The Broken Drum Studio is the dark horse of Edinburgh's music studios. If you are a musician or in…read morea band, this is the place to go. My favourite place! Not only is the drum-kit huge (and on an impressive rise) and more than ample for any ambitious percussionist, but the owner also offers drum tuition of a very high standard. (He also has extensive history of musicianship -- he helped me with my clarinet skills and corrected me with my rather lacking knowledge of music theory of which I am a grade 7, and was generally a very helpful guy about it too -- too often I encounter pretentious or arrogant musicians). The equipment is top notch too: plenty of amps with strong dynamic range; more than enough to accommodate the picky guitarist. Mics are good too -- plenty to patch up to instruments -- and for the vocalists too obviously. The owner will help make recordings too -- he seems to know a great deal about the industry and editing. I have dabbled in jazz and nu-metal -- two vastly different sounds and two different worlds of recording, but the software as well as the hardware being used at the studio is definitely my first choice. All of it is reasonably priced; and, having been in more one band, I can say he was really helpful with the times too -- my vocalist works a night shift and has pretty odd times to record, but, as I say, the owner was happy to accommodate. I am making this place sound like a dream; but I suppose it is -- any one who has been in a band has to deal with the crappy reality of getting the crew together and the general expense of it all -- already there is stress; and often that can hinder playing; but The Broken Drum Studio is certainly more chilled out than the other places I have been to. I think they do discounts as well -- sorry, I cannot remember that. But great all in all. Check it out.

I discovered Swanfield Studios through a groupon deal for singing lessons. I decided to try it out…read moreand if I showed any potential, would pursue my secret rockstar fantasy as my new hobby (if I didn't do it now, I may never) and ended up spending half a year here on weekly lessons. I was extremely nervous on my first visit but was quickly put at ease when I opened the door to the cheery faces of the studio. At first I was surprised at how young some of the tutors looked - some would be younger than me (I'm in my late 20's) and was a little worried about how experienced/qualified they would be. This was only based on the experience of my piano teacher when I was a child who was about 80 and sometimes hit my fingers if I played a wrong key. But my concerns quickly dissolved as it turns out these tutors had either music degress or other qualifications and were highly experienced - with a few if not all pursuing their own music careers at the same time. The studio itself sits amongst a number of businesses in a industrial estate in Bonnington. Initially it is small but split into maybe 4 practice rooms and a wait room. It does lack a polished studio look you see on tv with the brick walls being painted over, basic funrnishings, a toilet (useful when dealing with nerves), a coffee machine for self service and I don't think any rooms were sound proof but that didn't take away from the quality of teaching/service provided. I liked that every time I walked through the door I was always greeted by a smiley 'Hi Valerie how are you?' by whoever was manning the desk. Since I shared a similar age with a few of them, we often engaged in banter as well. I went through 3 teachers during my time here - 2 left to concentrate on their own music careers but I wasn't put off. Each was very friendly, made me feel relaxed and although had slightly different ways of doing things this did not interfere with my progress. Basically they leave it up to me to tell them what I wanted to achieve from the lessons and let me choose the music; inputting their choices to help out when I hit a wall. I just wanted to enjoy the experience of singing without the pressure of working towards exams so did a little a theory and was encouraged to absorb more as I got a bit more serious about it and now I have bought a book for a little extra help at home. Along the way I have learnt various scales and techniques for warming up the voice and best practice for looking after it long term. I got so into these I found myself occcassionaly blaring them out at traffic lights whilst waiting to cross roads (only realised I had opened my mouth after the funny looks I got). Another benefit I obtained was boosting the projection of my speaking voice as sometimes I am quietly spoken. A really valuable thing I learned were breathing techniques - I don't know if I have breathed the wrong way my whole life but this taught me to breath the opposite way to my normal style and as a result have felt a lot more relaxed in general and have even stopped using my inhaler for the gym as I suffer from mild asthma. I'm glad I got to explore a lot of music genres to broaden my technique and had a lot of fun, also sharing giggles with my tutor if I hit a wrong note - quashing any fears of failure. I work different shifts each week so the studio were really flexible to accommodate my needs and didn't mind if I had to skip a couple weeks until my next lesson. I noticed a lot of ages using the services and facilities here from young children to older people, individuals and groups - and the staff were equally as friendly and professional to all. So I am not a rock star yet but my experience here was very valuable and has given me a lot to work on and nurture my ability. The studio provides tuition in a range of music styles and instruments, music production, mixing and mastering, as well as a recording studio and events and workshops.

From the owner: Recording, mixing, mastering and tuition.read more

Over nearly 25 years in bands i have used just about every rehearsal space in Edinburgh (right back…read moreto the vaults in Niddrie St with water running down the walls). A lot of bands put up with less than adequate facilities. For me you need clean and well equipped. In terms of well equipped - good reliable backline, good PA/monitors etc. The Wel Rehearsal facilities are just about the best I have used. Lots of extras available - kitchen, coffee, touchdown desk, strings. The manager/owner Keith is incredibly helpful. An added bonus (though not sure this will last) is that there always seems options for bookings. It costs us £35 for a 2.5 hour session.

brilliant place with people who really know their stuff,very friendly to.They have a large live…read moreroom where we were all able to set up and play so getting a good live vibe was easy and quick.It,s all onto tape so that warm analogue sound is ever present,lots of quality guitars and vintage amps are there for you to use for free.Best place I ever worked in,highly recomend it,we will be back

This is one of Edinburgh's better practice facilities. the rooms are well-equipped with top of the…read moreline gear, and the outside practice rooms are really big, so great if you've got a lot of guys in your band. Because of the wooden floors and ceilings, the sound in the inside rooms can be a bit boxy, but I would still recommend The Depot because it is cheaper than Banana Row and also has great gear. However if you're looking for some place on the cheap, Forest Cafe has a totally passable room at half the price.