One of the biggest concerns many musicians, music students, and hobbyists have before they sign a new lease is “Can you practice an instrument in an apartment?”
The short answer is “Yes!”
However, there are certain things to keep in mind to avoid disturbing your neighbors or violating any noise ordinances in the apartment’s community policies.
Below, we’ll highlight some of the steps you can take to practice your instrument in an apartment without issue!
Pick An Appropriate Time To Practice Your Instrument
We understand that not everyone has the same schedule. And sometimes the only time slot available to practice your instrument could disturb your neighbors – especially if they have infants, work from home, or are trying to sleep.
Picking a time that works for you and your neighbors is essential to avoiding any issues.
Practicing in the afternoons or early evenings might work best for you and your neighbors as the majority of most folks follow a traditional schedule. Yet, it’s best to double check with your neighbors since some may work second or overnight shifts.
When in doubt, it’s best to avoid practicing your instrument late at night or early in the morning – especially if your apartment building has a noise policy outlined in the lease agreement.
Pick The Right Room To Practice Your Instrument
Once you’ve determined which time or times work best for your practice schedule, you need to locate the best room in your apartment to rehearse.
To minimize disturbances, select a room that’s furthest from any shared walls. Doing so will help keep the volume levels down and act as an extra bit of soundproofing between you and your neighbors.
Invest In Accessories That Help You Practice Your Instrument Quietly
Preferred practice time. ✓
Right room located. ✓
You have these two steps covered. Yet, your practicing is still too loud.
Rather than give up entirely (or get in trouble with your property manager and neighbors), there are some inexpensive accessories and tools you can invest in to help you practice quietly.
Using small practice amplifiers that are only 5-10 watts for electric guitars, basses and keyboards. These amps are loud enough to hear yourself rehearse, but quiet enough not to disrupt your neighbors or violate apartment policies.
If you’re using a full-size amp, you can keep the volume down by plugging headphones into the auxiliary jack. Now you can listen to yourself play your guitar, bass or keyboard without issues. Just don’t turn the volume up too loud or you can risk damaging your hearing.
These solutions may work for stringed instruments and keyboards, but what about drummers?
If you’re a drummer, you can practice your chops quietly by using practice pads.
Now You’re Ready To Practice Your Instrument In An Apartment
If you were worried about being unable to practice your instrument in an apartment, all you have to do is follow the above steps and you’ll be all set!
If you have any questions or concerns about practicing instruments at 363 Bond Street apartments our leasing office is more than happy to answer them.
Contact us today to learn more about our apartment community and its policies!