Do you like to sing or practice music in an apartment setting with neighbors right on the other side of shared walls?
Depending on how much sound you make when you practice, you may find yourself on the receiving end of some neighborly, shall we say, feedback – and it’s probably not as much about your performance abilities as the noise level!
So, what can an apartment musician do to satisfy his talent and keep calm in the neighborhood?
This singer shares some tips that may work for you.
Begin with a bit of awareness, both of yourself and your neighbors.
Have a gig coming up? You might offer free tickets to neighbors so they can see what your noisy efforts are working toward!
THINKspot studio space includes soundproofing by Eileen Kane used under CC BY / Text added
Here’s another angle: why not try to block to the sound of your music-making from getting out to nearby apartment units?
Soundproofing involves placing an object of heavy, dense mass between the sound source and other listeners in order to separate and isolate the two.
While the most effective sound blockers appear to require permanent installation – not ideal for renters, whose leases likely prohibit these changes — products are available to help achieve the effect which are conveniently removable.
An acoustical door or window seal can reduce sound transfer between connected spaces, though changing out an entire door might prove challenging. Consider an acoustical door jamb seal which closes the gap at the bottom of a door.
A company called Audimute offers temporary soundproofing solutions with a clever name, Peacemaker. These are acoustical dampening rugs made of rubber, available in different thicknesses. The company also offers sound absorption sheets, which they describe as “soundproofing blankets,” which reduce volume levels when placed correctly, for example, in windows.
The interestingly-named SoundproofCow sells acoustic panels and other soundproofing materials which could work in an apartment unit. A variety of products can be used to create a space that’s sound-friendly on the inside, but sound-resistant to the outside world.
For a more DIY approach, the use of both egg carton-like foam and heavy camping mats were discussed in online forums on the topic of soundproofing.
There are certainly enjoyable ways to share your music socially.
Consider organizing a concert event. Consult with your landlord or apartment community manager about whether your music might be a good fit for an evening of entertainment at the community pool or in a shared space.
For an alternative away from your apartment, why not join a shared rehearsal space, perhaps at a music store? While this likely wouldn’t be free – and a little less convenient — you’d have the leeway to play without concern for being noisy.
Rock on, friends… just, perhaps, a little more quietly when you’re at home in your apartment!