Playing drums is not necessarily the quietest leisure activity. No question about it.
For this reason, I know that it is sometimes difficult to find a suitable place to practice this hobby.
An E-Drum is a possible alternative to an acoustic set, but a certain sound background is created.
So you have to reckon with the so-called footstep sound of the electronic drums, which is transmitted via the floor to the rooms below – and we don’t have to talk about the use of an e-drum loudspeaker. 😉
So the question remains: Where can I practice drums undisturbed?
I play my percussion instruments on the only floor of a separate building, which I have equipped with sufficient insulation material.
In addition, an additional concrete wall has been installed for some years now to reduce the volume of the sound that is reaching the outside. In the rehearsal room there is solid wooden furniture and carpet next to my musical instruments.
This combination of different “sound-absorbers” proves itself for me, whereby I still tinker with the optimization of my room acoustics. 🙂
Now I am aware – I have been teaching in Munich for several years – that not everyone has such an additional building or a separate music room for drums.
So you have to look for other suitable alternatives:
1. youth and cultural centres
We all like to profit from a rich creative offer, don’t we? This is brought closer to us in various institutions such as youth and cultural centres.
For musicians* and bands, these centres often offer the opportunity to share a rehearsal room with other artists*.
My experience has shown that friendly enquiries are worthwhile – I myself have rehearsed for a long time in such a centre.
When it comes to cultural practice, the local Musikverein is also a good contact. I also know of a band that has been doing their music in a parish office.
2. band houses
Bandhouses are a great thing: in them we can not only make music to our heart’s content, we also establish direct contacts to other scene personalities. Mostly even faster than would be the case in a youth centre.
After all, band houses are specialized institutions that always offer more than one rehearsal room at the same time.
Disadvantage:
Not surprisingly, this offer is quickly sold out. Without existing connections, it can be difficult to gain a foothold here.
3. rehearsal room complexes
Rehearsal room complexes offer more flexibility than the usually permanently rented rooms in band houses, in which you can rent a room for a predetermined period.
It is practical to only have to pay for the time you are actually present.
Experience has shown that this brings with it the positive side effect of increased concentration. If your time contingent is used up, war´s will do so for this training unit. 😉
Attention: You will find a standard drum kit in every room I know of.
If you need a double bass or a certain number of toms or cymbals, I would take them with me in any case.
Of course, it is a good idea to check the room equipment beforehand.
4. music schools
I would like to point out this possibility only with reservation, because not every music school “public rehearsals” are possible or desired.
Since musicians* from Munich practice in my classrooms after work, I know first-hand that this – albeit rare – option exists.
5. private bandrooms
If you know someone who knows someone who knows someone, you often have it easier.
This also applies to the search for a suitable rehearsal room. Some time ago, I received a call from a friend of a friend of my mother’s, asking me if I might …
Not in this case, but it often works well to join forces with other musicians* in this matter.
By private, I mean officially renting a room and sharing the costs, duties and rights.
Disadvantage:
Which drums may be set up in it could spark heated discussions. You also have to reckon with instrument wear and tear.
Since damage can never be completely avoided, the handling of them should be clarified in advance. And of course – the room allocation plan requires organisational sensitivity.
Whoever searches finds – hopefully.
I recommend the following three contact points for the search for an external rehearsal room:
- Online and offline classifieds
- Personal contacts and recommendations from friends
- Social Networks
Especially personal contacts and recommendations from friends are my first choice here. I don’t rely so much on social media, but I hear again and again that these platforms are also great places to go to make music.
The same applies to classified ads on the net or in newspapers. Whereby the latter is in my opinion no longer so contemporary.
If I am travelling and looking for a place to practice, I always fall back on rehearsal room complexes. These I find uncomplicated over Google or even recommendations.
Additional tip for students:
One of my friends lives in a dormitory that has a music room. Maybe you are lucky too and find such a room.
In any case, I wish you good luck with your rehearsal room search. As difficult as it may be sometimes, it is worthwhile in case of success.
What experience have you had in your search for a rehearsal room?
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