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How to Be Polite While Playing Music in Your Apartment

Want to play music in your apartment without making your neighbors mad?

Here’s how to do it.

These tips will allow you to play music without being rude.

Music is an amazing way to express yourself and stretch your mind.

Learning a new instrument is challenging and fulfilling at the same time.

You may be learning how to sing or practicing the violin.

Whatever instrument you’re playing, you’ll need to practice regularly to get good.

Going to a studio is an option, but not everyone has that luxury.

And if you live in an apartment and practice at home, that could pose a problem.

You don’t want your neighbors to dislike you.

Unfortunately, that could very well happen if you play your heart out.

So, if you live in an apartment and plan to practice there, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Before you begin playing music in your apartment, these tips will allow you to play music at home without making your neighbors mad.

man sitting on speaker playing electric guitartips will allow you to play music at home, without making your neighbors mad.”/>

 

 

1. Get Noise-Canceling Headphones

If possible, invest in some noise-canceling headphones, shares techradar.com.

It’s the easiest way to keep your music to yourself.

Now, this obviously won’t work if you’re singing or playing drums, but it will work for instruments like the guitar.

Keyboards and electric pianos usually have a headphone jack, too.

When in doubt, check your instrument to see if it accommodates headphones.

Then, you can just plug in your headset and play your heart out.

Your neighbors will appreciate it.

vinyl, mobile device and noise canceling headphones

2. Soundproof Your Practice Room

Soundproofing your practice space can significantly cut down on noise.

Check to see if your apartment complex will allow you to install any vinyl sound barriers; recommends Acoustical Solutions.

If you place them on floors, walls, and ceilings, you may be able to muffle or reduce the noise.

 

woman in room with soundproofing

Here are a few other methods for soundproofing your apartment:

Install some thick blankets on the wall to absorb noise.

Mount fragile items like lamps to the table to prevent them from rattling around.

Place bookcases and other heavy furniture against the wall, so they don’t shake.

Remember, if the music is too loud, you might disturb your neighbors.

And no one wants to be that neighbor.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about being bothered while you’re practicing.

Think of it as a music studio.

You can focus on your music, perfect your craft, and keep your neighbors happy at the same time!

3. Play Music at Appropriate Times

It’s best to practice when people are awake.

Can you imagine being woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of someone playing drums?

You wouldn’t be too thrilled!

The last thing people want is to wake up to you playing music, even if the tune is pleasant.

You should also be mindful of peoples’ schedules.

Not everyone works the same hours as you.

So, you might introduce yourself to your neighbors and let them know that you play music. The Home has a guide to help you introduce yourself.

Tell them that you’re taking steps to keep the noise to a minimum, but ask about the best times to play.

You can’t always plan around their schedule.

But, it doesn’t hurt to be considerate, especially if practicing your instrument tends to be loud.

And who knows, maybe your neighbors play too and will want to jam with you!

Man playing bongo drums during day

4. Go Acoustic

Instead of playing electric instruments, keep the noise to a minimum by only playing acoustic at home.

While that may seem like a bummer, look on the bright side:

Acoustic music is more calming than other, louder types of music.

It encourages you to practice peaceful tunes that are good for the soul.

Playing an acoustic guitar may be just what the doctor ordered if you need to relax after a long day.

And if you want to rock out on an electric guitar sometimes, find somewhere else where noise won’t be an issue.

Or try using a smaller and quieter guitar amp with your guitar like this one from Happy New GuitarDay and make music that sounds great even at low volumes.

Otherwise, you may risk getting complaints about the noise you’re making.

man playing acoustic guitar

5. Get an Apartment With a Detached Garage

If you plan to make a lot of noise, renting an apartment with a detached garage might be your best option.

By soundproofing the walls and closing your door when you play, you might be able to avoid angering the neighbors.

But, even if you get a detached garage, you’ll still have to be mindful of noise.

If your neighbors can hear music coming from the garage, they may not like it very much.

The same noise rules apply when you’re practicing in your apartment.

It’s important to remain courteous and make sure you’re not being too loud.

If you are making a racket, people will complain.

And if that happens, you may lose your music privileges altogether.

Always be mindful of your neighbors, even if the garage is a distance away from the main building.

Be considerate, and you’ll avoid getting complaints from fellow apartment residents.

In Conclusion

Don’t give up playing music in your apartment.

They say practice makes perfect, but not at the expense of your neighbors!

If you plan to stick around at your complex for a while, it’s best to be polite.

In other words, even if you hope to become the next Mozart, don’t get carried away.

Other people have the right to peace and quiet.

The good news is there are ways to practice your musical instrument without making the entire building mad at you.

Soundproofing your room or renting a garage are two options.

You could also play acoustic instruments or invest in some noise-canceling headphones.

These tips won’t just keep your neighbors happy, but they’ll allow you to play for hours on end without being interrupted by angry knocks at the door.

 Author Bio:

 Caitlin Sinclair is the Business Manager for Harborview at San Pedro, a luxury apartment community.

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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