How to Practice Drums in an Apartment

1. Make it Quieter

The first step to practicing drums in an apartment is reducing noise. Here are some tools to help:

• Electronic Drums: Electronic drum kits allow you to practice with headphones, eliminating most external noise. These kits often have adjustable sound settings and can simulate various drum sounds.

• Practice Pads: Practice pads are ideal for rudiment practice and building hand technique.

• Mesh Drumheads and Low-Volume Cymbals: If you have an acoustic kit, replace standard drumheads with mesh heads and switch to low-volume cymbals, such as Zildjian L80s. These drastically reduce sound while maintaining a realistic playing feel.

• Muffling Accessories: Use other sound-dampening materials like Moongels to reduce the noise of your acoustic kit.

2. Create a Soundproof Practice Space

Soundproofing your practice area can minimize disturbances. Try these:

• Rugs and Carpets: Cover the floor with carpet to absorb vibrations.

• Foam Panels: Acoustic foam panels on walls to reduce sound reflection and contain noise within the room.

• Isolation Pads: Place your drum kit on isolation pads or risers designed to prevent vibrations from traveling through floors.

3. Change Your Practice Schedule

Timing your practice sessions can help maintain good relationships with your neighbors:

• Practice During Acceptable Hours: Goes without saying, but stick to daytime hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., when noise is less likely to be disruptive.

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Modern technology offers several ways to enhance your drumming practice while minimizing noise:

• Silent Metronomes: Use a metronome app with a vibration feature or wear a vibrating metronome to keep time without producing sound.

• Drumming Apps and Software: Explore drumming apps like Drumeo, Melodics, or GarageBand to practice along with backing tracks, tutorials, or exercises.

• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Pair electronic drums with high-quality noise-canceling headphones for immersive practice sessions.

5. Focus on Quiet Techniques

Adopting quieter playing techniques is another effective way to practice without causing a call from the landlord.

• Low-Volume: Practice ghost notes, finger control, and techniques that focus on dynamics.

• Brushes : Use brushes instead of standard drumsticks for quieter playing on acoustic kits.

• Foot Technique: Work on foot speed and control using a practice pad for your bass drum pedal, which is quieter than a full kick drum.

6. Prioritize Mental Practice

Mental Practice? Yes. Mental practice can help you maintain progress:

• Stick Control Practice: Use sticks on a soft surface like a pillow to build strength and precision without making noise.

• Visualization: Mentally rehearse drum patterns, fills, and songs, visualizing hand and foot movements.

• Sheet Music Reading: Improve your reading skills by learning drum notation and transcriptions away from the kit.

7. Leverage Portable Practice Options

If practicing in your apartment proves too challenging, consider these alternatives:

• Practice Studios: Rent a practice studio in your area where you can play at full volume.

• Local Parks: Take a practice pad and sticks to a park for an outdoor session. It might also make for a viral video if you record yourself :)

• Workshops: Join drumming community groups where you can practice with others.

8. Respect Noise Regulations

Every apartment building has unique noise rules. Ensure you:

• Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with your lease agreement or building guidelines about noise.

• Test Sound Levels: Periodically step outside your apartment to check how much sound escapes.