This chapter presents an optimal equipment list for establishing a creative music technology lab. While preservice music teachers are taught how to purchase and maintain instruments, they are rarely given equivalent advice for music production tools. This chapter provides practical recommendations for purchasing and maintaining hardware, software, and furniture, including computers, digital audio workstation software, headphones, MIDI controllers, microphones, tables, podiums, display screens, and soundproofing. Suggestions are given for arrangement and design of the overall space as well as design of individual workstations. The chapter also includes suggestions for managing wear and tear on equipment, for maintenance and cleaning routines, and for sustainable budgeting. Finally, for situations where the optimal setup is not immediately attainable, the various items described here are ranked in terms of priority.
