AITA For practicing my music at night?

A student juggling studies and work finds solace in music, but their late-night jam sessions spark a heated conflict with a disgruntled neighbor. Will their passion be silenced by the demands of shared living?

Let me start off by saying that I’m a very busy student combining my studies with a job to keep bread on my table, and my life is very hectic (don’t get a lot of free time). I live in a small apartment in the suburbs and my one true passion is music. Recently I picked up playing the ukulele along with the guitar and found it to be very relaxing and fun.

Trouble is, since I barely get any free time during the day, I usually stay up late to play games, relax, and practice my instruments. Usually this is around 10-11 PM.

Last week I got a call from my landlord saying my downstairs neighbor had complained to him several times about the noise at night coming from my apartment, and afterward the neighbor in question very angrily confronted me about it himself. He said he has to get up at 6 every morning and that he can’t stand my ruckus every night, and that if I would continue he would make sure I get kicked out of my apartment.

A couple nights later, I really wanted to practice a couple of songs I had the sheet music for, but I tried really hard to keep it down (keep in mind these are acoustic instruments, so no amplifier involved or anything + I don’t play any rock songs). I thought I was being really quiet, but promptly got another call from my neighbor basically yelling at me that I hadn’t learned anything and that I was a disrespectful brat.

AITA for wanting to follow my one real hobby and passion even if it pisses off my neighbor(s)?

P.S. Sorry if I made any grammar mistakes; not my native language, etc.

Here’s how people reacted:

Veritablefilings

YTA show some consideration.

charlespj

Might be an asshole right now, but you seem reasonable like you want to find a solution, i would say, weather permitting, go for a close walk away from other apartments and places people live and try practicing a little here and there. A uke is usually pretty small maybe you could get a case and carry it other places as well.

thiscouldbemassive

Yes you are the asshole. Your downstairs neighbor needs to sleep more than you need to play your instruments.

What’s more you are being really stupid. You are in serious danger of getting tossed out of your apartment, and that’s going to be a serious inconvenience for you.

If you want to continue with your passion, consider investing in an electric ukulele and listening through headphones.

mittomonai

Echoing what others said, invest in an electric uke or guitar and get a pocket amp + headphones, problem solved. Acoustic instruments are built to project without the need for amplification, an electric guitar will be much quieter – but you may still need to play extra soft if your neighbor has sensitive hearing, especially now that his ears have been primed to be annoyed by the sound of you practicing.

Unrelated, but it seems inaccurate to call this your “one true passion” since you just recently picked it up and do it mostly to relax. Annoying your neighbors to pursue your life’s passion, ok maaaaaybe. But ruining a man’s sleep for your hobby which you prioritize after school, work, and games – yes you’re the asshole, sorry.

If you really do feel like music is your life’s passion, ever thought of seriously going for it? I finished undergrad before I decided to do music professionally, because I knew I would regret it forever if I didn’t.

throwmeawaypoopy

Yes. 10pm+ is inconsiderate, especially if you’ve been asked. The fact you’re busy and that’s your only time is your problem, not your neighbor’s.

Timator

Your rights end where his start. He has the right to have a quiet sleep in the comfort of his home. If you are intruding on that, I’m sorry to say you are being the asshole here.

khaosknight69

Yes, Absolutely the asshole. Your neighbor shouldn’t be punished because of your busy schedule and you have no right to keep doing this, especially after multiple complaints.

Find somewhere else or some other time to play, it’s that simple.

Edit: Or buy an electric instrument with a headphone jack, or soundproof your room, or just stop being an entitled prick who repeatedly inconveniences others after multiple warnings.

Conclusion

The neighbor’s persistent complaints escalate, leading to a dramatic confrontation and threats of eviction. Can this student find a way to pursue their musical dreams without disrupting their neighbor’s peace, or is their sanctuary about to be taken away?