Band Practice at Home Without Neighbor Revolts
I've never played in a band, but I have managed many and a finding a place to practice was usually difficult.
We usually played in someone's garage, basement, or apartment.
Bands are loud and your neighbors may be less than pleased.
Here are a few tips to help you out.
You will likely get complaints from neighbors, so here are a few things you should do.
Soundproof as much as you can with carpets and old mattresses or whatever you can.
Professional soundproofing materials are probably out of your reach financially as they seem to be priced sky high.
Put a drum shield around the drums, and close the windows and doors.
You want to keep as much music as possible inside and let as little as possible outside.
Be up front and communicative with your neighbors before they potentially get upset.
What times are best and worst for them? Showing flexibility and concern will alleviate the large percentage of complaints.
Just be nice and friendly.
Some neighbors may call the police no matter what.
Find out what the laws are that apply to you.
In my city, there are specific times when you are allowed to make reasonable noises and the police will not stop you.
And if the police arrive, have a rational conversation.
Explain you don't want to annoy anyone but you know what the laws are.
You also might consider getting a dedicated practice space.
Some places designed just for bands will give you a time slot or two weekly for a reasonable fee.
Or maybe someone lives in the sticks with no neighbors to annoy.
We usually played in someone's garage, basement, or apartment.
Bands are loud and your neighbors may be less than pleased.
Here are a few tips to help you out.
You will likely get complaints from neighbors, so here are a few things you should do.
Soundproof as much as you can with carpets and old mattresses or whatever you can.
Professional soundproofing materials are probably out of your reach financially as they seem to be priced sky high.
Put a drum shield around the drums, and close the windows and doors.
You want to keep as much music as possible inside and let as little as possible outside.
Be up front and communicative with your neighbors before they potentially get upset.
What times are best and worst for them? Showing flexibility and concern will alleviate the large percentage of complaints.
Just be nice and friendly.
Some neighbors may call the police no matter what.
Find out what the laws are that apply to you.
In my city, there are specific times when you are allowed to make reasonable noises and the police will not stop you.
And if the police arrive, have a rational conversation.
Explain you don't want to annoy anyone but you know what the laws are.
You also might consider getting a dedicated practice space.
Some places designed just for bands will give you a time slot or two weekly for a reasonable fee.
Or maybe someone lives in the sticks with no neighbors to annoy.