Small Rehearsal Space/Recording Studio

[robeverliving]

Hey everyone, it's been a dream of mine to have my own small rehearsal studio. I'm looking for the most affordable way to approach it. I've had successful people tell me that worrying about the money is the last thing I should think about but I have $0.00 to invest at this moment. Right now it's all a plan. What I have in mind is a small place with possibly 2 rooms max...1 for rehearsal and 1 for recording. The reason the dream seems so vivid to me is because I've wanted this for years now. A friend of mine which is possibly going to partner up with me has a sound engineering certification. That to me is a bonus, being that I'm not skilled in that department. I know that with the right place and with the right promoting the future of income can be promising. I need some help with information, maybe a good source for understanding how to start this? I'm not a business major but I have nothing else to lose. What's my next step? How do I find a place and how much should I be willing to invest? I'm 24 years old and I have a dream. I've repeated myself on the phone and in person to many friends...the problem is people don't want to take a risk with me especially since they have the excuse about the economy and personal issues..including debt, etc. My mind is so clouded and I need an opinion and some help. Thanks...
Rob

[SCJeff]

Hey everyone, it's been a dream of mine to have my own small rehearsal studio. I'm looking for the most affordable way to approach it. I've had successful people tell me that worrying about the money is the last thing I should think about but I have $0.00 to invest at this moment. Right now it's all a plan. What I have in mind is a small place with possibly 2 rooms max...1 for rehearsal and 1 for recording. The reason the dream seems so vivid to me is because I've wanted this for years now. A friend of mine which is possibly going to partner up with me has a sound engineering certification. That to me is a bonus, being that I'm not skilled in that department. I know that with the right place and with the right promoting the future of income can be promising. I need some help with information, maybe a good source for understanding how to start this? I'm not a business major but I have nothing else to lose. What's my next step? How do I find a place and how much should I be willing to invest? I'm 24 years old and I have a dream. I've repeated myself on the phone and in person to many friends...the problem is people don't want to take a risk with me especially since they have the excuse about the economy and personal issues..including debt, etc. My mind is so clouded and I need an opinion and some help. Thanks...
Rob

I really like this idea. As a musician myself and having played in several bands, studio time, and finding a place to practice can always a challenge.

Most of the time the recording studios that are out there, are very expensive and a new or upcoming musician won't have the money to invest into those studios. If you can, find a way to make your prices reasonable and you have unlimited cliental, because there are new bands starting up everyday, and they want good quality recordings for a reasonable price, with out breaking the bank.

Practice places can either be a good or bad thing. More than likely most bands already practice together somewhere, whether it be in a basement at someone's house or in someone's garage. For that I suggest having the space, and rent it out for hour increments if someone needs it, but have it maybe double as a lounge for the bands/musicians to wait during the recording process. Fridge, beverages, snacks, a couch, etc.

You need to talk to your friend about what kind of recording software he would prefer, since it sounds like he'll be using it the most. And a computer that can run it. You'll need a dedicated computer with pretty much all the extra software removed so you can run the recording software efficiently. Mixing board, monitors, multiple cd burner, there's a whole list of stuff.

You'll need equipment, amps (a variety so you can get different tones), an assortment of effects pedals, a couple different guitars, bass', a drum set. Condenser mics, drum mics, I'm sure I'm missing a bunch.

Sound proofing is the other big thing.

The initial money for all the equipment is going to be the big thing, but you'll be able to cover the rent of a building with just a couple of bands.

But get out there and just do a little eye shopping and see how much all the equipment is going to cost you.

Edit: You can also make money by renting out the equipment for shows, and make some money off of your investment