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Tips on how to prepare for your recording session
Before you go to your recording studio, you should always try to be as prepared as you can for your session, organize your material and your equipment. You want to at the studio with an idea of what the outcome is for your session. How many songs do you want to record one or three? Which songs? A list of songs to be recorded is a great help when keeping track of what is being worked on and the same goes for lyrics and charts. Remember, your recording engineer will not know the material as well as you do, and so anything to help clarify lyrics, arrangements, etc. is very much appreciated. For the final mix, please have all the right tapes/CDRs/etc. together, and labeled properly. 
Obviously, everyone should know the material before the session but we're all different and some people like to use the recording studio time to experiment and be creative. However, whether or not your budget allows, practicing your parts beforehand is always more productive. Especially when recording vocals with backups, harmonies, double and triple parts, when figured out and learned through trial and error, increases recording time significantly.
Other often-overlooked details are: practicing songs to a click and recording the tempos, specific drum parts and fills, solos, and getting session musicians a copy of the music ahead of time.
It is important that you bring all necessary equipment needed and not assume that they are available at your local recording studio. It is wise to inquire as to whether drums, amps, pedals, tuners, batteries, AC adapters, extra strings, cables, guitar stands, etc., are available or accomadated. The recording studio is responsible for microphones and recording equipment only. Any specific piece of equipment or software needed, you should consult the studio engineer to see if arrangements can be made and please allow in your budget for set up time.
In the session
During the session, it is important that you stay focused. Eating properly and not over-indulging can go a long way towards increased productivity. As well, the occasional ear break allows you to maintain objectivity. While someone is working on a part, minimize distractions by clearing the control room with unneeded personel.
Most importantly, RELAX . Try not to let outside pressures and money worry you. Again stay calm and keep your focus on what really counts - the music - and in the end result. So come prepared, have some fun, and listen to the difference!
Edit Productions: Your Toronto local and most affordable recording studio.