where do you practice ?

[pez]

I need this forum's help with ideas on practice locations. Where do most of you practice your playing ?

I currently practice in an empty parking lot at the nearby university, as I live in an apartment complex. Unfortunately, my schedule is such that I have to practice till late at night, and this parking lot is not that safe late at night.

I tried the music department in the university, but my drumming disturbed the music students. They have special rooms for percussion students, but those are for percussion majors only - the chair of the percussion dept has refused me permission to practice, even if I sign up for a class.

any other ideas ? anything you guys have can help!

[Bataboom]

At the park on weekends? On the out skirts of town where there is a little wooded area get right in the middle with a small fire if someone hears you late at night they not gonna mess with you because they will think your doing a voodoo ritual or something

[JohnnyConga]

I don't know if there are any in your neighborhood, but chek out any local Community Centers or even the YMCA....drum stores that may have practice rooms, also.....try that out....Godd luck...."JC" Johnny Conga....

[bongoron]

CHeck the local music store bulletin boards, and see if you can find a band or two to practice with. Post your own need for a practice room. Maybe the store has a lesson room you can use or rent. Or get a practice conga and play in your apartment.

God bless!

-Ron

[mangorockfish]

You might think about one of those rental storage units. I knew a band once that had a large one set up like a studio.

[windhorse]

Timing is everything..

I live in a small condo surrounded by 12 other units in a large complex. When I play EVERYONE can hear it. I often have 6 - 10 people over for Rumbas, but no-one ever complains! I've asked my neighbors several times if they can hear it, and they always say, "Yeah, we hear it, but you never play late into the evening, and we kind of like it."

Good luck with your situation,, but if there's any possible way you can wrangle it, try to make it before others go to bed.

[bongoron]

It's true..being really nice goes a long way on that sort of thing. Get established as the nicest person in the building and then give the practice a go, after casually mentioning it in conversation with the closest neighbors. "Yeah, I play percussion...you know, congas, and stuff...but I'm a little leary of playing in the buiding. Don't want to make anybody mad". I bet the response will be " I'm sure nobody will mind if you don't go too late". Get a few of those from the closest neighbors then have at it. Besides, you can play softly too. Maybe that's a good place to start anyway.

God bless!

-Ron

[ATALAKIMBAMBA]

Hey Pez...hope you doin fine, my man...I plat in a condo too and have a very strict disciplined hours in my playin´. plus I give classes in my living room. I play from 10 am to 1 pm and then from 4 pm to 8 pm. I´ve learned to deal whith my neighbours, because I drive them crazy, but because I´m a very repetuoso (don´t know how to put it in english) they´ve lernead to live whit it. Hope to have helped you, somehow (once again, pardon my spelling)...el maja...

[Charangaman]

I have a room which I am steadily soundproofing but my drumming is still audible to my neighbours. So I never take liberties by playing after 8pm and heve never had a complaint..

[otto]

Hello Pez
Find out if your apartment complex has a seperate laundry room or maybe a storage area that is away from everyone so the sound doesn't carry far. Youmay be able to use that space.
I myself am very lucky I finished my basement and put windows in so the place stays cool and well lighted. I have all my percussion equipment + electric piano stero system and music collection with the doors closed the sound level is not bad.

Good luck
Otto

[CongaTick]

This might help you condo dwellers. Have a rumba party to which you invite all potentially affected neighbors. Make up a specific occasion --birthday, baptism, whatever...If they offer, let em bring over food and munchies. Oil the crowd with booze. Get the rumba started and allow some of those interested neighbors a chance to play with perc toys--shakers, scrapers, maracas, etc. They'll enjoy themselves...see that you and your rumba mates are for real and not just some doped up drum bangers and will be very likely to understand your need to practice at reasonable hours. Also, make them aware of your practice schedule and that you're willing to be flexible to accomodate them.

[solo]

halo!

why don't you use a cloth or some like that, as a damper. that works in my situation. hope works to you too!

[pez]

guys thanks for the suggestions. it seems like right now, a realistic option for me is to pursue practice avenues in a nearby university, and the towel idea is not bad either. Although i can't make a regular habit of the towel, otherwise my skin will get lazy

i appreciate all of your comments