Making the Most out of Rehearsal Time
By: Dennis M. Kelly
Time is never kind and I do not know anyone who has time to waste for anything that they're working on. But one area in particular that is most important to make the most of your time is rehearsal time.
So, here are 10 tips to help you and your band mates make the most of your tims:
1. Be on time.2. If you want time to warm up, be early (if you can), otherwise try to warm up a bit before you leave for practice.
3. Try to practice the material on your own, so that when the band is together, you'll be ready.
4. Have a specific agenda for the material that is going to be covered during that practice time.
5. Leave any attitudes outside of the rehearsal environment.
6. Drugs have no place for rehearsals, if you and your bandmates are truly serious.
7. Keep friends and family away except for specific times where you want to get feedback.
8. Remember, to make it, you need to treat your band as a professional business. Fun is fun and there is plenty of time to enjoy, but don't waste your rehearsal time by messing around.
9. If carpooling is an option, do so, not only is it better for the environment, but you can discuss details of what is going to be worked on during that time. You can also evaluate the rehearsal time on your way back home.
10. Record your practice sessions often, those recordings will help you to solidify your material faster.
These are fairly basic tips, but all important to help make the most of your time. We welcome any additional tips that you have found helpful. If you would like to submit a tip, please send it directly to me at: dkelly@chicagomusicguide.com and I'll add it to the list for everyone to benefit from.
Dennis M. Kelly