The Residence Hall Rules and Regulations prohibit residents from playing musical instruments in their rooms. Unfortunately playing musical instruments anywhere in a residence hall or residential college disturbs others' ability to study or sleep. Residents who wish to practice their musical instruments have several options.

Residents that are not Music majors, but are enrolled in performance courses in the School of Music, may come to the School of Music's Office of the Associate Dean for Administration and Finance to arrange access to the school's Music Practice Building (also known as the Beehive). The practice building is located at 1820 Sherman on the south campus adjacent to the Music Administration Building (711 Elgin Road). Practice room access is given to non-major students enrolled in music performance classes (non-major lessons or ensembles). Students interested in enrolling in non-major lessons or ensembles may contact the Office of Student Affairs in the School of Music at 847-491-3818 for information.

Several residence halls or colleges have practice rooms available in their building for resident use only. Currently only the following residential colleges or special interest housing areas have designated practice rooms: Jones Fine and Performing Arts Residential College, Shepard Residential College, Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority, and Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity. Foster Walker residence hall also has a practice room for residents.

Finally, many residence halls and residential colleges provide a piano for resident use in a main lounge. Typically prohibited use hours are posted near the piano. Consult your Area Coordinator or Community Assistant if you have any questions regarding when the piano may be used. All eleven Residential Colleges and the following residence halls provide pianos for their residents: 1835 Hinman, Allison, Bobb-McCulloch, Elder, Foster-Walker, Rogers
House, Sargent, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Phi Mu Alpha.