduling Office, call or email us with the date of the performance. We will add it to our schedule and assign a recording engineer. A fee of $100 for Concert Hall or Marshall Room recitals, or $130 for Marsh Chapel recitals must be paid two weeks before the recital date or else we may not be able to guarantee the availability of an engineer.  If your recital is more than two weeks away, you can pay the fee online by clicking here.

How do I schedule a recording session?

To schedule a recording session, please contact us to set up a time.

How far in advance do I need to schedule my recital recording or session?

• Recital recordings: Scheduling and payment must be made at least two weeks prior to your recital. If you do not make this deadline, we cannot guarantee that an engineer will be available to record your recital.  An additional late fee may be charged for requests made less than two weeks before the performance.

• Recording sessions: As far in advance as possible as we have to work around rehearsals, performances and other events booked in the Concert Hall.  Payment is due at the end of the session.

How do I buy a copy of a School of Music performance?

Please stop by the College of Fine Arts Audio office to order a recording or send us an email telling us which performance you would like to order. If you are unsure of the exact date of a concert, you can search our Audio Archive using various keywords to find exactly what you’re looking for. Payment is due at the time of ordering.

Please note: some performances may be unavailable for purchase due to copyright laws.

How can I make a copy of my own recording?

Please bring your original master to CFA Audio. We can transfer the following formats: CD, DAT, MiniDisc, flash recorder or cassette. Please bring any documentation that refers to the tracks or timings of your original master. An additional fee may apply for extremely labor-intensive projects.

Without written consent from all concerned parties, CFA Audio will not duplicate material protected by intellectual property laws.

What are your rates?

Please see our services page.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, and checks made out to “BU CFA Audio.” We can accept cash only if you have exact change. Sorry, we do not accept Terrier Cards.

Where can I do a recording session?

Our recording sessions are held in the College of Fine Arts Concert Hall located at 855 Commonwealth Avenue. If the Concert Hall is not available, we can hold recordings in the Marshall Room which is located on the second floor.  The Concert Hall boasts an assortment of seven-foot grand pianos, including one brand new New York Steinway.

Do you do remote recordings?

Depending upon your needs and our availability, we may be able to record at venues other than those listed on our site. Please contact us for rates.

Do you offer video recording services?

No, we do not currently offer video production of any kind.

Do you offer sound reinforcement (PA systems)?

The College of Fine Arts Concert Hall has a small PA system which our clients can utilize.  A fee will apply.  Please contact us for rates.

How long will it take to get my recording?

• Recitals and Duplications: We strive to finish your project in a timely manner. Duplications and requests for Boston University recordings generally take 2-3 business days. Recital packages are usually completed within 2-3 business days after your recital, although this can vary depending on the time of year. If you are working with a tight deadline and need your recording faster, we may be able to accommodate you for an additional fee. Please contact us with any special requests.

• Session Recordings: If you are interested in doing a recording or editing session, please do not assume that you will receive a finished product on the day of your session. Generally, finished products require at least 2-3 business days to complete. If you are working with a tight deadline, we may be able to accommodate you for an additional fee. Please contact us prior to your session.

Will you ship my recording?

Yes, we can ship recordings. All we need is an address.

What kind of equipment do you use?

Please see our equipment page.

Can you edit a performance that was not recorded by CFA Audio?

Yes, as long as there are no issues with regard to intellectual property laws. The rate is $50 per hour, which includes editing and a finished CD master. Please call or stop by the office to arrange an editing session with us.

Can you accommodate MiniDisc/analog reel/any other specialized formats?

We have the capability to transfer from DAT,  MiniDisc, and cassette tape.  The final format will be CD or digital audio file as per your needs.

Can you do multitrack recordings?

Yes, we can do multitrack recording sessions when the situation calls for it. We can also perform multitrack recital recordings under special or unusual circumstances.  Please contact us with the details of your performance to discuss the best option for your particular needs.

Do you do graphic design?

We can print labels and inserts for your CDs. They can include any text that will fit on one label or on one panel of an insert. We can currently do limited graphics or color on your project, but on a small scale.

Do you rent out your equipment?

No, we do not rent or loan any equipment.

Do you permit outside engineers to use your facilities?

No, only CFA Audio staff are allowed to use our equipment and facilities.

Do I have to be affiliated with BU to use your services?

No, all of our services are available to the general public. However only BU affiliates receive a discount on certain services.

What are your hours?

Our office is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Where are you located? How do I contact you?

The CFA Audio office is located at Boston University College of Fine Arts, 855 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215. The CFA building is directly across the street from the BU West T stop on the Green B Line. Once you enter the building, our office is located on the first floor, Room 189. We are near the Concert Hall on the mezzanine level.

Our office hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. You can contact us by phone at (617) 353 – 3375 or by email at cfarec@bu.edu.

How do I contact the Scheduling, Piano Technician, and Stage Crew Offices?

Please see this page for additional production support information.