Don't bring your piccolo

If you are concerned about guests hearing you, my flute teacher suggested playing in front of the TV with the volume turned up. I never tested this suggestion, so I can't guarantee that it works.

I wouldn't try to practice in front of a TV with the volume cranked up...That's just going to make it difficult to hear yourself, and likely result in a decrease in tone quality and a general lack of musicality (not to mention increase the overall volume level). As for suggestions, if you're going to practice, do it at a reasonable hour when others won't be trying to sleep (I prefer afternoons for this), and should anyone complain, be a responsible guest and lay off the practicing. Other than that, it's pretty much business as usual.

once again Chris, you are correct, but the number of pros who practice in front of the TV and open newspapers might astonish you

Agree that the TV volume shouldn't be cranked too high, just to a comfortable level.

Regardless of how loud the TV is, all it serves as is a distraction. There's no reason to use it...It won't mask the sound of the flute unless you have it LOUD, and in fact will only up the overall volume level coming from your room (just by virtue of it being on, though you'll likely end up trying to play over it, and thus playing even louder than you would if it weren't on at all). Such "background" noise is only likely to make the value of practice time decline....You wouldn't try to practice near a freeway if you could help it, so why do it with the TV, radio, or any other item making noise around you? Musicianship and tone are likely to suffer from such auditory distractions...And if you have limited practice time in a less-than-ideal situation, tone should be one of the biggest items you're working on.

<Added>

And to Patrick, I have no doubt that that's true...I've heard some mighty interesting tales myself!

In some places with closed or underground garages, you could try this idea: ask permission and play there, outside busy hours.

when im home and practicing, i play with my stereo on, music playing. rock music. i, personally, would say if youre ok with the whole tv thing, try it. when i stay at hotels and i practice, if a balcony is avail, i practice out there during the afternoon. that way its not inside and people cant complain and its during hours that a "quiet period" is requested by hotel management and staff.

happy vacationing!

actually, the reason for daily rigorous disciplined practice is so that, when you are on a trip, you can still play great even though you can't practice...when I travel all I think about is sleep and food...

Dear friends,

Could you plesae help me find the Guitar Solo Sheet for Jamaica Farewell ?

Many thanks,
Joe

when im home and practicing, i play with my stereo on, music playing. rock music.

Let me get this straight: You're listening to one kind of music while you're playing another, in a different key, in a different meter, fitting over different chords? Can you say cacophony? It seems to me anyone who would even consider such a thing is automatically disqualified from the discipline of music--at any level. If I were in the same room with you, I'd throw the stereo at your head.

Any hints for practicing in a hotel room?

Unless you're practicing pianissimo passages, I think you're better off taking a walk outside and looking for a park to play in. I used to do this with my cornet all the time. There's also such a thing as mental practice.

when i stay at hotels and i practice, if a balcony is avail, i practice out there during the afternoon. that way its not inside and people cant complain and its during hours that a "quiet period" is requested by hotel management and staff.

This is bound to be even more disturbing to the persons on either side of your room and directly below and above your room.

I practise often at my own balcony (not while in hotels). It partially avoids disturbing the family.

Except in summer when neighbours keep the windows open (a rare case in hotels), the instrument is heard less in the building than if I played inside my apartment. But I have been told that it is heard easily at the street from more than 50 meters if traffic noise is not too high.

And when noise it *is* high, it is very uncomfortable to play there. In summary, practising at the balcony is a solution, but in a way, is like playing in public.

A couple of years ago we spent a week at a hotel in Marbella (a fine beach resort in the south of Spain). The room had a balcony, but there were so many neighbours and people all around that I preferred to go to a nearby park and practise there.

I found that the best moment to practise was early in the morning (not *too* early, around 9.00AM there was OK).

If you do not leave the instrument case wide open in front of you, you will not get coins from passing-byers (sp?)... and avoid accidents with territory-seeking dogs!

A trick is to play with your back to the path. People will normally get the message and you will not be too much distracted by kids and unwanted public.

And if you practise your scales as one should practise them, they will soon get bored anyway...


<Added>

OOPS: when noise it *is* --> when noise *is*

hey scotch, bite me.

i have a brain chemical balance issue that causes my thought processes to be very, well, messed up. i have trouble talking and even writing because of this. the multiple sounds helps me focus on one thing and not a million and a half. yes, i take medication, but it only works to a certain extent. im in college, i was number one in the state in high school, a 4 time concerto competition winner, and as a 2nd year college student, im playing most of my music off the doctoral list, and playing it well.

so next time you feel the need to try to make yourself feel better at others expense, do your research before you make others feel horrible.

mbrowne1229,
It sounds like you have found ways to be successful despite a difficult situation. That is very commendable.

I doubt that scotch was aware of your situation. I know that I don't recall reading about it, perhaps I missed it though.

Be proud of your accomplishments! Do not worry about an overly harsh comment.