Sorry neighbors.....again.

[Garth E.]

It's summer and all the windows in the neighborhood are probably open to some extent. In the early 90's I was struggling with learning the bagpipes as I was training to play in a very good military band. I practiced many hours and sometimes got a few neighbors that stood outside to listen. I really didn't get proficient for several years. I can only imagine how horrible that must have been for the neighborhood through those learning years. Now I'm playing violin more and more. The other day I was talking to my immediate neighbor and I found out that she is a classically trained violinist and is very accomplished. Now I can't imagine how her ears must hurt, listening, as I scrape through these early days. I am very self conscious about this now, as I'am a really terrible player at this stage. I suppose an apology might help. I was thrilled to find out she's a talented violinist but sad in a way knowing that I will never be able to play anything that she would acknowledge as anything remotely musical. Has any one else gone through something like this...on any instrument?

Below second from the left. Winnipeg Legislature with the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band at Christmas early 90's. Maybe the neighbors wouldn't have minded so much then. Who knows.

 

[Rue]

You look familiar - St. John's High? 

[Garth E.]

1 hour ago, Rue said:

You look familiar - St. John's High? 

Nope...Tech Voc.

[Rue]

...took Home Ec there...

[Garth E.]

That's cool, what years?

[Rue]

Too old...forgot...

[Garth E.]

Ditto

[PhilipKT]

32 minutes ago, Rue said:

Too old...forgot...

Hahahaha”never ask a lady her age”

[Mark Norfleet]

1 hour ago, Rue said:

Too old...forgot...

[Garth E.]

14 hours ago, PhilipKT said:

Hahahaha”never ask a lady her age”

...or mention High School. Ha Ha.

[Nick Allen]

21 hours ago, Garth E. said:

It's summer and all the windows in the neighborhood are probably open to some extent. In the early 90's I was struggling with learning the bagpipes as I was training to play in a very good military band. I practiced many hours and sometimes got a few neighbors that stood outside to listen. I really didn't get proficient for several years. I can only imagine how horrible that must have been for the neighborhood through those learning years. Now I'm playing violin more and more. The other day I was talking to my immediate neighbor and I found out that she is a classically trained violinist and is very accomplished. Now I can't imagine how her ears must hurt, listening, as I scrape through these early days. I am very self conscious about this now, as I'am a really terrible player at this stage. I suppose an apology might help. I was thrilled to find out she's a talented violinist but sad in a way knowing that I will never be able to play anything that she would acknowledge as anything remotely musical. Has any one else gone through something like this...on any instrument?

Below second from the left. Winnipeg Legislature with the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band at Christmas early 90's. Maybe the neighbors wouldn't have minded so much then. Who knows.

 

If I'm being honest, she probably doesn't care what you're doing barring actual auditory nuisance. It's like when you go to the gym for the first time. People get self conscious, being beginner's, but in reality no one gives a $hit, but in a good way. 

[Garth E.]

33 minutes ago, Nick Allen said:

If I'm being honest, she probably doesn't care what you're doing barring actual auditory nuisance. It's like when you go to the gym for the first time. People get self conscious, being beginner's, but in reality no one gives a $hit, but in a good way. 

Well put. I think I know she would be encouraging. Maybe I'm being a little tongue in cheek as I understand what the learning curve can manifest internally. Actually her son is a drummer with a band that practices in her basement. I encourage them to turn up. I have no problem with "loud"....as long as there's no distortion.

[deans]

I think everyone has your experience. I always felt self conscious in the practice rooms at college, wondering if people were listening.

Keep in mind that your neighbor has seen it all, probably has heard thousands of beginners and was once one herself. Probably more understanding than anyone else.

[David Burgess]

19 hours ago, Rue said:

Too old...forgot...

If one claims to remember the 60's, they weren't there.

[PhilipKT]

34 minutes ago, David Burgess said:

If one claims to remember the 60's, they weren't there.

I was there, but I was single digits, so the coolest thing I remember is when Gilligans Island started broadcasting in color.

[Bill Yacey]

You might have a wonderful opportunity to improve your playing. Ask her if she might give you a few tips on bowing and intonation. She might be willing to help you out, - if only to reduce the stress factor on her part.

[Garth E.]

37 minutes ago, Bill Yacey said:

You might have a wonderful opportunity to improve your playing. Ask her if she might give you a few tips on bowing and intonation. She might be willing to help you out, - if only to reduce the stress factor on her part.

Excellent advice,  bowing and intonation would be a great suggestion to start. 

[_Alex]

On 7/4/2020 at 2:10 PM, Garth E. said:

It's summer and all the windows in the neighborhood are probably open to some extent. In the early 90's I was struggling with learning the bagpipes as I was training to play in a very good military band. I practiced many hours and sometimes got a few neighbors that stood outside to listen. I really didn't get proficient for several years. I can only imagine how horrible that must have been for the neighborhood through those learning years. Now I'm playing violin more and more. The other day I was talking to my immediate neighbor and I found out that she is a classically trained violinist and is very accomplished. Now I can't imagine how her ears must hurt, listening, as I scrape through these early days. I am very self conscious about this now, as I'am a really terrible player at this stage. I suppose an apology might help. I was thrilled to find out she's a talented violinist but sad in a way knowing that I will never be able to play anything that she would acknowledge as anything remotely musical. Has any one else gone through something like this...on any instrument?

Below second from the left. Winnipeg Legislature with the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band at Christmas early 90's. Maybe the neighbors wouldn't have minded so much then. Who knows.

 

We have a rowhouse with neighbors on both sides of the walls + I have kids & wife....all of whom do not want to hear me play the same passages badly over and over. My solution was to drop $600 on the Yamaha YEV 104.  It's a nice instrument and obviously very quiet so no neighbors are harmed by my playing. I can play late at night...no one cares. Be aware that they come with the bridge a bit too high (mine did at least) so you can 'adjust to your liking'. This means a few extra bucks spent bringing it down to a playable height, unless you are a do-it-yourselfer.