Nothing is as deflating as the dreaded knock-knock-knock on the wall, just as you are getting into your aria. You need to practice, but where? Finding the right rehearsal space is a necessary part of taking your singing seriously.
But, you say, I live in a crowded apartment with roommates in a crowded building, and don't have the budget for a rented rehearsal room. No problem!
Let me tell you a story. Every time I practiced in my tiny Brooklyn apartment, I heard the crotchety old man next door scratch at the wall. He seemed to be either on the stoop of the building, harassing people, or scratching at the wall. But, I knew that in order to be a world-class teacher, I needed to hone my technique on my own vocal challenges. It was humiliating, knowing that my neighbors could hear my "voice-in-progress". Yet, I kept at the scales, warm-ups and arias for hours every day, and tried to avoid the grumpy neighbor, who sneered, "oh, you're that singer, are ya...". He seemed so very angry.
Then, one day, a woman came to the door. "My father passed last week", she said, "and he willed some of his furniture to you. He loved listening to you sing, and would sit for hours with a glass against the wall to hear. The music helped him forget his pain."
So many of my students over the years have shared similar stories. One singer, who was diligently preparing for the Met auditions, was so shy that it was affecting her practice. She lived in a densely populated condo building in a densely populated neighborhood. She put up signs anywhere within earshot that read: "Dear Neighbors, I am an aspiring opera singer preparing for an important competition. If my singing bothers you, please let me know." And guess what! Her neighbors started putting notes of encouragement and money on her door.
Should you encounter a complaint, here's what you do. Talk to the person directly. If the complaint comes through a third party, try to get as much information as you can, then send your scary cousin Vinnie to their door. Just kidding. Let the complainer know when you plan to practice. People are sometimes afraid that it will never stop. If you let them know that your sacred rehearsal time is from 5:30 pm to 8pm, or 11am to 2pm, you give them some control over the situation. Be courteous, respectful, and stick to your schedule. Sometimes having limits to your rehearsal time makes you use the time more efficiently.
If you work a 9-5 corporate job, seek out churches, schools, libraries, rooftops, bridges and stairways that can become your lunchtime rehearsal spot. Shoot for an hour or so, but even 15 minutes during the day can help you progress leaps and bounds. Think about your targeted challenges and plan what you are going to practice. Mindfulness makes for efficient practice. Do straw phonation on the walk to your rehearsal spot so that you are as warmed up as possible by upon arrival.
Avoid commuter traffic by getting up early to rehearse before or after work. If you make a small donation to a church or school, often they will let you practice in a chapel or school room. The downtown Seattle library has free rehearsal rooms. A note about practicing in the car, or any other loud environment; make sure that you are not pushing your voice over the sound of the engine and traffic. See Lombard effect.
Once you have a designated rehearsal space, make it your own. Keep a strand of Christmas lights in your bag to turn a dilapidated college rehearsal closet into a charming temple of musical wonder. Decorate your home rehearsal space with pictures of singers you admire, and things that make you feel comfortable, and inspired.
The most important thing is to get into a routine. Find a place, find a time and stick to it. Make practicing your Meditation, a vital part of your life. You never know, you may have a loyal fan on the other side of the wall.