Have just started easing back into things after having the baby 8 months ago. For those of you who don't remember me I am a bit of a serial 'dabbler' and have tried clarinet, flute, oboe and was going to try alto or sop sax before getting pregnant. I never learned as a child so it's all new to me and I really like trying out different instruments to try and find the right one for me. Flute is fave so far!

BUT I'm still stuck in a flat and it looks like we're not going to be able to sell anytime soon. I'm very conscious of my neighbours and would welcome any suggestions fro keeping the noise down (including different instruments, like I said, I love to try something new!! .

For some reason Christmas looming on the horizon always awakes the urge to try something new. And I just know I'm going to fall in love with sop sax again as soon as I see that Wizzard video. Which doesn't really tie in with the 'keeping the noise down' idea........

What about a digital piano (or keyboard) which you could play with headphones on?

For a really quiet and beautiful instument it has to be the Classical Guitar.

Recorder, violin or viola? Recorders don't carry as much sound-wise as the flute does. Violin and viola are similar to your other instruments in terms of volume, but you can get heavy metal practice mutes which block a lot of the sound out. You just need to make sure you play without the mute a couple of times a week because otherwise it can affect your technical development. I live in a shared house with poor soundproofing and am finding it a lot easier to get time for violin practice than for my other instruments, because I can mute my violin when there are other people in the house.

Alicia, I do love the guitar, but I have tiny hands and I find it very hard to reach the chords.

Not much cop at tuning either although I'm sure that comes with practice (might be better after the flute lesson come to think of it!)

Hi,
I've got a digital piano. I live in a mid terraced house so am surrounded- it's handy to have the volume control for keeping the noise down when I get over enthusiastic with the scales!

this is almost off topic.. but I misinterpreted stuck in A flat.. I thought you were on about the key of A flat

I live in a flat and have a digital piano and a recorder. I also have a 5 year old and am expecting twins - will be looking for a louder instrument to drown out the noise!!

Sorry to repeat the previous point, but I also read your thread title to mean 'Stuck in (the key of) A Flat' I was hoping to read an exploration of why that key in particular has created probelms for you....oh well, never mind! Give the violin a go, its not as disturbing for neighbours as you might think.

denmark

My partner and I live in a very small flat and as we are both musical we have to be very selective when we practise! I play flute and I only practise high notes during the day for no more than an hour at a time. I tend to play Baroque music in the evenings as it's slightly quieter I think. I also do silent practise of fingerings some evenings. If I'm going to be practising a lot for an exam or concert I go to the local music school or music studios.
Also my partner built a 'sound booth' in our living room which I practise in sometimes! It's basically a wooden cupboard padded with carpets and duvets etc...! It deadens the sound quite a lot.

My stepson is learning drums so we've just bought an electric drumkit for his Christmas present. It comes with headphones ....!

neighbours may be more accomodating than you realise!

Otherwise get a silent electric violin for practice or use heavy mute.