practice space

[Joel A. Jones]

Larry Fischer wrote June 22:

Has anyone out there ever considered the marketability of renting
practice space?

- -  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

At the University of Wisconsin in Madison we issue practice cards for 1 day
or 1 week of a semester or a full academic year(Summer is extra). That fund
is used by the piano shop for repair as well as by the facilities
coordinator.  Locks may be rekeyed, repairs to the equipment in the rooms
(stands and benches), as well as the personnell to run the keydesk where
the keys are issued.
         We also rent the recital halls and rehearsal halls for a fee,
which included a custodial/technician to run the lights and set the stage.
Any equipment is extra for these rentals.  Piano, tuning, chairs, stands,
ushers, etc. etc.  This does not bring in tons of money, or replace our
budgets, but it does enhance the money we have to spend. It will help keep
us  even as our normal operating budgets have been decreasing annually.
        This has been going on for approximately 4 years and I have been
able to hire students to clean, regulate, and when I'm lucky, to have a
student that can do some rough tuning in the practice rooms. It has kept
our aging (25years +) inventory of pianos running and I think it's great.
The students I hire in the shop are working on their own practice pianos,
so they are very concientious.  I have little problem with good workers.
Sometimes I wish I could find more, but the quality is good.
        If you want more detailed info, answer me directly.  I may be able
to give you some specific answers.