FAQ
Prices, process and lessons: everything you need before we start.
Studio services & prices
What services do you offer?
Audio editing, mixing and mastering; sound design and original music for games, film, ads and content creators; guitar lessons and Cubase lessons.
How much do your services cost?
- Mixing: €80 per song
- Mastering: €80 per track
- Audio editing: quoted per project
- Sound design and custom music: quoted per project
- Guitar lessons: €30 / 30 min · €50 / 1 h
- Cubase lessons: €50 / hour
Contact me for an exact quote, with no obligation.
What is included in editing, mixing and mastering?
Editing: noise removal, de-essing, timing and alignment, vocal tuning and general cleanup.
Mixing: level balance, EQ, compression, effects, panning and automation for a cohesive, radio-ready sound.
Mastering: final EQ, loudness for streaming, dynamics control, stereo width and files prepared for every platform.
What is sound design and custom music?
Sound design: original sound effects, atmospheres, Foley and textures for games, film, ads and video.
Custom music: original tracks, soundtracks, scores and loops composed to your brief (genre, mood, length, instruments).
Can you fix a bad mix during mastering?
Mastering polishes a good mix, but it cannot fully fix serious mix problems such as imbalance, phase issues or clipping. If needed, I recommend revising the mix first.
Lessons
What lessons do you offer?
One-to-one guitar lessons (beginner to advanced) and Cubase lessons with a Steinberg-certified teacher. All lessons are taught in English.
Online or in person?
Guitar: at my home studio in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, at your place (Tours / Saint-Cyr) or online. Cubase: online (Zoom, Google Meet or Discord) or in person in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire.
Do I need my own guitar?
There is a guitar for your first lesson. After that you will want your own, and I can help you choose one.
Who can take lessons?
Students from 8 years old to adults, complete beginners included.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
No. Your first lesson is a regular paid lesson, used to find your level and set your goals.
Files & process
How do I prepare and send my files?
Mixing and editing: each track as a WAV (24-bit, same sample rate, all exported from the same start point, no master processing), plus notes and a reference song.
Mastering: your final stereo mix as a WAV at the session resolution, with no limiter on the master.
Sound design and custom music: a short brief with references, a video link or visuals.
Send everything via Google Drive or WeTransfer. I confirm receipt.
Which formats do you deliver?
Whatever you need: WAV, AIFF, MP3 or stems, platform-ready masters, and OGG or game-ready files for sound design.
How many revisions are included?
For mixing and mastering, revisions until you are happy. For sound design and custom music, the number of rounds is agreed in the quote.
Do you work from reference tracks?
Yes. Send songs or artists you like and I match the vibe, loudness and clarity, or the direction for custom work.
What is the turnaround?
Turnaround depends on the project and is agreed before we start. Rush delivery is available on request.
Booking & payment
How do I get started or book a lesson?
Use the contact form, send a WhatsApp message or email valumusicstudios@gmail.com. Describe what you need and I reply within 24–48 hours.
Which payment methods do you accept?
PayPal, bank transfer or card. Lessons are paid upfront or per session. Audio projects: 50% deposit to start, the rest on delivery. Invoices provided.
What is your cancellation policy?
Lessons: free if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. Audio projects: full refund if cancelled before work starts, partial or no refund after significant progress, no refund for completed work.
About the studio
Who runs Val-U-Music Studios?
Valery Shpolansky, a producer, mix engineer and professional guitarist for over 20 years, and a Steinberg-certified Cubase teacher. Listen to the portfolio.
Where is the studio and do you work remotely?
The studio is in 37540 Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, next to Tours (37), France. All audio services (mixing, mastering, editing, sound design, custom music) can be done fully remotely.
What are your studio hours?
Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 19:00.