
3 minute read
Home Music Studio
GET THE Beat WITH A Home Music Studio
By Beth Anne Brink-Cox, House and Home Writer
Among the many things quarantining brought to our lives (apart from baking sourdough bread) was making music — either picking up a long-neglected instrument or starting one that was always on a bucket list. Many of us have at least one instrument around the house — a piano, a guitar and others that we’ve always wanted to learn to play, because making music is different than simply listening. It takes us inside the music.

All well and good, but where would you do this? Not every family wants to listen to the discordance of learning to play or to play again, whether it’s a student in school or a couple of friends who thought it might be cool to start a garage band.
Well, you need a garage. But what would that garage need besides some space you could permanently claim? For starters, would you need to change out the door? Billy Thompson of Safe-Way Garage Doors, Warsaw, said that’s likely, “But it’s dependent on the type of garage door that is already installed. I would recommend a qualified review, at which time the installer can determine if soundproofing materials can be added to the inside of the door after installation. There are things to consider that may affect functionality and safety of the door. One would be the weight of the materials, which would have an effect on how the door balances with existing springs or if new springs would be needed. There would also be determination if there are any clearance issues with added materials.



Photo courtesy of Safe-Way Garage Doors, Warsaw
Thompson says a polyurethane core garage door would give the best thermal and sound deadening properties. Polyurethane doors can be manufactured in a variety of sizes and designs. He went on to say, “We have seen over the last several years consumers re-creating the traditional garage space into more usable areas for personal and professional use. We have worked alongside architects, builders and homeowners to design user specific products and special installations.”
As expected, Thompson said the pandemic has had an effect on every aspect of sourcing, supply chains and manufacturing. Extended lead times are the norm and this has been a demanding year on almost all manufacturing. “Early spring and early summer are the best times to schedule installations of garage doors, though they are made to perform in all seasons. Fall is the busiest season and winter is very busy due to the holidays.”
Of course there are more than doors to consider. It’s very important for musical instruments to be carefully climate controlled. Dan Godfrey of The Element Masters, Middlebury, has a remarkable and simple solution, “The best thing we would have to offer would be a mini split. These systems are very quiet, which would be good for the recording side of things. The outside unit is quiet as well, which would be great for the neighbors.” Photo courtesy of The Element Masters, Middlebury
When asked if this was a regular part of their business, Godfrey says he has never been asked to install anything for a music studio. But if asked, “One day should be all we would need to install a mini split system for a single room. We have seen some shortages in equipment over the past year due to the pandemic, of course. We can install this type of system any time of the year.”
You’ll also want to consider the lighting, whether or not the current installations are right for your studio. Will you want recessed lighting? Perhaps something that would mimic the feel of a club? Maybe you’ll need storage or seating?
The possibilities are endless and the payoff will be well worth it. n

RESOURCES:
Free On-Site
Garage Design Consultation Rodney Rouch • 574-534-1400 www.coachhousegarages.com
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