Klarinet Archive - Posting 001305.txt from 1998/05

From: GTGallant <GTGallant@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Neighbor Problems, Was: Travelling and Playing
Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 22:58:47 -0400

In a message dated 98-05-26 11:34:12 EDT, you write:

<< We've already confronted him once, and he said he would alter his
music, but nothing has happened. What should my family do? If we talk to
the
landlord, we are afraid the neighbor will cmplain about my music, and I am
hardly distracting. In fact, other neighbors like when we have the windows
open so they can hear my music. Any suggestions on how to handle this
problem? Thanks!
Chris Hoffman >>

I have had problems with neighbors in the past, and presently, and can give
you a bit of advice. First, if you make noise - even reasonable volume levels
and hours - you must expect and/or accept racket from neighbors. There is and
must be a reasonable level of expectation regarding noise when living in a
condo or an apartment. You annoy him with the clarinet, he annoys you with
the stereo...deal with it. That said, there are many ways to handle this
problem. Your neighbors may tell you they like you'r playing, but I'm sure it
annoys them. Eventually, those who you thought were your allies and
supporters of the endless tooting , will turn on you. Try to make friends
with your neighbors, or if that doesn't work, snub 'em. If the situation gets
out of control (excessive noise at strange hours), you might have to consult
the landlord. That can be a double-edged sword. You may be labled as a
complainer by your landlord, and your neighbor(s) will likely become more
hostile towards you. I found the direct-neighbor approach to be the most
effective way of resolving such issues. Don't be a softie though, because
surely enough you will be taken advantage of.

I stopped being extremely nice and understanding - usually after adhering to
multiple "requests" from neighbors - because most took that as a sign of
weakness. If you give them an inch, guaranteed, they will soon make more
outlandish requests until you've completely lost your freedom. Another option
is that you could practice somewhere else (i.e. - a local university, church,
friends house, etc.). These are the problems faced by condo and apartment
dwellers... buying a house is the only solution.

To recapitulate the above, try living by these rules: Be nice, be firm yet
understanding, never back down and show fear, and if needed, scare the hell
out of them so they never bug you again (it has worked for me but this
approach does not work for everyone)!!! Good luck because you'll need it!

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