So you want to make your own CD. Good for you, but you need to know that this is a big step and one that can cost you a lot of money, cause a lot of frustration, and potentially put a damper on your dreams of having your music heard by a wider audience. On the other hand it can be a great experience with great results, and it's even possible to make some money doing it. But you have to be smart about it, and you have to do a lot of planning before you ever step in front of a microphone and a lot of work after you step away.

One of the two reasons why you should have us work with you in making your custom CD is that we will save you from a lot of the pitfalls which are ready to swallow you up. Some of those are time traps, some are money traps, and some are quality traps, and those are three traps you don't want to fall into.

The other reason you should have us work with you is that we will save you from yourself. Not that you are likely to destroy yourself in the process, but it is very, very hard to take on a personal project like this without someone like us there to be an objective and professional sounding board. Herb Cohen is one of the best negotiators in the world, yet he never negotiates for himself for anything more expensive than a refrigerator because he knows he could get too emotionally involved and ruin the outcome. We've seen that happen time and again with custom CD projects, but it doesn't have to happen to you because we are here to help.

In addition to saving you time, money, quality and emotional turmoil, we'll point you to Do Good Music resources where you can be assured of quality and a very good deal. We have resources who are photographers, graphic design artists, web site designers, CD cover designers, manufacturers, producers, arrangers and studios. If we don't have someone in your area we'll help you find someone who matches your budget and your project.

So be brave, because you don't have to do this alone. We are here to help you make your project the best it can be.

CD Packages available:

• Custom CD: $900.
  You get help all the way through the process, including six hours of direct time with the Do Good Music Professional staff and/or Masters, as appropriate. We'll start with a comprehensive planning session for the project including budgeting, song selection, purpose for the CD, time line and a list of resources likely to be needed from Day 1 to release date. You'll receive a notebook containing a list of resources you may want to use, a schedule for your project, a contacts page, and lots of blank pages so you can keep track of the project from beginning to end. You'll also be able to contact us throughout the project for guidance and ideas, or if you just need to hear a voice of reason or a voice of encouragement.

  To sign up for this package or to get more information, call us at 650-858-1324.

• Producing:
  Both DGM professional staff and Do Good Music Masters are available to produce your custom CD. Fees vary, depending on a number of factors. Please contact the DGM office if you would like to discuss this option.

• Arranging:
  As with producing, various DGM staff and Masters are available to do professional arrangements for songs on your project. Fees vary, depending on the arranger and the requirements for the song, but start at $300 per song. Please contact the DGM office to discuss this option.