Rivington Music Rehearsal Studios

Studio is in a cool location and has a nice amount of equipment (when they don’t break). Unfortunately the rooms are a little on the warm side and the sound is not the best but I cannot complain really. It does its job.

My experience today was the MOST horrible customer service I have ever received.
The woman with whom I originally booked my rehearsal room via telephone quoted me a specific rate and room. When I arrived, the room I had booked was already occupied. The male employee at the desk sent me to another room, but it did not have a keyboard, which I specifically requested for my rehearsal.
When I inquired about getting a keyboard for the new room, he said I would have to pay a rental fee (which was NOT included in the original price). I asked if the original price could be honored since the communication error was internal and not my fault. He tried to tell me that the price was «about» the same, although the new price was clearly higher. He then flatly refused to honor their original quote, saying that it was «his ass if he didn’t get the money from me that he needed to get.» When I argued about paying the higher rate due to employee communication errors, he got belligerent and proceeded to say that he «didn’t need this shit» because he had a late night the night before and he «doesn’t fucking care what I do.» While I regret that he did not get adequate sleep, it is absolutely no reason to be so rude to a paying customer. He ended up not even charging me the rental rate that he argued so much for, saying he «just doesn’t fucking care.» I then had to carry all the rented equipment down the stairs without direction or assistance while he sat and pouted in the office.
I will NEVER be back to Rivington Music Studios, and will make sure to tell all the musicians I know that there are many rehearsal studios in the city where one is not subjected to assholery by the staff.

I had very simple needs going in here. I’m taking drumming lessons and needed a place to practice that wasn’t too far or in a sketchy NYC in the 90’s before Giuliani neighborhood.
Booking was SUPER easy be it over the phone or their sleek informative website. Guy over the phone and guy there at the time when I arrived were easy-​going, friendly and accommodating.
I’d come back here, and actually I will.
Oh! Huge plus — it was FREEZING outside and the room was nice and warm and cozy.
Also no problem getting more time (though this was on a weekday)

This place is the Beezneez. I’m in a cover band, and we used to frequent this place before we all started full time jobs (we now, and against my wishes, go to more expensive studio that’s more centrally located). However, you really can’t beat this place. You get the most bang for your buck here than any other studio I’ve been to in the city.

This place is not a real business. In essence, it’s garbage compared to what other real rehearsal spaces are out there. Upon arriving there and setting up, one of the guitar amps that my fellow bandmates tried to use was not even functional… He went to talk to Fred and he requested that we bring the amp out to him (how considerate of Fred to not even apologize and haul it out himself, considering we arrived to broken equipment –_​-​). So, he replaces the broken amp with another of similar quality (meaning it barely worked and sounded junky). My bandmate had to crank the amp to get some sound out (an obvious sign that the tubes were badly in need of being replaced a long time ago). So I ask you this: Is it not part of Fred’s or other employees’ jobs to make sure that the equipment in each room is regularly tested, and repaired, if needed? Is that not part of what one would call a necessary ingredient for a satisfactory experience at a rehearsal space? It gets even better. Upon finishing up and going to pay for our session, one of our bandmates had a «very negative experience/​interaction» with Fred. Pretty much, he tried to pay with a debit card, which we were told they accept and they have taken that form of payment without question several times before. I don’t know if Fred had a shitty day or what, but he decided to take his sour mood out on our bandmate. From what our bandmate said, Fred was very rude and mean, saying that he specifically told us to pay him cash and said things like «great! now i’m gong to have to enter these numbers into the computer». Our bandmate was very respectful, didn’t even mention how ridiculous the situation with the equipment was, and apologized to Fred, despite being met with more similar negative and rude remarks from Fred about how we were somehow making his night so much harder. Wow Fred, we are so sorry that you actually had to type in 16 numbers into your computer after sitting on your ass all night and not even making sure that the equipment in each room works. Your life must be so hard, huh? Either learn to maintain your rehearsal space and offer courteous and kind service, or get a new job that requires you to be lazy and mean, seriously. The rooms in general are a bit dirty (leftover beer cans and trash found in each room we have tried), poorly equipped, poorly sound proofed (they bleed sound easily), and poorly maintained/​serviced. After that night, we avoid this rehearsal space and Fred, at all costs.

I’ve rehearsed here with a few bands and it’s always a great experience. Fred is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, and we can usually even book pretty last-​minute if we need to. Great weekend deals, equipment all works, really clean rooms and bathrooms, the giant basement space is amazing. Also, it’s on Stanton but called Rivington studios, so one star just for that. Recommended!

Worked for our needs, clean, sound proofed and secure, yes on Rivington!

Rivington Music Studios is my favorite place to practice. I’m mostly there for Hussle Club, but I’ve gone for other projects too. The manager Fred is super nice! The rooms never smell (which is common for practice spaces), the temperature is always right, lighting isn’t harsh, it’s clean and I feel welcome there. I’ve practiced at a TON of NYC spots and this one is totally professional and for some reason I feel comfortable as a female here. It doesn’t have that «dude» vibe. It’s a great clean slate to get some work done. (they’re cool about leaving fliers for shows too!)

I’m a drummer in the East Village; this place is so convenient, private and safe, and the people here are amazing. Fred Tenny in particular is one of the nicest guys one the planet and makes an effort to introduce himself and get familiar with the people playing here. THANKS RIVINGTON! LOVE YA!

My band Skum City has been practicing here for over 2 years. My husband is in multiple bands that practice here. The staff is friendly and Fred is always keeping up the equipment and surroundings. There is alot of love put into this space. The location is convenient for playing shows in NYC or Brooklyn. I always enjoy being here. The prices also are good.
I also feel it is safe for monthly.

Best rehearsal studio in New York City. My band KiLiFAX is here every week. Top notch rooms, well maintained gear, and extremely friendly and helpful staff (Fred and Joe). All that for $ 25/​hour (even cheaper on the weekends!)

Thanks to Unilocal I found this sweet spot. Here’s what I have to say about Rivington Music. It’s conveniently located in the LES, the prices are the best you will find in NYC, it’s clean, well equipped, and run by a really awesome dude. I’ve been there several times, and will continue going. Fred, the owner is a cool guy and a sweetheart. He’s a little awkward on the phone, but he really cares about his business and the people who use it.
My only bit of advice to you, you might get lost if you try to locate this on Hop Stop because 1) Hop Stop got the directions WRONG for me (surprise, surprise) and 2) there’s no big sign in front saying «Rivngton Music», just the number of the building, a door, & a metal gate.
Honestly, it’s not a big deal. The number is easy to spot plus when you book an appointment, Fred will be standing outside waiting for you– he always is.
Definitely give this spot a chance, it’s well worth it.

I wanted to give this 5 stars, but there is one important reason for that. The lack of a star doesn’t have to do with the service, equipment, staff or the location and price, as all of that is probably the best in the city. I rehearse there during the day which is the best time to avoid competing noise with other bands in the next room, but they need to work on sound proofing the rooms a bit more because when there is another band in the adjacent room, it becomes very challenging and almost counter productive.
Fredd Tenny is a great lad no less and is a true pleasure to work with.
P. S. all the equipment is top quality and actually works! how about that?

My band and I have practiced at Rivington Music Rehearsal Studios since June 2008. It’s clean, safe, and the best part is you can play as loud as you want. For location, price, and convenience there is no better rehearsal studio in all of NYC.
Also check out Donnybrook just down the street for a pint of Guiness before or after practice.
Cheers,
Kevin, Ghost Ghost

Been there since ’07. Very convenient. Super cool father + son staff. Accommodating. Homey. Still the best bargain in the entire city. Fred is one cool dude!

You wanna craft some tunes?
Is your neighbor bitching at you for cranking out your attempt at a Metallica cover on your sweet Fender Strat?
You wanna cheap hourly or monthly spot to start up that band you’ve been talking about?
Then call Rivington. Clean, reliable and safe. I’ve spent many hours in my studio and I couldn’t be happier.