Students at Suffolk University have the opportunity to join and participate in over 15 different student arts groups, with opportunities usually open in acapella groups like Soulfully Versed and The Ramifications or the school’s house band, The Common. While these opportunities are available, many students prefer to make music solitarily, opting to practice instruments within the walls of their dorm rooms. However, as with any activity in communal housing, there are obstacles.
Reese Buckley, a first-year English major and staff writer for The Suffolk Journal, worries about noise when she practices guitar in her room.
“I don’t want to be too loud because I feel like the walls are pretty thin and I’m scared of disrupting people,” explains Buckley.
Olivia Maaia, a fellow freshman and guitarist, struggles with feeling comfortable playing and practicing in front of her roommate.
“Sometimes I’ll go a little bit without playing if my roommate’s around a lot,” said Maaia.
While there are obstacles to playing in the dorms, student musicians have found Suffolk’s location and community inspiring to their art.
“You’re just surrounded by a lot of different types of people, and whether you follow them on Instagram or just see what they’re doing in person, I feel like I see a lot of art and that inspires me,” Buckley remarks.
Maaia concurs, “I think songwriting, while being in a new place and around new people, definitely helps bring new inspiration.”
Maaia also explains how songwriting has aided in channeling the stress of college life,
“It’s a good outlet for any racing thoughts or stress and anxiety that comes from being busy,” she said.
Though not well known throughout campus, Suffolk does offer a practice space for students to use. Sawyer 208 is equipped with two different pianos, amps and a drum kit with sticks for students to use free of charge. Students have to schedule a time slot beforehand by getting in touch with the Suffolk Performing Arts Office, and check in with an employee before they can use the space.
While this space is often used by Suffolk’s student groups, it’s underutilized by solo student musicians.
Buckley’s concerns about noise carry to the space. “I pass the room a lot, and I feel like I can always hear the band, which isn’t bad, but I would get self-conscious so I haven’t used it,” she said.
The size of the room is also a concern for Buckley, “I think it’s just such a big room, I would feel weird just playing alone in there.”
Maaia said she was satisfied with the space, “I actually just [used the room] yesterday for the first time because of the piano and keyboards in there. I’ve only used it once, but it was good.”
Buckley shared an interest in using the room in the future and said she will give it a try at some point.
Learning and practicing an instrument can be a challenging and daunting task, especially while balancing being a full-time student. The student practice room comes in handy, but it isn’t a perfect solution for everyone. Suffolk students are unique, creative individuals who make inspiring art wherever they can.
