Features
Sounds good to us: Music rooms are becoming an increasingly popular amenity in New York City buildings
From Future New York
Music to Our Ears: NYC condos with practice rooms for singing, jamming, and playing instruments
By CityRealty Staff
Thursday, January 19, 2023
If learning to play a musical instrument was not among your New Year's resolutions, perhaps it ought to have been. According to a study by the University of Montreal, musical training can increase blood flow to the brain, improve long-term memory, integrate information from all senses, and reduce stress and anxiety. The benefits are most pronounced for those who got into music at a young age. However, as adults who spent lockdown learning to play an instrument with the help of an online instructor can attest, it's never too late to start.
It must be noted that music is not the easiest hobby or profession to pursue in New York City. Our close quarters and thin walls of many apartments mean the neighbors aren't likely to be appreciative of an instrument early in the morning or late at night — as a matter of fact, some buildings have rules prohibiting the playing of musical instruments at certain hours — and it's not easy to find a reasonably priced practice room with all the equipment one needs. So what is the aspiring musician to do?
One answer is to look for an apartment in a building with a practice room among the amenities. As one would expect, this feature is relatively rare but a large concentration of such buildings can be found around Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side. However, as families increasingly see the benefits of musical training and education, apartment builders have begun to incorporate musically-attuned spaces into their developments.
2688 Broadway
Design by Hill West Architects
17 available listings from $1,175,000
The Rockwell (Toll Brothers Real Estate)
2023 opened with sales launching at The Rockwell, a gracious new condominium named after American artist Norman Rockwell, who was born on the same block. All apartments feature soaring ceilings, oversized windows, gracious entry foyers, kitchens with custom Poliform cabinetry and integrated appliances, and primary suites with generous closet space and luxe baths.
Upon arriving at The Rockwell, an exquisite attended lobby sets the tone for the rest of the amenities. These include a music room, a screening room, a fitness center, a lounge, a dining room with a catering kitchen, and a roof terrace.
Upon arriving at The Rockwell, an exquisite attended lobby sets the tone for the rest of the amenities. These include a music room, a screening room, a fitness center, a lounge, a dining room with a catering kitchen, and a roof terrace.
100 Claremont Avenue
Design by Robert A.M. Stern Architects | Amenity interiors by CetraRuddy Architects
17 available listings from $1,255,000
Claremont Hall has risen high enough to usurp the nearby Vandewater as the tallest building in Morningside Heights. However, the Collegiate Gothic-style aesthetic and base-level stonework designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects allow it to blend seamlessly with the buildings around it. Select apartments have private outdoor space, and all units feature high ceilings, oversized windows, sweeping views, European white oak flooring, and state-of-the-art open kitchens.
Claremont Hall is situated in the heart of Union Theological Seminary's campus and in close proximity to Columbia University, Barnard College, and Manhattan School of Music. Residents who have long since graduated, though, enjoy access to the Rehearsal Hall, a soundproofed music room in the building. Additional amenities include a walnut-paneled library, a grand dining room, a children's playroom, a creative maker's room, a residents' lounge with terrace, a fitness center, and a former dining hall repurposed into an indoor pool.
Claremont Hall is situated in the heart of Union Theological Seminary's campus and in close proximity to Columbia University, Barnard College, and Manhattan School of Music. Residents who have long since graduated, though, enjoy access to the Rehearsal Hall, a soundproofed music room in the building. Additional amenities include a walnut-paneled library, a grand dining room, a children's playroom, a creative maker's room, a residents' lounge with terrace, a fitness center, and a former dining hall repurposed into an indoor pool.
Design by COOKFOX
7 available listings from $5,975,000
378 West End Avenue (Compass)
In the West End-Collegiate Historic District, a Schwartz & Gross-designed prewar building has been artfully combined with a new tower to create 378 West End Avenue, a context-sensitive new condominium underscored by advanced air and water filtering systems. All units feature gracious proportions, kitchens by Christopher Peacock, and ultra-luxe primary suites. Select homes have private outdoor space.
All common areas in the building feature copper alloy door handles, a material that has been shown to kill germs on contact. These include a fitness center with copper-handle equipment, a half-basketball court, a squash court, an indoor saltwater pool, a reading room, a club room with billiards table, and a music room with recording studio.
All common areas in the building feature copper alloy door handles, a material that has been shown to kill germs on contact. These include a fitness center with copper-handle equipment, a half-basketball court, a squash court, an indoor saltwater pool, a reading room, a club room with billiards table, and a music room with recording studio.
250 West 96th Street
Design by Thomas Juul-Hansen
12 available listings from $1,395,000
96 + Broadway (Compass)
On the corner of West 96th Street and Broadway, a new condominium has transformed the streetscape with its limestone facade, loft-like windows, and staggered terraces. All apartments feature open-plan living rooms, extra-wide European white oak flooring, kitchens with Italian-crafted cabinetry and Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and primary baths with heated herringbone-patterned floors and Waterworks fittings.
96 + Broadway brings similar attention to detail to the residential amenities. An acoustically-sound music room comes equipped with a baby grand piano, keyboard, guitars, and drum set. Additional offerings include an indoor saltwater pool, a spa suite, a fitness center with Pilates room, a regulation squash court with basketball hoop, a children's playroom, an entertainment lounge, a sunken terrace at basement level, and a rooftop terrace.
96 + Broadway brings similar attention to detail to the residential amenities. An acoustically-sound music room comes equipped with a baby grand piano, keyboard, guitars, and drum set. Additional offerings include an indoor saltwater pool, a spa suite, a fitness center with Pilates room, a regulation squash court with basketball hoop, a children's playroom, an entertainment lounge, a sunken terrace at basement level, and a rooftop terrace.
251 West 91st Street
Design by ODA Architects
11 available listings from $2,725,000
The Westly (Serhant LLC)
On a stretch of Broadway that has seen an uptick in new residential development, The Westly stands out for its creative massing and cantilever. The shape of the building allows for no more than four well-proportioned units per floor, all of which feature high ceilings, oversized windows, kitchens with Gaggenau appliances and custom Italian cabinetry, and custom doors and moldings throughout.
The Westly's architecture also allows for a spacious roof deck with an outdoor pool - de rigueur for some neighborhoods, but a rarity on the Upper West Side. An indoor, second-floor amenity suite includes a fitness center and yoga studio, a resident lounge, a children’s playroom, a game room, and a soundproof music room with drums, a keyboard, a guitar, and amp equipment.
The Westly's architecture also allows for a spacious roof deck with an outdoor pool - de rigueur for some neighborhoods, but a rarity on the Upper West Side. An indoor, second-floor amenity suite includes a fitness center and yoga studio, a resident lounge, a children’s playroom, a game room, and a soundproof music room with drums, a keyboard, a guitar, and amp equipment.
Design by DDG with HTO Architect
8 available listings from $3,585,000
Exterior of 180 East 88th Street (Michael Yong)
View southwest towards Midtown and Central Park
Situated at the crossroads of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, 180 East 88th Street brings to market 47 graciously-proportioned residences ranging from lofts to five-bedroom homes. Inspired by pre-war stylings of yesteryear, the custom-designed homes feature soaring ceiling heights, formal entry galleries, and nine-foot windows framing incredible views of the New York skyline and Central Park. The building's eight floors of amenities include a fitness studio, double-height basketball court, soccer pitch, children's playroom, game room, and a residents lounge with a catering kitchen. Additionally, wine storage, residential storage, and bike storage are available for purchase.
Not only does 180 East 88th Street have in-house rehearsal and performance space among the residential amenities, but the building has gone one step further by hosting a programming initiative run by the acclaimed 92Y nearby. Cultural programming and art classes directed by the 92Y will be held in a fully-equipped ground-floor studio space in the building. In a statement, developer Joe McMillan of DDG said, "We couldn’t be prouder to welcome this cherished institution into our space and support 92Y in its mission of providing arts, culture, and educational programming to residents of this community.”
Not only does 180 East 88th Street have in-house rehearsal and performance space among the residential amenities, but the building has gone one step further by hosting a programming initiative run by the acclaimed 92Y nearby. Cultural programming and art classes directed by the 92Y will be held in a fully-equipped ground-floor studio space in the building. In a statement, developer Joe McMillan of DDG said, "We couldn’t be prouder to welcome this cherished institution into our space and support 92Y in its mission of providing arts, culture, and educational programming to residents of this community.”
Arched entrance of the new studio space at 180 East 88th Street (Photography credit: Michael Young )
2150 Broadway
Design by SLCE Architects | Interiors by Deborah Berke Partners
3 available listings from $3,495,000
All images of The Laureate via dbox
In the heart of the Upper West Side, the Laureate masterfully combines classic architecture with contemporary finishes. Its granite and limestone base, warm palette, and inset Juliet balconies make this relatively new addition appear that it has been there for several decades. Oversized windows fill each apartment with light, and interior features include sprawling dining and living areas, custom eat-in kitchens, and spa-like baths.
This doorman building may have been designed in tribute to prewar living, but it houses all the amenities the modern buyer has come to expect and enjoy. These include 24-hour concierge service, a fitness center, a music room, a children's playroom, a lounge, and landscaped private terraces.
This doorman building may have been designed in tribute to prewar living, but it houses all the amenities the modern buyer has come to expect and enjoy. These include 24-hour concierge service, a fitness center, a music room, a children's playroom, a lounge, and landscaped private terraces.
Music room
50 Bridge Park Drive
Design by ODA New York | Interiors by Marmol Radziner
13 available listings from $2,000,000
All images of Quay Tower via SERHANT
Living room
Children's playroom
Every residence at Quay Tower boasts warm natural materials, soaring ceilings, custom chef's kitchens, in-unit washer/dryers, and marble master baths with radiant heated floors. But the best feature in every home is undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling windows, or rather the sweeping views of Downtown Brooklyn, the Manhattan skyline, and the East River seen through them.
Residential amenities were also designed to make the most of the building's prime Brooklyn location and gorgeous views while providing everything the buyer could need or want. A 1,500-square-foot playroom is thoughtfully designed to inspire children's imaginations, and the music room next door offers concerts and lessons in partnership with the Brooklyn Music School. Additional offerings include indoor/outdoor roof decks, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a pet wash station, and a double-height attended lobby with walnut paneling and a marble-clad fireplace.
Residential amenities were also designed to make the most of the building's prime Brooklyn location and gorgeous views while providing everything the buyer could need or want. A 1,500-square-foot playroom is thoughtfully designed to inspire children's imaginations, and the music room next door offers concerts and lessons in partnership with the Brooklyn Music School. Additional offerings include indoor/outdoor roof decks, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a pet wash station, and a double-height attended lobby with walnut paneling and a marble-clad fireplace.
212 West 95th Street
Design and interiors by CetraRuddy
1 available listing for $4,500,000
All images of Dahlia via Reuveni Real Estate
Living/dining area
Music room
The Manhattan Valley area of the Upper West Side has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades, and Dahlia would seem to encapsulate that in one building: The site was once home to a troubled SRO, but that is an especially distant memory in light of the sophisticated new condominium that has risen in its place. It is well located between Central Park and Riverside Park, but a 5,100-square-foot private landscaped terrace offers an outdoor oasis all its own with lounge areas and a children's play area.
Dahlia's generously proportioned units boast incredible natural light, soaring ceilings, smart home technology, sleek chef's kitchens, and luxe master suites with walk-in closets and baths with high-end fixtures. Select units have private terraces, and all residents have access to a music room, a fitness center and yoga studio, a lounge, a game room, a pet spa, and a children's playroom.
Dahlia's generously proportioned units boast incredible natural light, soaring ceilings, smart home technology, sleek chef's kitchens, and luxe master suites with walk-in closets and baths with high-end fixtures. Select units have private terraces, and all residents have access to a music room, a fitness center and yoga studio, a lounge, a game room, a pet spa, and a children's playroom.
Design by Rafael Vinoly | Interiors by Jeffrey Beers International
8 available listings from $1,825,000
277 Fifth Avenue via DBOX
277 Fifth Avenue has risen to become one of its most highly coveted residences in NoMad. The tallest residential tower on Fifth Avenue, the building's thoughtful design allowed the interiors to be column-free so as to make the most of views of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Madison Square Park, the Hudson River, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Interiors feature soaring ceilings, magnificent proportions, high-end custom kitchens, generous closet space, and luxe marble baths.
Residential amenities include a fitness center with a separate yoga studio, an entertaining suite with games lounge and pantry, an outdoor terrace, and a partnership with experiential concierge company LIVunLtd. And between the brightly colored playroom, PreSchool of Rock experience, and Songs for Seeds music class, the youngest residents are not forgotten.
Residential amenities include a fitness center with a separate yoga studio, an entertaining suite with games lounge and pantry, an outdoor terrace, and a partnership with experiential concierge company LIVunLtd. And between the brightly colored playroom, PreSchool of Rock experience, and Songs for Seeds music class, the youngest residents are not forgotten.
250 West 81st Street
Design by Robert A.M. Stern
1 available listings for $6,250,000
All images of Two Fifty West 81st via Alchemy Properties
From the classic limestone facade to the luxurious fixtures in the baths, no detail was overlooked at the Robert A.M. Stern-designed Two Fifty West 81st. The decorative window openings fill each home with abundant natural light, and interiors feature gracious foyers, elevated ceilings, custom Smallbone of Devizes kitchens, and lovely hardwood floors. Some lucky residents have private terraces with open city views.
The spirit of no detail being overlooked applies to the residential amenities as well. The music room and recording studio is outfitted with a mixing board, sound booth, and a selection of top-of-the-line instruments. The "imagination forest" in the playroom can't help but inspire a child. Fitness offerings include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a multi-purpose sports court, and a golf simulator room.
The spirit of no detail being overlooked applies to the residential amenities as well. The music room and recording studio is outfitted with a mixing board, sound booth, and a selection of top-of-the-line instruments. The "imagination forest" in the playroom can't help but inspire a child. Fitness offerings include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a multi-purpose sports court, and a golf simulator room.
Music practice room and studio
200 East 95th Street
Design by Beyer Blinder Belle | Interiors by Alexandra Champalimaud
5 available listings from $5,500,000
All images of The Kent via Extell
Several buildings in New York can count rock stars among their residents, but The Kent has the distinction of having one on its design team. Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz's Kravitz Design created a sound lounge inspired by his own recording studios and outfitted with a performance space and stage, a dance floor, a state-of-the-art audiovisual system, a piano, a drum set, and an amplifier. Linear wood paneling on the ceiling and stage make for an aesthetically pleasing design choice that has soundproofing benefits.
The gracious two- through five-bedroom apartments boast grand entrance galleries, expansive floor plates, and state-of-the-art eat-in kitchens. Additional amenities include a fitness center with locker rooms and saunas, a 55' heated indoor pool, indoor and outdoor children's play areas, a landscaped courtyard, and a lounge with a fireplace, billiards table, and catering kitchen.
The gracious two- through five-bedroom apartments boast grand entrance galleries, expansive floor plates, and state-of-the-art eat-in kitchens. Additional amenities include a fitness center with locker rooms and saunas, a 55' heated indoor pool, indoor and outdoor children's play areas, a landscaped courtyard, and a lounge with a fireplace, billiards table, and catering kitchen.
Sound lounge
Design by Elkus Manfredi | Interiors by CetraRuddy
18 available listings from $2,995,000
All images of 200 Amsterdam Avenue via Binyan Studios
New Yorkers are known for their perseverance, and 200 Amsterdam Avenue would seem to embody that spirit. The towering new building was met with seemingly endless opposition from local activists and preservationists, but courts kept ruling it in its favor and allowed it to reach its full height and launch sales. The glittering glass facade fills every home with natural light and far-reaching views, and additional features include spacious open-plan layouts, contemporary kitchens, and luxe marble baths.
200 Amsterdam Avenue's close proximity to Lincoln Center inspired many of its amenities. Residents of all ages have access to a professional-grade, soundproof rehearsal room. The children's playroom is decorated in a musical motif and known as the Little Composers room. Adult buyers also receive a complimentary one-year membership to Lincoln Center that includes presale access, free festival tickets, and the chance to arrange backstage access and special events through the building's concierge.
200 Amsterdam Avenue's close proximity to Lincoln Center inspired many of its amenities. Residents of all ages have access to a professional-grade, soundproof rehearsal room. The children's playroom is decorated in a musical motif and known as the Little Composers room. Adult buyers also receive a complimentary one-year membership to Lincoln Center that includes presale access, free festival tickets, and the chance to arrange backstage access and special events through the building's concierge.
Little Composers room
Design by Fischer + Makooi Architects | Interiors by Meshberg Group
9 available listings from $1,095,000
All images of 575 Fourth Avenue via Douglas Elliman
575 Fourth Avenue has recently opened its doors to its first residents. All units offer individually crafted layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, multi-zone heating and cooling, generous closet space, open-plan kitchens with high-end appliances, and well-outfitted baths.
An increasing number of artistic individuals has started to make Brooklyn their home, and 575 Fourth Avenue is prepared to welcome them with its suite of amenities. A music room offers professional-grade equipment, acoustic soundproof walls and ceilings, a drum set, piano, guitars, microphones, and a recording platform. Elsewhere in the building, a lounge with co-working space is a natural "third place" for writers, artists, and other freelance workers in creative industries.
An increasing number of artistic individuals has started to make Brooklyn their home, and 575 Fourth Avenue is prepared to welcome them with its suite of amenities. A music room offers professional-grade equipment, acoustic soundproof walls and ceilings, a drum set, piano, guitars, microphones, and a recording platform. Elsewhere in the building, a lounge with co-working space is a natural "third place" for writers, artists, and other freelance workers in creative industries.
Music room
Design by Richard Meier, Kohn Pedersen Fox, and Rafael Vinoly | Interiors by Champalimaud Design, Yabu Pushelberg, and Groves
4 available listings from $2,595,000
All renderings of Waterline Square via Noe & Associates with The Boundary
Closings have commenced at Waterline Square, the magnificent new waterfront development where Midtown West meets the Upper West Side. Its offerings include a new park, the first-ever Cipriani food hall, a new Empellon outpost, and hundreds of new rental units and condos alike in three starchitect-designed buildings. All units enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows, soaring ceilings, in-unit washer/dryers, generous closet space, and state-of-the-art kitchens.
Each building has its own luxurious indoor and outdoor amenities, and all buildings are connected by The Waterline Club, an amenity suite measuring over 100,000 square feet and offering sports courts, programs, and areas to cater to seemingly every hobby and interest. This includes a music room with a baby grand piano, electric guitar, drum set, and recording studio with sound mixing and production equipment.
Each building has its own luxurious indoor and outdoor amenities, and all buildings are connected by The Waterline Club, an amenity suite measuring over 100,000 square feet and offering sports courts, programs, and areas to cater to seemingly every hobby and interest. This includes a music room with a baby grand piano, electric guitar, drum set, and recording studio with sound mixing and production equipment.
Music room
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