・This is Nakamura!
This might come out of the blue, but a common struggle among wind instrument players...
Where does everyone practice??????
Once you enter the workforce, you really realize how blessed you were with practice environments back in school.
So, here's a little peek into how I and the people around me manage.
・Music Studios
Actually, music studios are often found near train stations.
Unfortunately, my nearest station is in a quiet residential area, so there are none, but major stations have them with a fairly high probability.
For individual practice, most places charge around ¥700-800 per hour, right?
But even so, 2 hours costs 1,400 to 1,600 yen, which is a bit steep for consistent use...
I often use them for rehearsals with my jazz band (15-20 people).
・Outdoors
Free and unlimited use! You see people practicing in big parks or on riverbanks. I can't thank Yoyogi Park and the Tama River enough.
It's absolutely fantastic... but in summer, the mosquitoes and heat make it impossible to practice, and in winter, it's just plain cold.
Being weather-dependent makes it hard to set up music stands for practice. While great for warm-ups and set basic exercises, practicing actual sheet music can be quite a struggle.
・Karaoke
"Huh, wind instruments are okay here?" Many people are surprised, but surprisingly, many places allow it.
They have good air conditioning, some even have music stands, offer drink bars, and you can sing and dance. You don't have to sing or dance if you don't want to.
The major karaoke chain I frequented charged "30-minute fee (about ¥150) × hours + drink fee (about ¥500)". So, staying for 2 hours with a drink came to just over ¥1,000, making it quite cost-effective.
*Please note that prices vary significantly by location.
The main drawback is that prices can more than double during late nights, New Year's holidays, and summer vacation seasons. Popular area locations can also get quite pricey. Also, some people dislike the overly echoey environment.
・Public Facilities
If you have a public facility nearby where you can practice wind instruments, you're very lucky.
Some rooms are available for as little as 300 yen per hour. I pay my taxes for this very purpose.
For practices involving dozens of people, like wind ensembles or orchestras, using these facilities is common.
・Home
If only it were that easy... While it might be feasible in a house, apartments and condos are difficult without soundproofing.
Installing a soundproof room is an option, but considering the initial investment of around 1 to 2 million yen and the large space required, it's hard to take that step.
Depending on the instrument, you can play trumpet or trombone using a mute. However, despite various innovations from different manufacturers, since the bell is blocked to muffle the sound, you can't escape the feeling of being constricted while playing, the pitch issues, and that vague sense of not really playing.
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So, I've introduced five practice locations. What do you think?
This might seem abrupt, but allow me to introduce an item that can help those struggling with practice locations.
・Living in an apartment or condo but want to practice at home
・You dislike the discomfort of standard mutes
This solves those problems.
I demonstrate it in my video, so please take a look.
Shibaura Studio: A new option for wind ensemble and orchestra rehearsals
While we introduced public facilities above, popular practice spots are inevitably fought over by various groups.
Isn't there a hidden gem of a studio perfect for solid rehearsals?
Yes, there is! In Shibaura, Setagaya, and Haneda.
They're spacious with high ceilings, eliminating any feeling of confinement during performances, and they have green rooms where staff can hold meetings during rehearsals.
These fantastic studios are available in Shibaura, Setagaya, and Haneda.
And right now, they're running a limited weekend discount campaign offering half-price rates.
Truth be told, this is the very studio used when Adam Rapa visited Japan for the LOTUS event held in autumn 2024.
The environment is top-notch. In fact, it's a studio used by super famous artists both domestically and internationally, and now you have the chance to use one of Japan's premier studios at half price.
Be sure to check it out.
If you're a wind instrument player still struggling with your issues, come visit the shop.
Let's worry together! (But we won't solve it)
Nakamura