How should a music studio or practice space look? What are some must have items or requirements for a musical space to be effective? Read on for some tips to create an environment conducive to musical success!
A designated practice space is an essential piece of successful music lessons. In fact, creating a space in a home just for music can increase practice time significantly. However, there are a few different things to consider when designing a studio or music room. Music spaces can be created without breaking the bank, and it’s important to keep in mind both practicality and budget when finding items to include. Read on to see a list of essentials for your music studio!
Important Parts of a Practice Space
When thinking of where to create your music space in your home, try to adhere to at least some of these tips!
Find a space that is relatively out of the way, and not going to incur distractions. When practicing or working on music, it’s important to avoid interruptions to both yourself and anyone else you may be cohabiting with. Since ours is the business of sound, spaces that include some sort of sound proofing are excellent—walls with fabric or carpeting on the floor will help to deaden sound. I would also recommend trying to avoid high traffic locations such as kitchens, dining rooms, or living rooms so that you won’t disrupt other goings on in your home. The fact of the matter is that oftentimes, families will keep their piano in a communal space. Should that be the case, attempt to find times during the day where no one else is around or where there will be guaranteed (and uninterrupted) quiet during which to spend a dedicated hour practicing.
CLIMATE CONTROL. Instruments can and will be affected by weather. Anything made of wood (pianos, violins, clarinets, etc) can become easily knocked out of tune or even damaged should the instrument be left in areas with extreme temperature changes. Excess heat can cause instruments to warp, whereas too much cold can make an instrument brittle and liable to crack. Now, brass and percussion instruments made for marching band are capable of spending time outside. However, leaving an instrument outside for long periods of time IS NOT GOOD FOR IT. Do not use screened-in porches, patios, or backyards as your primary practice space. These areas might work in a pinch, but are not ideal for long term usage. Plus, you want your music space to be comfortable for you as well. I know I certainly wouldn’t choose to spend much time practicing if I had to be somewhere too cold or too hot!
Keep all of your music, materials, music stands, and instrument parts in the same place. There is nothing more frustrating than working up the motivation to accomplish a task and then having to waste time running around sorting out materials before being able to start. Don’t do that to yourself! Make sure that all of your books, music, reeds, INSTRUMENT, and any other necessary supplies are easily accessible in your practice space. This might mean setting aside a particular drawer or shelf near to your practice area to keep all of your music, or leaving it inside a piano bench. Cheap shelving units on Amazon or at Target/Walmart will work as well—just make sure they’re big enough to fit standard music pages. Keep an extra box of reeds handy, and leave your cork grease, slide grease, valve oil, and swabs all in that same spot. Having a timer, clock, or metronome handy may help as well. Whatever object it might be that keeps you from practicing, give it a designated spot in your studio space. It’s also useful to have specific devices that aren’t on your phone—if you use a metronome or tuner often, it might be a good idea to invest in one that isn’t going to force you to get on your phone (and perhaps become hopelessly distracted as a result). Keep these things in your studio space!
Not so essential things that might make your space more enjoyable
If you have the time, budget, and/or desire to personalize your music space, here are some tips I’ve found helpful. These are by no means requirements for a useful music studio, but I’ve found that intentionally creating a space that you enjoy can help with motivating one to actually do the work.
Choose somewhere that is well lit. It’s really hard to focus on making music when you can’t see. On the other side of the coin, I tend to prefer gentle, atmospheric lighting that make my eyes comfortable. I like yellow bulbs, lamps, and soft fairy lights so that I feel relaxed. Windows are also a huge plus! Just make sure your space isn’t too dim so that you don’t strain your eyes!
Make your body comfortable. Choose a chair that allows for good playing posture, but also is the right height for you. Use a solid music stand that won’t tip all your music onto the floor. Perhaps get an instrument stand so your instrument will be safe if you don’t plan to take it apart between practice sessions. Find an adjustable piano bench that allows your body to hold a posture that is perfect for you.
Pay attention to how your studio smells. I’m very tuned in to smells—comes from growing up in a family candle store I believe. I like burning a candle while practicing (safely and away from my instrument, of course) as I feel like it helps me get in the right mindset. Using the same scent each practice session can also help you create a practice habit: each time you smell that scent, your brain will go into practice mode. I also tend to find bad smells distracting: take a sniff of your practice area and if it isn’t pleasant, do what you can with air freshener or a candle to change that! Even a quick vacuum or wipe-down of the walls can make a musty room feel cleaner and smell better.
Cozy atmosphere, whimsical furniture, industrial sharpness—configure your area in a way that is pleasing to your taste. I tend towards rugs, plants (not on the piano, of course, unless they’re fake), and natural lighting, but feel free to make your space your own! What sort of music are you going to be making? Can you utilize your space in a way that reflects your personality? Feel free to decorate as well! As long as you’re able to avoid distractions and actually spend the time and do the work, your space can be whatever you want it to be.
Takeaways
To sum up, there’s really no perfect way to set up a practice space. As long as you have all the necessary items in a designated area (and you follow the suggestions above), your studio should be a great place to make music. Happy designing!
—Charissa Garrigus, Instructor at Vibe Music Academy
