Explaining to my new housemates I am a bassist?

Question

I have a real problem. In a month I will be moving into my new flat with new housemates. The problem is that we haven't met properly and so they don't know I'm a bassist.
I'm not going to be in the house a lot of nights either due to band and also will be practicing in the flat.
How do I explain to them when we finally meet that I am a musician and so will need practice time and that I am in band and so won't be in some nights?
How should I deal with confrontations and anyone who objects to me playing?
I don't want it to go from being friendly to being really awkward because I am a bassist.

The whole thing about me being out at night might be an issue as I am a Christian and so will be at Christian Union meetings and events some evenings. It is the Christian Union band which I am joining and so I need to practice....

Answer 1

lol every time you said bassist i kept on thinking biast, Lol weird

Erm its defainlty best to get to the point and tell them i play bass and wont be home a few nights

Answer 2

most bass amps have headphone ports. they really shouldnt hear you unless its an acoustic bass and even then, it wont be any louder than the telly on low. When you meet someone you dont have to bare your soul, however, its something that you are obviously proud of and as music is normally a common interest in people, you wont have a problem. " hi, intro, are you new to the area? Work/studie etc. As a christian you should be hungary to learn about them, what they like and their needs. Evenings out, what do you like to do? Pub/club/bar. Without stereotyping you should get a feel for their persona from that. What music do they like, do they go to see any local bands? Have a flier come see my band and meet some cool ppl etc..... If they are not a musician dont bore them to death with the rudaments and scales of a bassists life. Kickdrum timing, recording to a click track, slap bass, why some bass's have 5+ strings and that you and the drummer are the foundations keepig the band together. They may think you have a big head he he he

Let me know how you go

Marie

Answer 3

My question would be how did you get the flat without the roomates knowing what you do for a living? Perhaps here in the states arranging for roomates is more personal. I would not room with someone I did not know. There is nothing to do except tell them the truth when you meet them. As far as rehearsal 'in the apartment', I think depending upon how many roomies you have, the surrounding tenants, noise law for your building, you might have a problem trying to practice there. Usually "bands' have to play loud and long and in a cramped apartment space is not appropriate or conducive for your music - you need space and the ability to make all the noise you need to. You might have a real problem if you are unable to work things out. You'd better find out if practicing in the flat is allowed. Even as a singer- when I performed, we never rehearsed at 'home' - we had to work too hard, do steps, sing loud, etc. We used a studio to practice.

Answer 4

What do you get if you cross a Musician with a Drummer?



A Bass Player!

You may be moving in with new people and be worried about being considerate but it's none of their business what you do with your time or how often your home unless this effects things like shared chores or bills.

As for practicing, do not use the amp for practicing at home, that would not be considerate, and you don't really need an amp to practice bass anyway, headphones will do!

Have you checked out this book -
Serious Electric Bass: The Bass Player's Complete Guide to Scales and Chords (Yes! Chords on a Bass!!)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1576238830/yah.007-21

It's pretty much the bible for serious bass players!

Answer 5

we're talking housemates, not a new mail order husband or anything. I got Headphones for my amp and was able to practice just fine with out disturbing anyone, and when no one was around just crank it up. they shouldn't give a damn if you arn't home. that is your 'job' so you work nights once in a while big deal.

what you should really be conserned with is when one of your new roomates tells you she is a prostitue and brings men in and out of the flat all day... it could happen.

good luck & rock on!

Answer 6

tell them, i doubt it will bother them. im sure you wont be that loud when you practice and as long as you don't do it at stupid times in the middle of the night it shouldn't be a problem.

As for you being out some nights that is perfectly normal i would find it strange if i moved into a house and everyone spent every night together.

Just tell them i'm sure they will be fine with it

Answer 7

ok. think ul need to come to sum agreement with them. do you work during the day? if u dont and they do than thats perfect. mb put a time limit on when u can practice in the house etc. dont think u not being there at nites will b a problem.

Answer 8

you should say the same thing you did on here and explain it that way . I am a violinist so I know what you are going through when I practice I now have to go the garage as my hubby is watching tv. good luck .

Answer 9

Well...you don't have to have your bass on full blast every night! That's what the headphone socket is for! And you're a free person, so what's it got to do with them? If they don't have better things to do than wonder where you are every night, then there's something wrong with them.

Answer 10

did they buy you,are you obliged to do everything they say i think not, you are entitled to a life and i am sure you will find things they do hard to live with its all about comprimise just stay calm and and reach a point of agreement .good luck