If you want to make music your career, you need the best home music studio equipment you can get. A lot of us can’t afford separate offices, so we have to use part of our living space.
That’s normal, and it can be a great way to save money. Then, you can spend some of that savings on the best tech in the business.
Before we get into the equipment, this post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy to learn more.
MacBook Pro
One of the best things to keep in your home music studio is a computer. I use and love my MacBook Pro. It’s easy to use and gives me access to tons of helpful music software, such as GarageBand.
Of course, you can also access the internet, which is great if you want to promote your music or upload your music to different platforms. And since it’s a laptop, you can use it in your studio and on the go.
I’ve used my Mac for recording audio, editing videos together, and running this very blog. It’s an amazing tool, and if you’re an Apple fan, the MacBook Pro is a fantastic choice for a computer.
iPad Pro
Many musicians are starting to move from paper to digital sheet music. The best way to do that is to get an iPad Pro. I use the 12.9-inch version, and it’s perfect for reading sheet music.
But you can download tons of other apps for music stuff. You can use GarageBand to record yourself. And you can even download apps for sheet music notation if you want to compose or arrange music.
If you don’t want a MacBook but need a laptop of sorts, you can even buy an external keyboard for your iPad. That way, you can use it like a laptop, but you can convert it to a tablet when you don’t need to type that much.
MIDI Keyboard
If you like composing or recording audio, I’d recommend a MIDI keyboard like the iRig Keys. You can connect the device to your computer or tablet, so you can easily work on audio or composition projects.
Using a physical keyboard can be easier than trying to use your computer keyboard or mouse. If you like to play music and record as you play, this type of keyboard is also useful.
I’ve played around with my MIDI keyboard a few times. While audio isn’t my primary thing, I think it could help audio engineers. You can even find smaller MIDI keyboards if you like to work on the go.
Music Stand
Of course, you should get a good music stand to keep in your home music studio. I use a Gearlux Music Stand, and I’ve had it for over five years. The stand has held up, and it’s very sturdy.
Since I use an iPad for sheet music, I love how this stand can hold the iPad. A lot of smaller, wire stands aren’t that useful. You can even collapse the legs and fold the stand up to take it on the go.
It’s a bit bulky for travel, but it works. And the vented holes keep the stand from being too heavy to move and carry.
Instrument Stand
Another essential when it comes to the best home music studio equipment is a good instrument stand. As a flute player, I use a Hercules Alto Flute Stand with flute and piccolo pegs.
The stand holds all three of my instruments. That makes it easy to switch between them as I practice. Of course, if you play other instruments, you’ll want to get a similar combo stand or a stand for each one.
Even if you only play one instrument, I’d recommend getting a stand. If you ever need a quick break to get water or use the restroom, you can safely rest your instrument somewhere.
Microphone
If you plan on recording yourself, you may want to get a microphone. I have a Blue Snowball, and I love how it connects to my computer with a USB cable. But I do have to use an adapter since it’s not USB-C.
I also have a smaller lapel mic which I can connect to my phone. It’s nice to use a mic when recording because your devices may not have the best built-in microphones.
Plus, you can find a lot of affordable options online. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars, especially if you won’t use the microphone all of the time.
Tripod
Along with audio recording, you may want to get into video recording. Then, you can upload videos of yourself playing your instrument to YouTube or social media.
I have and use a fotopro tripod. It collapses down for storage, but you can use it at different heights, which is nice. The tripod holds your phone, so you don’t need to spend a ton of money on a camera.
This one is also pretty affordable, and it comes with a Bluetooth remote. That way, you can take photos or videos of yourself more easily. And everything comes in a storage bag so that you can keep your belongings organized.
iPad Stand
If you use an iPad, you may want to get an iPad Stand. I bought a cheap one to use mostly for rehearsals and gigs outside of the house. However, you can also keep one on hand in your studio.
That’s a nice option if using a standard music stand would take up too much space. You can also use it as a second music stand if you ever work with another musician on duets.
The stand folds up to be quite small, and it also comes with a phone attachment. So if you want to record yourself, you could film with your phone while reading music from your iPad.
Lighting
Another good thing to have in your studio is good lighting. You may rely a lot on natural light, which can be the most flattering. But if you tend to film videos early or late in the day, consider getting artificial lighting.
That way, you can make your video footage look good. You can also get blackout curtains so that the natural light doesn’t affect your shot.
Depending on your studio, you may be able to use existing lighting. I primarily rely on the ceiling lights in mine. However, it never hurts to experiment with lighting to see what works for you.
Bookshelf
If you have a large library of print sheet music, you should get a bookshelf or something else to store your music. I have some shelves from IKEA, and they get the job done.
Keeping a bookshelf in your home music studio allows you to access all of your music quickly and easily. Even if you use an iPad, you never know when you may want to practice while your iPad is charging, for example.
You can also use a filing cabinet or something similar. Consider your personal organizational style. That way, you can buy the type of equipment you’ll want to use to organize and store your sheet music.
How to Organize Your Home Music Studio
Stocking up on the best home music studio equipment is one thing. But it’s a whole other beast to organize those items.
Consider the following tips to help set up your home studio.
Start With the Big Things
First, you want to make sure you’ll have room to store bigger items. That includes bookshelves, your desk, and any keyboards/pianos. You need to load those into the room first and find a place for everything.
Then, you can start to fill in the gaps with smaller items, like your music stand or instrument stand. If you do the reverse, you may have to spend more time rearranging all of your belongings.
Don’t Forget About Power
As you decide where to place your desk or even a digital keyboard, consider where the power outlets are. You want to make sure your desk and other electronics are close to a power source.
Sure, you can use extension cords, but those can get in the way. If possible, get as close to the outlet as you can for your desk. That way, you can easily power your computer or charge it if it’s a laptop.
Leave Room to Perform
If you’ll be using your studio for practicing, you need room to move around. I like to walk around, especially when playing stuff from memory. It helps keep me from getting too bored.
But even when using music, I like to not feel too close to the music stand. And if you teach lessons in person or work with other musicians, you’ll need even more room for the both of you.
Consider Your Comfort
You may be spending a lot of time in your home music studio. I’d recommend making room for something that makes you comfortable. For example, I have a nice big chair in the corner that I can sit in when I take breaks.
Or maybe you just need a nice desk chair that you can work in for hours. If you like to stand, consider getting a standing desk. No matter what, your comfort should come first when designing your studio.
Final Thoughts
Having the best home music studio equipment can make your life a lot easier. Be sure to invest in some of the items on this list to get started.
You can always swap out or buy more things later, so you don’t have to start with a ton of stuff. If you want to know about even more gear to buy, check out my favorite resources.
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