Finding Space to Practice as a First-Year Student

It can be difficult to find motivation to practice, especially when the only available practice space is a ten minute walk through whatever horrible weather may be plaguing the outdoors, to then make your way up a few floors of the music building to the practice rooms. ​

Of course, the trip is worth it when you find the one practice room with a rug (basically a gold mine) and snag it for your session. 

The music building has some of the nicest practice rooms on campus. As a music student, you have the option to rent a practice key at the start of classes and use that key for practice room access for the rest of the year. 

This key gives you access to any practice rooms, spread across two floors of the music building, and each room provides you with a piano, bench, stand, and mirror. 

But some days, the motivation to journey to these rooms is lost, and the dorm is the next best option. 

Each dorm provides students access to practice rooms within the building, and each one houses its own piano. As a resident of the Busey-Evans Hall, I know these rooms the best, and I can say that these rooms, specifically, were designed to build your confidence. 

I have heard tales from the residents above the rooms, listening to each performer go in and out, practicing pieces for hours. And I have also experienced the practice sessions constantly made awkward by the students in the common area, peeking through the window to stare at you as you practice. 

It’s honestly comical, maybe occasionally irritating, but one thing is for sure, the audience to those rooms have greatly improved my stage fright in performing. You get used to the crowd, and practicing in the room becomes a chance to practice your performance, as well as your piece. 

But if the watchers aren’t for you, you may even be able to get away with a few practice sessions in your room. 

For your room practice sessions, be sure to plan the time of day. Rarely will you find many students in the dorm in the early afternoon of any weekday, so it’s easy to squeeze in some practice then without high risk of noise complaints. Early-evenings on weekends provide the same opportunity. 

Also, know your instrument. As a trumpet player, I can get away with practicing in my room with a mute and nothing less. My roommate, on the other hand, can play her flute freely, without complaint. 
The dorms can be a great practice option for your last minute warm-ups or spontaneous duets with a friend. Be respectful of your dorm rules and the other residents. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to share your songs with the residents of the hall, if they’re interested. 

Jaelyn Hudson