How to practice music in an apartment
It can be exciting to learn a new instrument. Your neighbors, however, may not be as enthused to hear your first musical attempts. These tips will help you play your instrument or practice your singing in an apartment space while keeping everyone happy.
Be Courteous When Practicing Music in an Apartment
No one enjoys hearing someone practicing at 1 AM, but 1 PM is probably just fine. Figuring out when to practice can be complicated if you have a full time job, but think about when you would like hearing someone else’s noise and when you would not. You may wake up early and inspired, but your neighbors probably appreciate their sleep before going into work.
Invest in Electronics and Alternative Instruments
Electronic instruments are great alternatives to acoustic if perfecting your technique. Electric guitar is a classic example, but there are a growing number of electric options for a variety of instruments. These include keyboard, bass, and even the drums.
These are great options because the volume can be set by the user. Also, these instruments can become practically silent for third party listeners with the addition of headphones.
Soundproofing Your Apartment: Basics for a Musical Apartment
Purchasing soundproofing materials for your practice space is a must if you’re learning power chords with your hardcore three piece, but there are lighter options for the acoustic folk guitar lessons you’re taking.
Stopping, or more accurately, deadening sound needs more than thick barriers. The more sound waves have to travel, the more they spread out, dissipating the sound. Sound can also be absorbed by certain materials, like foam.
There are some basic things you can do to deaden noise coming from your apartment. Invest in some heavy curtains and rugs for your practice space. However, keep in mind these light decorating options will not block all noise. There are simple ways to soundproof an apartment a little, but for heavy duty proofing, solutions may need to be semi-permanent.
Replacing the door provided with the apartment on your practice space with a solid core one can help block sound, but do not neglect your windows. While curtains can deaden some noise, sunlight is nice, too! The ability of windows to block noise can be improved by covering the cracks in between window panes and the frame with stick-on weather stripping.
Another installation to prevent noise pollutions are window inserts. These are like second panes that fit over your original ones, allowing space between them to cut down on vibration.
Practicing Music in an Apartment: Are You Breaking The Law?
When living in closely packed units, a little bleed over in noise is to be expected. However, the right of people to live with limited noise pollution is actually protected by law. Be sure to know the ordinances in the area you live in. Sometimes there are limits on the volume of noise, how far away a noise can still be clearly heard, and some areas have curfews on certain types of noise.
Excessive noise can lead to tickets, but also eviction. Eliminate the legal worry and keep a good relationship with your neighbors by being proactive about cutting down on noise while practicing music in an apartment.