How do you feel about having guests at rehearsals?

[NitroBobby]

i'm ok with it but, as others have stated, it's a case by case basis kind of situation. if they are a good friend or family and not a kid, and they understand that they are there as a guest to watch and not be involved unless asked, all good.
if they become intrusive or feel the need to interject unsolicited opinion/feedback, then i have an issue with it.

we also sperate practice (at home) and rehearsal (band) and try to get together every week, so a little change in the scenery every so often can be a good thing. no, we don't need to get together every week, but we like to. the band is myself, my best friend and another very close friend, so we go grab a bite to eat and a drink then come back to the studio and play. it's a great situation. we'll run through the set list, play with new ideas or jam original concepts. i love the weekly meet. having a friend stop by to listen kind of goes with the vibe. serious about the music, but no drama and keep it fun.

kgb

<<edit>> i'm thinking about this a bit more, seeing the 2 sides to this. several of those that commented that they didn't like other people there referenced the music being "work" of some sort. this makes sense to me. if i was a professional musician, paying for studio time, working with people who weren't close friends, and doing it to make a living, i think i would be in that camp as well. i don't play music to pay the bills, i play because i love to play and spend time making music with good friends. i believe this significantly skews my opinion on this.

 

[FullumMusic]

Are we defining "Band Practice" and "Band Rehearsal" differently? Usually we differentiate the two with Practice being a little less formal, and rehearsal meaning serious preparation for a performance/recording.

Going with that, there's almost no reason for guests to be at a Rehearsal unless they're somehow involved in the band: Manager; Producer; Sound Engineer; etc. It's not a party. It's rehearsal.

With a less formal practice, i guess it could be a little looser with guests. But there's a fine line between Practice with Guests, and Social Event with Band Practice. I'm not a fan of it, but i probably wouldn't raise a stink about it unless it became a regular thing or a distraction that pseudo-sabotaged practice.

Also, what do guests think they're going to do at band practice? It's really boring. They just sit there being mostly ignored while the band works on songs or sections or arrangements.

If they enjoy sitting there quietly for a couple hours watching the tedium of band practice, i guess that's theirs to enjoy.
But if they want to participate or expect to be entertained they don't belong.
And if they're going to get bored and sit there on their phone while the band practices, they don't need to be there in the first place.

If they want to see the band perform, they can come to the show.

All that said, there's nothing wrong with having a music session/practice/call it what you will that's specifically a no-stakes open hangout with friends and family if that's fun for everyone.

 

[allanhearn]

I don't like it. You're there to work, make mistakes, argue, get arrangements correct, fine tune things, get tones right ect.
You would not bring your family to work at your day job. That said, its fun to run the new material by friends and family to get input and have fun every now and then.

 

[Peteyboy]

My drummer farts a lot at rehearsal. Wish I was kidding.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

Best not to put someone (bandmates) in a position where they have to endure criticism or 'suggestions'' in front of their loved ones or peers. Come out for the show,

 

[Ron Berenato]

No, no, and no. It's distracting and inhibits creativity IMO. I always hated people hanging around during practice - especially when we started to argue. And NOBODY in the studio either.

Although, back in the day, I didn't mind the girls so much . .

 

[higain617]

I had a hired gun gig for about a month, and the band had their manager at several rehearsals (no idea why they needed one). The manager was an okay person, but would seem to stare at me askance while playing.

I remember another time where a singer had "his woman" there to observe. I think that was his final practice.

I don't mind if it's just a friend there to listen.

 

[jnewmark]

Nope. Most of the bands I worked with were playing 3-4 nights a week and we always tried to keep the material fresh, so alot of rehearsals, with limited time to squeeze them in. Guests were an unwelcome distraction, rehearsals were more work like, not social occasions.

 

[badinage]

I like it. If I know the guest(s) to be great players themselves, yes it makes me a little nervous, but that's OK too. Guitar player's GF is a band chick from way back, so if I can make her grin big I know I'm cooking, so that's instant positive feedback which is quite helpful also.

 

[Peteyboy]

A defining feature of my current band's rehearsals involves profoundly impolite conversation. Currently I'm the only member with a significant other, and she would have no problem with that. But I would not assume anyone else's GF would willingly listen to half of the inappropriate things we say. Plus the drummers bringing the funk, and sadly I'm NOT talking about the Meters.

 

[Geddaric]

I personally prefer practice/rehearsal being band only (and wife of member of whoever`s house we`re practicing at). That being said, if too many people show up, in my mind, rehearsal has just become a jam session and we crack a 12. I`m too old to get overly excited about disruptions. It`s happened several times to me through the years. Life`s too short to be uptight about the little things.

 

[Five or Six]

IF you are learning music, no. IF you are just brushing up on some things, I see no problem. We rehearse at the lake next to a pavilion. The lake is full of pontoons and the pavilion is full of cars during rehearsals. They are there every rehearsal and know what day it happens. No matter what we are doing. They party and have a good time at the free show. Great crowd so we go with it. We have a great following anyway.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

Sometimes people put on more of a show when guests are involved. This can either be beneficial or totally toxic. From a human zoo standpoint, it is sometimes interesting from an anthropological/sociological perspective to see how different individuals make someone act.

Some people like to have rehearsals less for the music making and more for the hang and talk which could be very difficult if others are around.

This is why two people is the best number for a band. Two go in, two go out. No factions, always a leader and a lead.

 

[getting-bassed]

I think as long as you look at rehearsals as "dress rehearsals" and those people are there to be an audience, not to socialize until afterwards, it seems fine and even constructive.

 

[Joe Nerve]

If its just a run through for a show, I'm a fan. If its to do work, I'm not.

 

[JRA]

i voted, "it's not my preference," but i'm also OK with it for all kinds of reasons: e.g., maybe someone hitches a ride or invites an out-of-town guest or just wants to have an audience/friend at the rehearsal.

our rehearsals are often stop/start affairs with lots of short versions of tunes (for expediency), and sometimes with discussions/explanations/alterations that have been proven boring for guests.

we have 'live' recording sessions now and then and we purposely invite select others. and we put them to work!

 

[jutty17]

Long time original metal band had 15-20 regulars at rehearsal night, once a week every week 1995-2015. Foosball, darts, cards and all sorts of extra-curricular activities with a metal show in the middle. Best days of my life. Got into a local-regional act for a few years that had monthly closed rehearsals, no guests allowed. That act was more professional in it's approach, and had some great musicians, but it really felt like I was going to work when I went to that gig. Not that I didn't enjoy it, but the purpose was different: we weren't there to hang out and waste time, we were there to work, so that's what we did. Either approach can work, depending on context and the tolerance(s) of the band members.​

 

[moon-bass]

I actually love it, as long as the guests behave and aren't intrusive/disruptive.

 

[logdrum]

In one band, the guest bring libations and other stuff, in one food and they just listen and enjoy the music.

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

For those that do have band rehearsals, how do you feel about having other people there watching? Folks such as maybe family, friends, neighbors, etc. I actually enjoy it. Rehearsals are not practice so when we have one every couple months it is for putting the finishing touches on new songs, or revisiting old songs, and arrangements and make sure everything is ready to go live. I like having people there because I up my game and I get more out of the rehearsal.

I will admit I am what you would refer to in the sports world as a gamer. I am not a good practice player. Some are the opposite. Some are great at both. When at rehearsal, I will make mistakes, worry over my tone too much while playing, and it just doesn't always have a great feel or groove. I try to do better but it is what it is. But, when I have some kind of audience, I just have a blast playing and I play so much better and it grooves and just sounds better. My drummer is the same way.

Just interested in how others felt on this topic. I know the whole having girlfriends/boyfriends and what not could lead to issues but our group is in our early 50's and too old for that stuff.

LOTS of variables that go into that decision:
1.) Is the rest of the band ok with it?
2.) Who is the guest and what is my relationship with them?
3.) What is the rehearsal- Keeping the rust off or critical pre-gig last rehearsal or?
4.) Have other guests attended, and if so, what are the details and how well-received?
Etc...

That's what I feel. There are LOTS of details that require case-by-case consideration, in fairness to myself, the rest of the band and the "guest".