De nombreuses recherches s’intéressant au travail de création et à l’apprentissage en musique se penchent sur ce qui se passe au sein des espaces de répétition. Dans certains cas, les descriptions portent également sur l’espace lui-même.
« ‘Hey, hit an E.’ The tuning began and the players embarked upon a journey. The destination was unknown but the search for a song was the ultimate goal. For these musicians there are many paths to this goal and their only compass seemed to be the sound of the music. The initial rehearsal revealed the collaborative nature of their music making as well as a high level of talent and a serious approach to study. Once the equipment had been carried in and set up, each band member began to prepare for the session. Roal, the guitar player, began to tune; Mike, the bass player, set up his tape recorder to record the session for study at home; Jack assembled his percussion equipment, tuning his snare drum and adjusting his auxiliary instruments. Conversations ensued regarding various pieces of equipment in the rehearsal room and their functions as well as the hunt for the proper equalization (Note 3) and intonation for each instrument. The rehearsal room, located in the basement of Jack’s home, was dedicated to music rehearsal and recording. Along the wall, was a Marshall stack amplifier next to a 16-track digital recorder and effects boxes. A large “road box” filled with stands and cords rested next to the drum kit and, when needed, served as container and chair. Cords were strewn along the floor connected to microphones that were strategically placed in various areas of the room. » (Davis, 2005)
« This physical journey of carrying in and setting up equipment can be a daunting task, however it became routine. These opening moments were also a time of rich discussion for the band members, both socially and musically. Humor seemed to encase these conversations as they discussed new ideas for the music they were about to play or music in general. These lighthearted beginnings seemed to be the adhesive in the mosaic of their relationships––establishing a safe, non-threatening, positive environment. It was clear they enjoyed being together. » (Davis, 2005)