nirvanadrummer
Senior Member
iyo, whats the earliest you should play the drums?
well she... is not the nicest person and i dont think she would like me playing at all
You'll never know until you ask. Perhaps she will appreciate your forthright, mature approach to keeping peace and being considerate of others.
On the other hand, she may be a toolbag and tell you she'll call the cops if she even hears a pin drop.
I have faced both types of neighbors over the years. Here's the distillation of all my experiences:
1) Know your local laws/codes/ordinances. This should ALWAYS be your starting point. Do they have anything specific to say about when or what types of noise are acceptable? This is especially true if you are renting in an apartment or condo complex, or if you have a neighborhood association or covenant that has specific things to say. Make sure at the very minimum you stay inside all of these rules. That way, there's less likelihood of the neighbor(s) successfully using any type of authority intervention against you.
2) Be proactive and accommodating. Visit your neighbors, find out their routines (maybe they are at work at certain times of the day - game on!) and concerns, and be very clear on what times you would like to play and practice. If you are going to have band practice at your place, You may need to bring it up now. I always leave them a business card with my number on it and say, "I will have my phone next to the drums at all times; if I am playing and you need me to stop, please call me so we can discuss it."
3) Always keep in mind that no matter how good a drummer you may be, to non-drummers our instrument sounds like repetitive, unceasing, irritating noise when it's unaccompanied. Take steps on your side to minimize the impact of your playing in your neighborhood. I personally have a set of mesh heads and practice cymbals I have used in various places I have lived where it was not feasible to play at full volume. Other steps might include an electronic kit or relocating your drums to a dedicated rehearsal space, in extreme circumstances.
4) Pray for musician neighbors.
well she... is not the nicest person and i dont think she would like me playing at all