Taken from our series of popular blog articles. Now you can download your own copy for keeps.
Bandspace was set up in 2006 to uphold high standards for professional music rehearsal spaces. Very little research exists in to the important role they play despite their offering rehearsal opportunities for musicians across the world.
Introductory guides to music studios have been collated from years of research on how hundreds of music rehearsal spaces' work, bringing together a unique set of do's and don'ts packed with experience and knowledge. The guides steer those already running a space or thinking of running a space through the minefield of challenges and issues. Packaged as a handy downloadable pdf guide in A4 format, with colour photos illustrating the main points, they are based on the popular blog posts on the Bandspace website.
What makes a good music rehearsal space?
Putting on a good performance comes down to good preparation. Of course, the equipment on offer can be a major factor in what makes a good music rehearsal space. However, there are big differences in how spaces operate, contributing to their survival.
After following music rehearsal spaces' websites and Facebook pages to see what was on offer, this guide takes the best of the lot and distills its findings in an easy to follow summary.
It proposes three levels to give an idea of the range of services available to the rehearsing musician, from basic, equipped to additional features.
Downloadable pdf - $£€3
Setting up a music rehearsal space
Owning and running a music rehearsal space requires a range of skills. Some bands set up their own rehearsal space and hire it out. But what should you think about to bring it up to a professional and commercial standard?
This guide touches upon finding the right building,
future proofing, planning for a music rehearsal space survey, planning your space, typical music spaces, what different activities look like, acoustic treatment and access issues.
Also in the series of blog articles on the Bandspace website is Setting up a space: Questionnaire based on questions studio owners asked their musician contacts when setting up their space.
Downloadable pdf - $£€3
Cancellation policies
Most rehearsal spaces have a policy when cancelling a booked rehearsal session but they can differ from space to space. Aborting a session at short notice can bring insecurity to the business.
This guide looks at how they can affect your business, legal considerations including a force majeure clause and asks how music rehearsal spaces deal with short notice cancellations.
It looks at different policies and fees, a snapshot survey of eight spaces' cancellation periods, comparative hire rates, to lockout or not and discretion & sanctions. It asks can 'no shows' affect the introduction of new services in response to the needs of the local music community.
Downloadable pdf - $£€3
Challenges facing music spaces
Worried no bands will book your practice room?
Think your space might not be up to scratch?
Are you prepared for a rent increase?
For many musicians using a music rehearsal space is the start of their career. Many music rehearsal spaces are therefore reliant on local, semi-professional, enthusiasts hiring their practice rooms.
Despite having no central representative body, music rehearsal spaces share common challenges. Based on survey findings, this guide discusses the potential risks associated with running a music rehearsal space.
Downloadable pdf - $£€3
Rise of Pirate
The Pirate studio network is disrupting the established music rehearsal space world. Tapping in to demand for hiring affordable music spaces in urban areas, Pirate has successfully developed new markets for for aspiring DJs, music producers and podcasters.
This piece explores the history and background of the company that now has facilities in 37 locations across four countries. In 2022 it had reached one million bookings. It has pioneered 24/7 remote access to its rooms forging new ways to attract users to its facilities.
The guide reveals the basis of its success since starting in 2014.
Downloadable pdf - $£€3
More info here.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
"A window into the world of music rehearsals around the world. Great to see what others are doing and challenges they have. Information, advice and interesting stats."
Owen Ashworth, Silver Lining Studios, Manchester UK
"As one of the owners of Eastside Rehearsal in Los Angeles, Bandspace has been a supportive advocate for our business, with continual postings on social media directing musicians to us. This is important for small business that can't afford a big budget for advertising. This musician community runs on word of mouth and Bandspace understands this. Thank you!!"
Meg, Eastside Rehearsal, Los Angeles USA
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