If you're in a band, one important thing that can be done to improve your performance is to get into a consistent rehearsal schedule. Every band needs to find a space to crank up the volume, and if you don't have the luxury of an accessible garage or basement, you're going to have to take your search elsewhere. So how do you find that special place to regularly rock out?

Your band is going to need a place to rock out without worrying if the neighbors are calling the police. But what are your options and how do you find them? This page will guide you through how to find a rehearsal space.

Several different ways to find cheap band practice space are discussed, as well as a general set of criteria for finding a suitable area. The location should be secure so equipment doesn't get stolen, and band members aren't as likely to attend practice if the location is too far away from their homes.

• Besides your instruments and amps, you're going to need a PA system for the vocals. This includes a microphone for every vocalist, a mixer, amplifier (often combined with the mixer), and speakers.

• As we'll discuss next, some rehearsal spaces will provide a PA, but most will not. A small PA system will run you at least a few hundred dollars and can be purchased from your local music store. To save a few bucks, try finding one secondhand.

What do you need from a rehearsal space? Basically, you'll need a place that:

1. Has enough space for your band and all of your equipment, and
2. Won't get you arrested for playing "Won't Get Fooled Again" at 150 decibels.

• So if the boys in blue will come knocking if you're blasting the amps at 10PM in the garage (or nobody in the band has a garage/basement to play in), you'll need to find someplace new to call home.

• Rehearsal spaces (also called rehearsal studios) are usually one of two options: hourly rentals and lockouts.

• Lockouts usually work like apartments in that you sign a lease and pay a monthly fee.

1. The room is yours and yours only, so you can leave all of your equipment there.
2. Many lockouts are 24 hours, allowing you to flick on that power switch any time your creative juices are flowing.
3. In most cases you will need to provide your own PA system.
4. Sharing the room with another band can cut down on costs. Finding another band with their own PA system can be strategic.
5. Prices vary greatly depending on location, just like apartments. Expect to pay at least $200-500 per month on average.

• Hourly rehearsal studios charge a fee for every hour you use them.

1. They almost always provide you with the PA system, and sometimes even other equipment (such as amplifiers).
2. If you're not rehearsing a lot or have a tight budget, you aren't forced to spend a large amount of money every month.
3. You're on their schedule, so if all rooms are full, you're out of luck.
4. Some places allow you to reserve a certain time each week, allowing for a regular practice schedule.
5. You're not likely to be able to practice for long periods at a time (2-4 hours on average).
6. Costs can range anywhere from $10-30/hour on average, sometimes more.

• Now you know the options you have for rehearsal spaces. But how do you find one?

1. The phone book. Check the yellow pages under "rehearsal spaces" or "rehearsal studios." You might even try just looking up "studios."
2. The Internet. Search for rehearsal spaces in your area. One good method is to use Google Maps; use "Find Business" to search for "rehearsal space" or "rehearsal studio" in your hometown.
3. Word of mouth. Are any of your friends in bands? Ask them where they rehearse. You could either check out the building for vacancies or offer to share their room. If the search is still fruitless, try advertising locally that you are a band looking for a place to play.