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Message
Considering converting a room into a music "studio"
Posted on 3/15/14 at 1:11 pm
Posted on 3/15/14 at 1:11 pm
I may have lost my mind but I am considering converting my donning room which is already functioning as my boys toy/play room into a music/art studio for them. The boys are 6&7 yes old and both seem to have some inclination to play. My wife plays piano and sings, I have zero musical inclination. I never had exposure to instruments when I was child. I did however take a bunch of art classes and still like to draw and paint
Then oldest has shown a desire to sing and play piano, the youngest likes the drums and guitar. Both like to draw but the oldest seems to like art more.
So what suggestions and opinions do you have? We have a child's acoustic guitar, adult acoustic guitar, a violin, and a small piano none of which are currently in the home though.
Then oldest has shown a desire to sing and play piano, the youngest likes the drums and guitar. Both like to draw but the oldest seems to like art more.
So what suggestions and opinions do you have? We have a child's acoustic guitar, adult acoustic guitar, a violin, and a small piano none of which are currently in the home though.
This post was edited on 3/15/14 at 1:16 pm
4
Posted on 3/15/14 at 2:37 pm to Bleeding purple
You need to make an account on gearslutz.com. Browse the forums and ask your questions there. They probably answer this question 5 times a day on the newb subboard over there.
This post was edited on 3/15/14 at 2:38 pm
Posted on 3/15/14 at 3:31 pm to shutterspeed
Thanks
Posted on 3/15/14 at 3:44 pm to Bleeding purple
I'm not really sure what you're asking here. When you say "studio" are you talking about recording or just a place for them to play and practice?
Posted on 3/15/14 at 3:57 pm to TigerRanter
A place for them to play and practice. Not recording.
Posted on 3/15/14 at 4:00 pm to Bleeding purple
Maybe suggestions about instruments, drum sets,
Specific furniture needs
Basic does and donts from those that have done same or play an instrument themselves.
Specific furniture needs
Basic does and donts from those that have done same or play an instrument themselves.
Posted on 3/15/14 at 10:51 pm to Bleeding purple
Ah, okay. I would suggest an electronic drum set with a headphone jack. The module will have different sounds and a metronome built in so they can learn to play in time. They start as low as $200 on a website like Musician's Friend. Ebay and Reverb.com are good places to look for used equipment. When you're thinking about purchasing something, you can probably find online reviews on musicians friend or gearslutz to find out more info.
You can pick up some tubular guitar stands on that site as well to leave the guitars out in the corner. They're more likely to pick them up and play if they can see them instead of them being stored in a case in the corner where they'll probably not think about them. You can set up a computer in there for them to use as a learning tool. Youtube has endless free lessons that will start from beginner and take them as far as they want to go. Get a combo metronome/tuner for them to learn and play with.
Always encourage them and try to get them to stick with it and play what they've learned for you. You could probably play along with them and it will keep them interested. Find a chord chart online and print it out so they can practice.
As for furniture, maybe just a desk for the computer with an armless chair so they can practice guitar comfortably.
Sorry for the wall of text, but hopefully this helps, somewhat.
You can pick up some tubular guitar stands on that site as well to leave the guitars out in the corner. They're more likely to pick them up and play if they can see them instead of them being stored in a case in the corner where they'll probably not think about them. You can set up a computer in there for them to use as a learning tool. Youtube has endless free lessons that will start from beginner and take them as far as they want to go. Get a combo metronome/tuner for them to learn and play with.
Always encourage them and try to get them to stick with it and play what they've learned for you. You could probably play along with them and it will keep them interested. Find a chord chart online and print it out so they can practice.
As for furniture, maybe just a desk for the computer with an armless chair so they can practice guitar comfortably.
Sorry for the wall of text, but hopefully this helps, somewhat.
This post was edited on 3/15/14 at 10:55 pm
Posted on 3/16/14 at 2:53 am to TigerRanter
Awesome answers thanks
Posted on 3/16/14 at 4:14 am to Bleeding purple
You should consider what type of soundproofing you might want. If you think that you can handle the sheer amount of racket that'll come out of that room, then good luck to you. A few hundred dollars upfront may save you a literal headache down the road.
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:55 am to Monday
that is why I am considering electronic instruments with the exception of the piano and the violin. The guitars and drums could then be heard through headphones and not by the entire household.
Posted on 3/17/14 at 11:46 am to Bleeding purple
+10000 on the electronic drumset vs acoustic set. That is very sound advice and you'll be thanking yourself everyday for getting that as a practice/learning tool. An acoustic set is still eventually a necessity for a drummer as an electronic set doesnt have the same feel. Two good sets of headphones is great too, one for the drummer to plug into electronic drum console and the other for the guitar player.
As for as gear for the guitar player, if he/she is truly a beginner than nice gear right from the beginning isnt a necessity. You will want to make sure they take to the instrument and have a continued interest in it for awhile. After a year or so, if you see he/she is making significant progress then you can easily upgrade. A great starter guitar amp/practice amp for electric guitars that is budget friendly is the Marshall MG series. A small 10 watter like this is a great sounding little amp (for what it is) and will last. Ive been using one for the last 8 years as a practice amp and it gets the job done. Its a solid state amp that doesnt get obnoxiously loud and is tolerable. Headphone input as well for silent practicing. There are tons of possibilities when it comes to music gear so this is just an example.
Marshal MG10
As he/she progresses, a small quality tube amp will be a good option because of the overall superior sound quality (playing dynamics and expression come through, fuller more crisp sound, better sustain, more polished, etc). If he/she is a rocker, get a two channel amp with some overdrive such as a Marshall DSL5C (5 watts of tube power is incredibly loud for a bedroom rocker so be careful)
LINK
Im a Mesa/Boogie fan myself but they are expensive. Im sure this is all greek to you, so just consider these some budget friendly options in an endless world of possibilities.
As for as gear for the guitar player, if he/she is truly a beginner than nice gear right from the beginning isnt a necessity. You will want to make sure they take to the instrument and have a continued interest in it for awhile. After a year or so, if you see he/she is making significant progress then you can easily upgrade. A great starter guitar amp/practice amp for electric guitars that is budget friendly is the Marshall MG series. A small 10 watter like this is a great sounding little amp (for what it is) and will last. Ive been using one for the last 8 years as a practice amp and it gets the job done. Its a solid state amp that doesnt get obnoxiously loud and is tolerable. Headphone input as well for silent practicing. There are tons of possibilities when it comes to music gear so this is just an example.
Marshal MG10
As he/she progresses, a small quality tube amp will be a good option because of the overall superior sound quality (playing dynamics and expression come through, fuller more crisp sound, better sustain, more polished, etc). If he/she is a rocker, get a two channel amp with some overdrive such as a Marshall DSL5C (5 watts of tube power is incredibly loud for a bedroom rocker so be careful)
LINK
Im a Mesa/Boogie fan myself but they are expensive. Im sure this is all greek to you, so just consider these some budget friendly options in an endless world of possibilities.
Posted on 3/17/14 at 12:15 pm to dnm3305
quote:
Im sure this is all greek to you, so just consider these some budget friendly options in an endless world of possibilities.
Advice from musicians and parents of musicians like this is EXACTLY what I was looking for.
Other than listening to what I enjoy, music is totally Greek to me for sure.
This may be a totally stupid question but are there any wind or brass instruments that would be considered a "gateway" instrument. Something that they could play with and see if they enjoyed it and potentially be a stepping stone to other instruments in the same class? Something that would not break the bank if they do not like them I suppose.
I wonder if there are lease programs on instruments.
Posted on 3/17/14 at 12:54 pm to Bleeding purple
quote:
So what suggestions and opinions do you have?
Make sure you buy a TI-86 to help with the math equations.
Posted on 3/17/14 at 1:47 pm to Bleeding purple
quote:
This may be a totally stupid question but are there any wind or brass instruments that would be considered a "gateway" instrument. Something that they could play with and see if they enjoyed it and potentially be a stepping stone to other instruments in the same class? Something that would not break the bank if they do not like them I suppose.
I wouldnt know the true answer to this as Im only a guitar player. Ive been playing since 6 years old (over 20 yrs of experience, not to give my age away) and while I feel my learning curve on another instrument wouldnt be nearly as bad as a fresh musician, it would still take time. If I were to branch out, it would be piano (keys) no doubt. Not sure about wind or brass instruments. Also, as far as a lease purchase on instruments, ive never really gone down that road. I have financed guitars before. Musical instruments tend to keep there value more than say a recliner or a car would, so if you would make the investment in something nice down the road, take solace in knowing that you'd be able to recupe most of your money back. You did the right thing coming to a board like this for advice. Salesman in music stores will, for the most part give you the run-around. I deal with Sweetwater.com alot. They are pro's and will answer any questions you have without pushing you to purchase. Hope this helps.
This post was edited on 3/17/14 at 1:48 pm
Posted on 3/17/14 at 5:39 pm to brgfather129
quote:
Make sure you buy a TI-86 to help with the math equations
come again?
Posted on 3/17/14 at 7:32 pm to Bleeding purple
quote:
come again?
Are you going to be covering any Tool?
Posted on 3/17/14 at 8:32 pm to Bleeding purple
quote:Get a couple of recorders. They're very cheap and a good learning instrument. A child's glockenspiel is good for learning, too.
This may be a totally stupid question but are there any wind or brass instruments that would be considered a "gateway" instrument. Something that they could play with and see if they enjoyed it and potentially be a stepping stone to other instruments in the same class? Something that would not break the bank if they do not like them I suppose.
Posted on 3/17/14 at 8:51 pm to Bleeding purple
Ahh... ok. I thought you were looking to turn a room into a recording studio, too.
I concur with the posters about buying electronic drums. Research the Simmons line of electronic drums, and then peruse GuitarCenter.com for a used set. They go pretty cheaply on there, and GC offers free site-to-store shipping.
Invest in a pair of $20-$30 Sennheiser headphones.
Electric guitars can be had for a song these days. I picked up a new Peavey electric guitar with amp for $30 from Target one Christmas. Check Cragislist for used electric guitars. Also consider an acoustic. You can buy an Epiphone acoustic from Amazon for $99. I just bought my kid a Mitchell from Guitar Center for $105 new.
Keyboards also go for pretty cheap. Just make sure to buy one with MIDI capability.
For extra fun, download Mixcraft6 (or Garageband for Mac) and have your kids play the virtual instruments on the program. See which ones they like. You can get some good piano, guitar, drums, etc. sounds just by playing your computer keys. Bonus: Your electronic drums, electric guitar, MIDI keyboard, microphone will all be compatible, and you can record everything like a ministudio in your music room. If your kids are tech savvy, they'll enjoy cutting and pasting loops together, and it will give them a good feel for how songs are tracked and mixed.
I'm currently transitioning a spare bedroom/computer room/sewing room/office into my little music recording/practice room now.
quote:
Then oldest has shown a desire to sing and play piano, the youngest likes the drums and guitar. Both like to draw but the oldest seems to like art more.
I concur with the posters about buying electronic drums. Research the Simmons line of electronic drums, and then peruse GuitarCenter.com for a used set. They go pretty cheaply on there, and GC offers free site-to-store shipping.
Invest in a pair of $20-$30 Sennheiser headphones.
Electric guitars can be had for a song these days. I picked up a new Peavey electric guitar with amp for $30 from Target one Christmas. Check Cragislist for used electric guitars. Also consider an acoustic. You can buy an Epiphone acoustic from Amazon for $99. I just bought my kid a Mitchell from Guitar Center for $105 new.
Keyboards also go for pretty cheap. Just make sure to buy one with MIDI capability.
For extra fun, download Mixcraft6 (or Garageband for Mac) and have your kids play the virtual instruments on the program. See which ones they like. You can get some good piano, guitar, drums, etc. sounds just by playing your computer keys. Bonus: Your electronic drums, electric guitar, MIDI keyboard, microphone will all be compatible, and you can record everything like a ministudio in your music room. If your kids are tech savvy, they'll enjoy cutting and pasting loops together, and it will give them a good feel for how songs are tracked and mixed.
I'm currently transitioning a spare bedroom/computer room/sewing room/office into my little music recording/practice room now.
This post was edited on 3/17/14 at 8:53 pm
Posted on 3/21/14 at 11:10 pm to brgfather129
quote:
Are you going to be covering any Tool?
I still have no freaking idea what you are getting at.
Shutter, thanks for all the advice. My wife loves that idea too and looks like it will be the boys Christmas present this year. That should give us plenty of time to find good deals and do some research.
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