Soundproof Walls

What's the best way to create a small soundproof room?

My boyfriend rents a studio space in the basement level of an older commercial building. He gives classical guitar lessons, which isn't loud at all, but he wants to build some soundproofed practice rooms (there is a LOT of space in this studio!) so that he can bring in other teachers (piano, drums). Since he's in the lower level, sound traveling sideways isn't really a concern - it's the sound that will travel upward to the other tenants that we need to cushion. The ceiling isn't very high, and it's a drop ceiling. We're guessing that first we'll need to build some 2x4 frame walls. What are some good soundproofing techniques/materials?

Public Comments

1. Check the Owens-Corning web site. They sell soundproofing panels that can be used on exposed surface or as wall boards.
2. If you want cheap, go to your local stores, ask friends to save them, have your children and friends at school save them.......large flat egg cartons. I have personally done this many times. It takes time saving, cleaning, and attaching them, but you can do it for walls and ceilings. Don't use the plastic closeable ones, only the cardboard 12 x 12 square kinds. It will give you great acoustics as well.