<p>DD has moved one of her schools down her list because she does not like the practice rooms.</p>
<p>Although she had seen the rooms this summer when she toured she had not had a chance to sing in one....When she warmed up for her audition she realized that she HATED the practice rooms....</p>
<p>Considering as a performance major she will spend a vast amount of time in them....it certainly is something to consider!</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on this?</p>
<p>My kids checked the practice rooms at every school, but were happy with all of them, so we didn't have to eliminate any schools because of it. They also checked the tuning and action of the pianos (even though they're not piano majors) because they felt the care and feeding of the pianos translated into concern for the music program in general.</p>
<p>S loves practicing in the dance rooms - bigger, better acoustics, and mirrors.</p>
<p>It really depends on the student and instrument. I think piano majors have it worst because they are so dependent upon what is available. Some schools let kids practice in their dorm room during the day. Some schools have larger practice rooms set aside for voice majors because there is often 2 people in the room (singer and piano player). Some schools, practice rooms are in constant use in the afternoon/evening, and you have to sign up in advance.</p>
<p>For my son, availability is the big issue. The rest he can deal with.</p>
<p>My school, Boston University, has just completely redone its practice facilities, going from ample terrible rooms to ample excellent rooms, and I have to say, I think my practicing is noticeably better as a result. Having excellent facilities available to work in can really encourage you in your labors.</p>
<p>That said, the main point is availability. I would rather have many bad rooms, available all the time, than a small number of nice rooms that you might be able to use for an hour or two per day tops.</p>
<p>Availability is huge. For my son, he also really, really prefers practice rooms with windows. He did nix one school very early on that had an ensemble practicing in a windowless, seemingly airless room. </p>
<p>Best of all now? My son was given the key to his teacher's studio, and gets to practice there!</p>
<p>allmusic --</p>
<p>allmusicians will now envy your son.</p>
<p>Very important. DD was much more favorably inclined to practice rooms with windows with good sound insulation. One place she went for auditions you could hear everyone in the practice rooms and she felt it was too distracting. Crossed that one off her list. Practicing in the dorm or apartment is not really an answer since that is inconsiderate of the neighbors who are trying to sleep or study.</p>
<p>In addition to the availability of practice rooms, my D also found that instrument lockers were both important and convenient. Obviously, this doesn't apply to voice and piano majors, but the lockers were not available at all of her candidate schools.</p>
<p>Availability, availability, availability....all else pales in comparison. A musician must get used to varying acoustics. (Pianists do require instruments with appropriate keyboard response and action.) It is an important factor.</p>
<p>Can you say Clostrophobic.....about the size of my dinning room table...ugh!</p>
<p>One of the first comments my d made when auditioning at the schools was whether they had good practice rooms or not! A lot of time will be spent in the practice rooms...I believe they need to be in consideration when.</p>
<p>Part of my decision to not attend one school was determined by their very limited facilities. (Not the deciding factor mind you) Given that so much time is going to be spent in the practice rooms availability and comfort is important to me. The school which I've chosen to attend has practice rooms partially lit by massive windows - the rooms are comfortable and available. What more can you ask for?</p>
<p>I'm not in the t I can true college search yet, but I can say that I couldn't go to a college that has practice rooms like the local university. They are horrid. I do love visiting them regardless. There is something just so magical about walking in and hearing all of these musicians, but as soon as you walk into your room the sound is gone.</p>
<p>Availability is key, but ask around- my D found that one school actually had an alternate location where the voice majors could go to practice!</p>
<p>Absolutely, practice rooms are key. I mean, I wouldn't give up on a school if there were good teachers or excellent opportunities, but if School A and School B were fairly equal in everything else and "A" had much better practice rooms..well, I don't need to spell it out, do I? Depending on your instrument, you're probably going to be spending hundreds to upwards of a thousand hours a year practicing, it only seems smart to pick a sanctuary instead of a jailcell.</p>
<p>Of all the schools I've been to, USC has the best music practice rooms. Adequate size, but completely modern, with amazing digital filters that change the acoustics of the room to anything from a private studio to a full concert hall! Definitely helped my audition there.</p>
<p>^ If it wasn't California, I think I'd have to audtion there now. (No offense to the the Californians.)</p>
<p>Those USC practice rooms do sound quite superb.</p>