What do I do about a lousy violinist in the neighbourhood?

Question

There's this amateur violinist around. I always hear him/her practising, and the trouble is, he/she is playing things which are way too difficult for him/her - as one answerer (mamianka) would put it, writing checks that his/her technique can't cash.

I never hear him/her practise slowly. The practising routine seems to be play through 10 times and call it 'practice'. A few days ago, I heard these horrendously out of tune 3rds, which sounded like they could be from the middle section of William Kroll's 'Banjo and Fiddle' - a showpiece for the violin.

Am I justified in screaming at him/her?

Answer 1

I kinda have the same problem my neighbor upstairs plays the harmonica at 6 o'clock am and then 5 times more each day... Hes old so I don't wanna hurt his feelings..

Answer 2

Technically, he needs a special violin teacher.

Bring him or her to just any old violin teacher will be a waste of time and money.

Best to bring him to a violin teacher who focuses strongly on technique and requirement of doing sufficient practice on especially hard works.

Answer 3

buy earplugs - LOTS OF THEM

and by the way ....everyone starts out as an amatuer...that is what practice is for ... to perfect your craft!  You may need a lesson in patience my friend.

Answer 4

Why do you listen to this person practice?

Answer 5

Purchase a set of drums and show him how horrible a drummer you can be while he is practicing.  That or get his autograph now because one day when he is a celebritiy musician you'll wish you had been his friend.

Answer 6

Well it's their choice on how they practice, even if they suck. seriosuly tho, call the cops on them if their being too noisy or suggest they get a sound proofer.

Answer 7

A lot of people have hobbies and no talent.  You have talent so don't judge him on that.  Why not befriend him and offer suggestions.  See if you can improve your neighborhood.

Answer 8

You tune it out and leave them alone.  Perhaps they're enjoying themselves, perhaps its a child working at something they're forced to practice.  Either way, its none of your business and to insert your negativity would be mean-spirited.  Not everyone can be Perlman.

Answer 9

yea  you can scream  then  when the kids father comes  and  cuts  your  rump  dont say anything

Answer 10

hope she/he gets better

Answer 11

Nothing worse than a bad violinist! Well maybe a barking dog! I can understand how annoying this would be, but as they say "practice makes perfect".  As for screaming, probably not a good idea!  If the practicing is not long,  I would just do something else while the screeching is going on - can you listen to an ipod?  It sounds like you have some music experience? If so, offer the fiddler some suggestions or some sheet music better suited to his/her abilities.

Answer 12

So I read in your bio that you are a musician yourself, and especially talented with string instruments and composing...

why don't you offer your services to the poor kid?!

One of the biggest problems that beginners have is not knowing HOW to practice.  Amateurs stay amateur because they know they need to practice, but they practice the wrong things and in the wrong manner!  They waste their time teaching themselves bad habits and re-enforcing them... often, nobody tells them that there is a more effective way, or that they can get better, faster!

Just approach the person... introduce yourself and give your credentials (much like you did in your bio)... offer to play a duet with the kid and try to mentor this person.  Who knows, maybe they do have talent, but you (and they!) haven't heard it yet.  And how would you feel if years from now, they became the next Evgueni Grach or Glenn Dicterow... and YOU had been their mentor?!

You have a very cool opportunity here- so don't yell (even though it IS definitely frustrating! lol)... just make it a good situation if you can!  If you try, and they reject you, I would say THEN you are justified in screaming obscenities at them! Haha!

Hope this helped... try and have some fun, huh? :)

Answer 13

break their violin

Answer 14

Get an instrument you don't play--and play right next to him/her.  That should do the trick.

//

\\  Golgothor

//

Answer 15

If you want results, then try encouraging the person.

Answer 16

There's nothing you can do, as long as this person isn't practicing too early in the morning or too late at night...then they would be "disturbing the peace."

If you have constructive criticism for this person, try to meet them.  I would advise you to start out really slow and easy, don't tell him/her how bad they are.  If you are able to help this person, offer to do so.

Answer 17

No need to move....if it bothers you that much you should just call or knock on their door and kindly tell them that its bothering you and if they could play a little softer or play in a place that the rest of the neighborhood cant hear it...........but just dont scream.

Answer 18

Why would u scream  at the person? that's rude

You got a problem with the person, go talk to them. Don't Scream!

If you did that to me,  I maybe would of  slap you.

Answer 19

You dont do anything just move!

Answer 20

borrow or rent a violin for a day knock on the door, play the instrument (assuming u dont know how to play) and say do u find that annoying? thats how u sound to the whole neighbourhood please find a new hobbie.

Answer 21

Nothing you can do, they are trying their hardest, if this was you you would not want someone moaning at you!