Where Can NYC Musicians Work?

Our good friends at NYC Performing Arts Spaces have put out a much needed new study entitled Where Can We Work? about the challenge the city’s musicians face in finding affordable space to rehearse, record, and perform. As James Barron wrote in this morning’s NY Times:

Steadily rising real estate prices are taking a toll on all but the best-financed music groups and institutions…. In other cities, some groups in the hunt for affordable rehearsal space might begin as “garage bands.” But few people in New York City have their own garages, and musicians say that finding an affordable place to practice is as much of a challenge for performers who make a living in music as it is for part-timers and amateurs.

For as long as I’ve been in this industry, the theatre, dance, and visual art communities have been screaming out in desperation about the dearth of affordable, appropriate space. But this is the first time I’ve seen anyone shine a light specifically on the space needs of musicians, and it’s a welcome development.

You can download the full report here.