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Continued from How to How
Start a Band
Creating a Rehearsal Space
To start a band it will be necessary to hold auditions.
So, finding a rehearsal space is the first step. I've
rehearsed in basements, garages, storage spaces, apartment
clubhouses, church recreation centers, and professional
rehearsal studios. It's not difficult to find a rehearsal
space; what's difficult is keeping it. About the third
time a neighbor calls the police because you're playing
too loud, you're out. To keep this from happening you
need to soundproof the room. Real soundproofing is expensive,
so improvise; used carpet works well, is cheap, and
can be found at a local carpet outlet. You may even
be able to get carpet that's been removed from a previous
installation free of charge. If not, purchase inexpensive
carpet remnants. It ain't pretty but it's cheap.
To soundproof a room it's necessary
to create a room within a room. The air space between
rooms is effective for deadening sound. Use this same
technique with carpet - try to separate layers of carpet
with air spaces. The carpet will also act to deaden
reverberation so you'll be able to clearly hear what
everyone is playing. If you practice in a large empty
room where sound reverberates, musicians can even hit
wrong chords and you'll never hear it.
After the room is soundproof it may
be necessary to install a burglar alarm. It will help
you sleep easier at night knowing that your equipment
is safe. Inexpensive alarms can be found at Radio Shack.
Once the rehearsal space is secure it's
time to find the right musicians. This is the most important
aspect of the entire process. It's important to find
musicians that are on your level of playing experience.
For example, a great bass player who is more skilled
than the rest of the group won't stick around for long.
Other important considerations are to find people with
similar goals, who are in your age group, who are dedicated,
with the same musical taste, and who are available for
rehearsal.
Advertise for Band Members
How do you find these people? Advertise! Advertising
works, that's probably how I found you. Most people
are aware of my guitar lessons from guitar magazine
ads and Internet advertising. Your band ad must speak
directly to prospective band members. They must feel
that this ad "has their name on it." How
to Start a Band - Continue
Written by Doug Marks, Copyright
2007, Metal Method Productions, Inc.
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