If your bedroom is too small, or your neighbourgs have raised a petition against you, it might be time for a rehearsal studio. But which one to pick?

If you live in a small place, you might have to pick a studio on the grounds that it is the only one available in your area. However, if you live in a big city, you will have more choice and picking one can be daunting.

Spend some time choosing the right music rehearsal studio as it will help your rehearsal experience - a bad choice can destroy a band as some members might stop turning up due to various problems.

There are 4 factors in choosing a rehearsal studio.

Location

Location is very important, because if it’s too far or not convenient to get to, you or a member of your band will start getting lazy and skip every other rehearsal. 

It’s not so much where it is as how you are going to get there with your instrument(s).  If you use public transport, check out the connections (sometimes, it’s best to spend an extra ten minutes to avoid a change). 

Don’t forget to check the travel options for each band member, not just yourself, as once again, if it’s not good for the drummer, (s)he might stop turning up.

Time slots available

Prior to looking for a rehearsal studio, you should agree with your band mates on which time slots are acceptable. Hopefully, you will have 2 or 3 time slots you can play with but you might find yourself with only one. 

Once you’ve checked the location suits everyone, ask the studio about the slot(s) you want. If they don’t have it, move on to the next studio.

The two factors above are the driving factors in picking a rehearsal studio. Additionally, you will also use the following two factors to pick a studio, should you be left with more than one option.

Gear

Most studios offer backline equipement as part of the basic price, with options to rent extras like instruments. Check out that what you need is available.

If you play in a rock band, it is unlikely you will run into any problem but if your set-up is unusual, then check with the studio.

Price

Finally, the price.

Many bands consider the price to be the most important factor in finding a music rehearsal studio and this can be a false saving.

Crossing all of London to save £2 an hour is detrimental to your rehearsal, as you will get there more tired, it is more likely that one of you will be late, and you won’t be able to rehearse for as many hours as your boss probably won’t think that leaving one hour earlier to go to rehearsal on the other side of town is a valid excuse.

Define a price bracket you can afford. Does £8 or £10 an hour really make a big difference to you? Check with all band members what their limit is and search within that limit. If you don’t find anything, re-assess your limit. Maybe you can stop your subscription to Guitar Mag and spend the money on rehearsals instead?

For a fun rehearsal, make sure it fits in with your day job/school timetable. Rehearsing should be a release from your day, not a source of anxiety, frustration or stress. Sure, you can make lifestyle choices to allow you to rehearse but make sure you, and your closed ones, are happy with them.