Where should I practice my euphonium?

Cafe Society
1

OK, I don’t have a euphonium (though I’m considering renting one, really!). But I live in a small apartment and don’t want my amateur noisemaking to bother my neighbors…or my wife. I’m not an aspiring professional musician, just an amateur who wants to have a little euphoni-fun. Any solution would need to be cheap and convenient.

So where should I go? Do schools let you rent practice rooms? Are there studio spaces or something where people pursuing creative arts – and honestly, what’s more creative than euphonium-playing? – can timeshare?

In short, if you’ve had a similar problem, how did you solve it?

2

I’ve got a buddy that runs a music store. He does have practice rooms available in his building, and usually rents them to music teachers to use while giving lessons. I suspect he’d also be willing to rent one to someone wanting to practice an instrument, probably at an hourly rate. So maybe other music stores near you do something similar?

3

Most colleges have music rooms for student use. If they aren’t being used otherwise, no one cares if you’re not a student.

4

Supposedly, George Harrison used one to write “Here Comes the Sun” and “Blue Jay Way” while in his garden.

5

You can buy practice mutes for home use. Here’s one, for example.
http://www.warwickmusic.com/mutes/euphonium/wick+euphonium+practice+mute
This is on the pricey side. They can be had for much less.