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Do you have a practice/music room? What's it like? I read Julian Bream liked a very sparse room with no distractions so he could concentrate solely on playing and hearing and feeling. I like that idea, but mine is quite the opposite. However it is also my art studio and my usual place of work post-covid. It's a small converted coal cellar under the outside steps of a Victorian London terraced house converted into flats. So no-one can hear me play, which is to their benefit for the time being.
Where do you practice?
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RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to devilhand)
OK I'll bite.
It's full of mirrors. Left wall and ceiling. Your observational skills are lacking.
I have an art-grade daylight lamp that provides plenty of desk area light. I have enough light. Also I can change the colour of all those lights to white when I'm working.
You seem to enjoy giving unqualified, incorrect, and ill-considered advice to people. Thankfully most of the regular forum members know this by now.
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to silddx)
Just beautiful! I also advise anyone before commenting to think that London does not really have big spaces as most European capitals.
It is like a dream room, I also love the carpet there. You seem you value music and this is very nice to see in a world where art is almost against the stream of mindless, heartless everyday life, just by its nature, being just that, art.
It is also nice to share this pic because it is like we were invited to this special place. Thank you. (It would be nice to have some tea there too )
I, on the other hand, study and play wherever I happen to sit. On the balcony, in the bedroom, living room... I have even studied for months in a very narrow kitchen where my guitar would touch the wall if I moved it around
But I do not complain at all here as I have a beautiful wife and son that they totally tolerate my endless playing through the day.
I also get the chance to study in the conservatoire I work in the time waiting for the next student, where I enjoy the natural reverb of the old high ceiling large rooms we have there.
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to AndresK)
Really very kind words, Andreas, thank you! It's kind of my escape room, I normally feel peaceful in there, isolated from the awful violence, injustice and unkindness that seems to permeate our sad planet. My favourite time to practice in there is in the early morning when most people are asleep and before an always very busy working day. Anyway, there is much to be joyful about, and let us celebrate that!
Your conservatoire room is lively, and lovely! But I actually prefer the sound of your living room. I like the look of it too, although I have always been drawn to floorboards, Persian rugs, and walls covered in artworks.
I just tried to sit like you are at home, I could barely manage it, and was even less able to return to a standing position :D
Posts: 2774
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to silddx)
Cool idea for a thread.
While I might agree that it looks a little cramped. My guess is its not as small a it looks. And I'd give my right arm for a space like that with all my bits there. Guitar hanging on the wall. Computer etc etc
Not sure id ever leave.
I don't really have a designated practice space these days. I have a computer area like you but that's in my lounge. So can't always play there. I enjoy setting up in the kitchen of an evening. But I have to have a tidy the surrounding area. So that often means I have to clean up the bloody kitchen first!!
To be honest I've been thinking of hiring a practice space twice a month or something. So I can get the amp out and really have a play.
Posts: 3463
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to silddx)
About 12x22 feet (3.66x6.70meters), on the second floor (planta primera to Spanish speakers). The photo was taken standing behind a desk where I am now sitting with a Mac Mini and display.
The rug is from Teotitlan del Valle, near Oaxaca, Mexico, where we bought it from the weavers.
The view is across a little more than 2 miles (3.25 km) over a thickly wooded valley, to the sunset. Sometimes late at night when the moon is full I can hear the coyotes.
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RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to Mark2)
Oud is such a lovely instrument to hear. Do you play/practice regularly? Anything we can hear or watch?
I always fancied a sarod, but I doubt my fingers would survive. I used to play guitar and bass with a sitarist/composer, she taught me a few things on sitar but by god it was so painful, beautiful instrument though. At least with a sarod there's no need to wear a mizrab.
Posts: 1967
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to silddx)
Being a left handed player, I've always had a difficult time finding instruments. The internet changed that to a large degree, first with ebay, and now we have reverb.com
So I picked up a lefty sitar and took a few lessons. It's not for the faint of heart. The sitting position is fine for a skinny flexible 20 something, but for a 50 something slightly overweight fellow, it proved to be difficult. And then there is the mizrab...
I played the Oud regularly when I got it, and learned some music. I love the sound of it, and since I played guitar with a pick for a long time, I can execute passages. I also appreciate the fact that it doesn't have frets. I found it really interesting the variety of scales they use, and I learned some maqams but the reality is I don't spend much time with it these days.
Flamenco guitar is difficult enough. If I ever get around to doing some recording, it's coming out of the case.
quote:
ORIGINAL: silddx
Oud is such a lovely instrument to hear. Do you play/practice regularly? Anything we can hear or watch?
I always fancied a sarod, but I doubt my fingers would survive. I used to play guitar and bass with a sitarist/composer, she taught me a few things on sitar but by god it was so painful, beautiful instrument though. At least with a sarod there's no need to wear a mizrab.
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to devilhand)
quote:
Red light? Where's your mirror? Practice room must be wide and bright. Sitting in front of a computer in a poorly lit room must be avoided.
I don't get it, this post is harsh, critical and rude. What can you possibly hope to gain from this? There's no way I am going to post pics or vids of my practise room if it's going to be subject to this kind of response.
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to silddx)
This is my first practice room. I sold my boat in New Zealand and bought this one in the States (the photo is from a Bahamian cruise). When I got myself sorted in the UK, I began living and cruising on the boat full time. It was at that time I became interested in the flamenco guitar and started practicing in the salon on the starboard settee. It was from that spot I joined this forum.
I have since sold this boat and acquired another.
Cheers
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Posts: 1967
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to Auda)
Living large!! I've always been attracted to sailing but never pursued it. I was taking lessons when I met my wife to be and skipped the class.....
It looks amazing except when the seas get angry. Then it looks terrifying.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Auda
This is my first practice room. I sold my boat in New Zealand and bought this one in the States (the photo is from a Bahamian cruise). When I got myself sorted in the UK, I began living and cruising on the boat full time. It was at that time I became interested in the flamenco guitar and started practicing in the salon on the starboard settee. It was from that spot I joined this forum.
I have since sold this boat and acquired another.
Cheers
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Posts: 1967
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to Auda)
My hobby, other than flamenco, is surfing so I’m comfortable in the ocean, however the last time I was on a boat it sank just south of half moon bay, CA. Swimming in 55 degree water is difficult to say the least. Fortunately we managed to get it close to shore before we had to jump off. Otherwise it would have been curtains for me. I don’t think I’m scared to go out, but for whatever reason I haven’t.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Auda
quote:
It looks amazing except when the seas get angry. Then it looks terrifying.
It isn't for the feint hearted. Given enough time and opportunity things will eventually turn to sh*te.
If you are in San Francisco there are plenty of chances to get out on a boat if you don't mind racing. I have found crew is always needed.
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to Auda)
Practicing on a boat? One can't develop fine motor finger movements on that thing. Flamenco guitar and a high humidity level. A nice combo. Sorry I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
RE: What's your practice room like? (in reply to silddx)
Nothing special. Just my study area. Occasionally the bathroom if I need a big mirror.
Distraction-wise, not much. In the evening it can get a bit noisy with neighbors chatting and kids playing out front, but that kind of noise doesn't bother me. I rather enjoy it tbh. Wouldn't mind moving, but I've been saying that for almost 2 years now and I still haven't. Truth is, lockdown broke me and I still haven't managed to really get back up on the horse. Mentally that is. So goes it.
When the weather's nice and warm sometimes I'll go practice out in the park, which is always fun.
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