Music rehearsal spaces are just as important as venues and recording studios in the music ecosystem infrastructure. So why does a sector so vital to the talent pipeline lack a unified, representative voice?
Music rehearsal spaces have been around for quite some time. Although the specific origins are difficult to trace, the history of the modern music rehearsal space dedicated to rehearsing musicians likely developed alongside the rise of popular music in the late 1960s.
Roger Tichborne recalls the beginning of Mill Hill Music Complex in London in 1979. From his early days rehearsing in a derelict cottage to now running a complex of rehearsal studios, Roger reasons why bands should use a professional rehearsal space.
Starting in 2014 as a single rehearsal studio, Pirate has grown to be one of the biggest providers of rehearsal spaces in the world. It has pioneered a unique demand index to locate new standardised spaces to attract over 250,000 customers annually to its 24-hour studios.
Jimmy Mulvihill has hewn ten reasons in stone why he's forever cheerful at London's Bally Studios. With drum kits in empty rooms waiting to be thrashed, pretty soon you'll find that a 20 minute practice is a great way to burn off energy. And you'll never need to buy a plectrum again.
Whether it's that noisy guitar pot or a major repair on your PA head, having easy access to a local repair shop can be a life saver. Before reaching for the phone however, there are a few things you can do yourself. Bandspace speaks to those in the know.
Guest writer Jimmy Mulvihill at Bally Studios reveals how a space can improve its service by making small changes. Spare snares, spreadsheets and sanitizing before hitting the vacuum cleaner are just for starters. From small acorns do great oaks grow.
Worried no bands will book your practice room? Think your space might not be up to scratch? Are you prepared for a rent increase? Despite many challenges, surveys show music rehearsal spaces are more profitable than recording studios.
Income from practice room bookings enables the music space to respond to the needs of its local music community. Empty rooms from late cancellations and no shows affect the business. So what are the legals. Bandspace digs deeper.
Insuring a music rehearsal space can be a minefield. But insurance is one way to protect your ability to earn an income when accidents happen. Bandspace investigates the different insurances to ensure every eventuality is covered.
Soldering iron in hand, Gavin Hyatt charts how to build a music studio from a pile of rubble to the launch of a live stream studio. Through a mix of trials and tribulations we find out if all the hard work, the money and long hours pay off.
Dealing with musicians, booking sessions, keeping the rooms clean and taking money... guest writer and rehearsal space owner Jimmy Mulvihill lays out the ground rules on how to get a job in a music studio with plenty of top tips.
Just imagine, a studio available to record your latest outpourings undisturbed in a stunning location. A rundown of the UK's top residential music rehearsal spaces used by rock music's royalty as a creative retreat. Ready for bed after a session, read on...
A rehearsal space has a high throughput of musicians and needs to be used safely and efficiently. From a hobby project Green Room Studios spiralled to a fully-fledged business. Gavin Hyatt ponders setting up a 6-room music facility.
Switching to greener equipment, reducing energy consumption and reusing materials will prevent climate change. Innovation is being led by a small number of music spaces. Bandspace investigates six spaces trailblazing its power off-grid.
Success starts in the rehearsal space where ‘consumer’ becomes ‘producer’. Music rehearsal spaces offer useful meeting places where musicians can practice with far reaching social, economic and artistic benefits. So what research exists to prove this?
So you've set up your music rehearsal space. Thought about what social media posts to make? We followed hundreds of spaces over 3 months and found 17 ways to promote your space from special offers to running a swap shop...
Would you believe it. There's quite a few music rehearsal spaces tucked away under your train seat with bands banging out floor shakers. Think about it. Amplified bands are probably no louder than a passing train. What's the story?
You're a musician, know loads of bands, now you fancy opening up your own music rehearsal space? We trawled the web to find from others with a similar idea what they asked their musician contacts. Try asking bands these questions...
Music spaces play an active role in supporting the development of talent. More people make music for enjoyment than for work. It is from this pool, talent is plucked by managers, agents and promoters making amateurs integral to the music industry.
Without a space, music scenes remain rootless, moving from one location to another with little time to explore, connect and create. Music can give a sense of place when regenerating our towns and cities. Rehearsal spaces provide an answer...
Owning and setting up a music rehearsal space for a range of music-related activities can be an exciting adventure. Having more rehearsal studios equals a more thriving music scene, equals more people seeing gigs. But what should you consider?
