Feeling really depressed. I recently moved flat because I felt I'd stand a much better chance of getting violin pupils if I was more centrally located and my new flat is near a more affluent area. Unfortunately my next door neighbour keeps playing music really loudly. I called the noise warden two nights ago and I called them again today although by the time they called back the noise had stopped. Then out of nowhere this guy started swearing really loudly and I could hear him audibly through the wall. I'm really worred this could cost me violin pupils - who's going to want to have lessons in a flat where there's loud music and swearing?

I genuinely don't know what to do about this - either I put up with it and hope any potential pupils do as well, or I consider travelling out to teach instead of teaching in my flat (would prefer not to because of the time spent travelling, especially as I don't drive) or I could swap my living room and bedroom around so that the room I use for teaching isn't next to the noise (but my bedroom is)...

Anyone else had similar experiences of this?

Is the loud music etc very often or just occasional? Has it been going on for long?
Very sad news.

Over the last week and a bit they've been playing loud music on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Thursday (when I first called the noise warden) and Saturday. Additionally, after the people from the council turned up on Thursday and told them to turn it down they turned the music up again 45 minututes later. I could go and speak to them but I'm nervous about that in case they get nasty. The alternative is I keep calling the noise warden and hope it gets sorted eventually

Make sure you keep a diary of times, duration etc.

DIfficult - I hope you manage to get it sorted satisfactorily.

As a thought ....as much as you don't want to chat to them people are usually nice about things like this. It might be better to chat to them than they find out that you keep calling the noise police - that might just make things worse, especially if they are only renting. It will take a very long time to get anything done via the warden route. It might take 10 minutes if you knock on there door. Perhaps with a 'hello, I have just moved in' kind of opener.

We lived next door to a social club and it was a nightmare, so I really know how you feel. Good luck.

Yes, I can see your point about talking to them rather than repeatedly calling the wardens. I suppose the reason I'm nervous about it is they're chavvy (neds as we call them in Scotland). I'll keep note of how things go and see if I can work up the courage to talk to them...

Chavs in an affluent area....tsk, they get everywhere!

I guess you've also got to be careful that they don't suddenly start complaining about your lessons and the noise from them just to be spiteful

This is a really good point. I think that having a quick chat to them should sort it out. Most people are pretty reasonable. It might be a son/daughter that is causing the noise without the parents knowing.

It is very difficult, and understandably so. You could try the knocking at the door and speaking to them first --- at least then they cannot say you have not been direct or spoken with them first - perhaps. Then if they continue, sometimes it soon ends as they get bored!! Yes, i would keep a note. Also -- if it does continue after seeing them ---- might be worth while getting some "good" advice (if it comes to this!). The citizens advice bureaux -- perhaps, or ask the warden's advice first. Hope that helps.

hopes that helps

____ whoops sorry posting went wrong!

One person's music is another's noise especially if they work shifts of have hyperactive kids/suffer migraines etc.

When you can catch this neighbour in a reasonable mood aka not blasting music through your walls or being mouthy towards you, then try to have a reasonable conversation and come to an understanding/accommodation.

My other concern is the immediate assumption is that this behaviour makes them a chav. Have you considered that they may be ill? Mental Illness affects up to 1 in 4 of the general population. It does not mean these people a mad, bad or evil, and neither does it mean they are chavs. What it does mean is that the healthy members of the population need to stop being so blinkered and prejudicial and start being grateful for what they have. They need to realise that maybe living next door to someone with e.g PTSD as a result of working in the armed forces is not the best environment to set up a business as a Violin Teacher and that their neighbour has needs too.

Until you find out why this person is behaving like this please don't judge, and yes you may have to teach elsewhere particularly in flats where noise does travel.

I like Tassimo's reply.



Here here!
Is there a geographical relationship with mental illness i wounder?

Is there something Freudian about your type Delicato?


I wound-er in relationship with Mental Illness amused me.

I don't know. Flats and noise can exacerbate problems. There are greater problems in cities. However this does not mean there are not problems in the rural communities.

It is just as a mental health service user I am very aware of the problems and range of conditions, the stigmas attached even when the patient is sane just ill and how misunderstood things are.

What type am i?
Amusing i know.

I meant typo. Your reaction is a bit disordered but I don't know which one. Given how quickly you replied very narcissistic! - you lover of attention you (she jests!)