Where To Practice Singing (If You Lack Good Practice Space)

Singers have it easy.

You don’t need to spend tons of money on an instrument.

And you don’t need to lug that heavy instrument around from practice session to practice session and gig to gig.

But you do face some of the same challenges as musicians who play an instrument.

And one of those is finding a good practice space.

If you’re one of the lucky ones with a dedicated practice space, you don’t ever have to wonder where to practice singing.

You can stop reading now.

But if you don’t have a good place to practice, we can help.

We’re going to cover some of the best and most common places where you can get in some good practice time.

Some places are great, while others leave a lot to be desired. But they may be the only option available for some.

Let’s get to it and hopefully by the end, you will know exactly where to practice singing.

 

Where Can I Sing?

We are going to begin with the simplest and most obvious solution. Stay right where you live.

 

Your Room

Your own room is the place where you’ll feel the most comfortable and confident. And that’s important if you’re practicing singing.

There won’t be anyone around, at least not in your close proximity, to bother or annoy you. Basically, it’s the “safe space” where you can do whatever you want.

This psychological factor is extremely important. You’ll need to feel completely free of any judgment, since you’re going to sound a bit weird dong basic singing exercises.

However, there are two big downsides. The first one is the sound isolation. While you won’t be seeing anyone, there’s a high chance those you live with will be annoyed by long practice sessions. Practicing quietly can help, but then you’ll miss out on the benefit of a full-volume practice.

And let’s not forget about your neighbors. Of course, if you’re living alone and in a somewhat secluded house, or a very well-isolated apartment building, then you don’t need to worry about any of this.

Another issue is room acoustics. The average living space is not the perfect setting for music, especially a smaller room. Nonetheless, you can improve things a little by putting absorbers and diffusers on the walls.

Advantages

• You’ll feel more relaxed in your room
• It’s free to use and you don’t need to go anywhere (or even get dressed)

Disadvantages

• It might be annoying for those who live with you and your neighbors
• The room’s acoustics are likely not great (though this can be improve)

 

Garage (Or Other Storage Room In Your Home)

It’s not uncommon to see a part of a home turned into a rehearsal space. In most cases, this is not recommended for regular rooms, but rather garages, or any other storage spaces that might be suitable for the occasion.

In some cases, people are turning their basements into rehearsal spaces or studios. However, basements are a bit tricky due to a lack of fresh air and higher humidity. You may have a ventilation system installed, but that will generate too much noise for you to practice singing in peace, so you’ll probably want to leave it off.

Overall, garages and other storage spaces that are part of your house or are on your property can be a good solution. First, it’s way easier to isolate them than any other room in your home. You probably will have more freedom to accustom everything for your singing sessions.

Second, there’s less chance you’ll bother your housemates or family. At the same time, there still might be a chance that you’ll bother your neighbors, depending on how close they are.

Advantages

• It’s easier to isolate
• There’s less chance that you’ll bother those who live with you

Disadvantages

• You could bother your neighbors
• The space will probably need some sound isolation

 

Home Studio

Building your own studio is the best possible option for singing practice at home. Depending on the type of living space, this might be easier or harder to do.

If you live on a larger private property, you could even build a separate structure to serve as your studio. But for most of us, any suitable room will work. If it’s got enough space, you can turn it into a studio.

One of the biggest advantages of a home studio is that you’ll also be able to record yourself and analyze your progress. But we’d be remiss not to point out the cost. This is definitely the most expensive solution.

If you’re serious about becoming a professional musician and you have enough money, then you should go for it. But bear in mind that the process of making the perfect home studio will take a lot of your time and resources.

Advantages

• The best possible option for practicing singing at home
• You’ll also be able to record your progress
• In case you’re planning to become a professional musician, your home studio will give many benefits in the long run
• You can also use instruments, like keyboards, to guide you

Disadvantages

• It’s significantly more expensive than any other option
• It might take a lot of time to set up a home studio
• You need to have a spare room you can convert

 

Renting A Rehearsal Space

Another great solution are standard rehearsal studios and rehearsal spaces. After all, these spaces are designed specifically for the purpose and they can handle even the loudest of rehearsers. They have great isolation and acoustics.

Another advantage is that you’ll be able to practice with a microphone and a PA system. After all, this is a very important skill every singer should master.

But there are also some disadvantages. First, the rehearsal space isn’t available 24/7 and you’ll need to accommodate your time to their already free slots. Second, the costs of renting a rehearsal space add up over time.

Advantages

• You’ll get the chance to sing in a completely isolated room made especially for band practices
• You can also practice singing with a microphone and through a PA system

Disadvantages

• You need to schedule your time around available time slots
• It can be expensive in the long run

 

Music schools

Music schools, whether public or private, will offer their space to their students for practice. Of course, this depends on their resources, but in most cases, they are happy to help you out. However, this only goes for students of these music schools. They won’t let just anyone in there.

But if you are a student, this is a great option. There’s a high chance their space is set up for singing. You’ll have either a keyboard or piano or maybe even a computer and a stereo system for accompanying backing tracks. If you’re currently a student at a music school, ask them whether you can use their space for practice.

Advantages

• You’ll have additional equipment, including instruments or even a computer and a stereo to play backing tracks
• Free

Disadvantages

• Reserved only for those who are already students

 

Open Spaces With Few People Around

This is obviously far from a perfect setting. Practicing outdoors should be your last resource. The problem here is that there’s a high chance you’ll oversing. Since there are no walls and acoustics, you might feel the need to sing louder. While this s very imperfect solution, it helps if you have no other options at the moment.

Advantages

• You won’t be bothering anyone
• It costs nothing

Disadvantages

• No acoustics, meaning there’s a risk of oversinging
• If some people are around, it may be embarrassing

 

Public Spaces And Venues Where You Can Practice

If you’re up for it, asking around can yield results you may have never considered. Some public or religious institutions might be willing to help you out if you’re a beginning musician. This goes for schools, universities, places of worship, or any public halls near you.

This is especially obviously easier in smaller towns where the communities are close-knit. If an institution has space that is free during certain times, they may let you to use it. If you’re unable to find a place to practice your singing (or your instrument), why not ask the people in your town hall or at your local church, etc.

A place like a church or a hall can actually be the perfect setting for practicing. These places are often intended as classical or traditional music venues. It will give you a rough feel for the acoustics and the way it feels to perform on stages.

The downside is that you won’t be able to use the venue that often and you have to adhere to their schedule. After all, these areas are usually intended for events, so they won’t be free whenever it suits you.

Advantages

• Can be free of charge
• Allow you to get a feel for performing on stage

Disadvantages

• You won’t be able to use them when it suits you

 

In Your Car

Just like we said with open spaces, your car is far from perfect for practicing. It’s another “last resort” type of solution. And it should go without saying that you should only practice while the car is parked, not while driving.

Forget what Carpool Karaoke has taught us. You don’t want to put yourself or others at risk.

Besides, your singing practice will be much more fruitful if you can give it your full concentration. Your best bet is to drive to a secluded spot and practice there.

The acoustics are obviously far from perfect. After all, it’s a very confined space. But the biggest downside is body position. You can’t really adopt a good posture for singing while sitting in your car.

If you absolutely can’t find where to practice singing, give your car a try. But if you have other options, you’re probably better off with those.

Advantages

• It can be a good solution if you have no other options
• You won’t have any issues with bothering other people
• Free

Disadvantages

• Far from perfect acoustics
• No room to adopt a good posture, which is extremely important for singing practice sessions

 

Karaoke Bar

Western style karaoke bars might not be optimal, since you have to get up and sing in front of the whole place. But the Asian karaoke places are great practice spots.

Noraebang in Korea or karaoke boxes in Japan let you rent a small room with a full karaoke setup for just you and your friends. They also serve you food and drinks, if you like. Many even let you bring in your own drinks and snacks.

Advantages

• Decent setup with full karaoke equipment and huge song catalogs
• You won’t have any issues with bothering other people
• Tons of fun

Disadvantages

• Costs money
• Can’t practice your own songs (or any songs not in the catalog)
• Unless you go alone, you only sing when it’s your turn

 

Where To Sing: Final Thoughts

If you have a recording studio in your home, or if you have access to a good recording studio (and you don’t have to pay for it), you’re in luck. This is the best possible situation.

Otherwise, you’ll have to figure out where to practice singing. There’s always your room or some other location in your home. But your home also has disadvantages.

A final option are various public places that allow you to use their facilities for free, or for a fee. If you absolutely can’t find a place, you may have to resort to simply singing outside somewhere, or in your car. In either case, it is best to get away from people as much as possible.