European dwellings & the tuba player

[Donn]

Just admiring the scenic old cities of Europe, it occurred to me that much less of the residential housing stock is detached houses like the one I live in. So people who play band instruments like tuba, must often live in housing separated only by walls, where it must be hard to practice without intruding somewhat on the neighbors?

Of course the US has its share of apartments & condos, and musicians living therein, but since it's easier for a band instrument player to end up in a detached house (granted that this is relative, with median house price in my city currently at $750K), I suppose the expectations in an apartment would be a little different.

[bort]

My take: when living in close quarters, especially those old crowded European cities where people are stacked on top of each other, there are plenty of other sounds that can be heard as well... normal talking, arguments, vacuum cleaners, dogs barking, children playing, babies crying, making babies ... and of course all of the actual city sounds like cars, sirens, motor scooters (those things are loud!), trains, planes, etc.

Perhaps the sounds of a musician practicing are a welcome distraction from the usual city noises, or just blend right in with the rest of the noise?

I've never lived in a detached house, and have never heard anyone complain about my practicing.

[royjohn]

I live in the US, but older European cities would be mostly stone and masonry construction, where sound would not travel through walls at all, so tuba practice would be heard through open windows and doors, but might be much less objectionable than hearing it through an apartment stud wall, sometimes with no insulation at all. Just saying...interested to hear from folks that live in European cities.

[timothy42b]

I lived in Germany for five years. I was lucky enough to have a detached house on a corner, with the typical masonry construction, walls about a foot thick, etc. It was a small farm village in wine country in Bavaria. (which the locals called Franconia, Bavarians having a bit of a negative connotation there)

A couple things to remember: European countries often have legally enforceable "quiet hours." At least in my area people tended to be early to bed. I did my practicing early in the morning, technically illegally, but I hoped given my location not to offend. You do not want Polizei knocking on your door. (as many Americans found out when they mowed the lawn or barbecued at the wrong time)

Second, air conditioning is unknown in anything but a commercial space in an industrial area. I'm sure there was not a single air conditioner in my town, even in municipal offices. So in hot weather windows are open. (they also aren't keen on window screens, so you get flies)

I didn't think my playing was noticeable, but apparently I was wrong. One summer morning at 0430, the town met under my window, assembled their special occasions band, and played one march, then departed. Message received.

[royjohn]

timothy42b wrote:

I didn't think my playing was noticeable, but apparently I was wrong. One summer morning at 0430, the town met under my window, assembled their special occasions band, and played one march, then departed. Message received.

While perhaps it wasn't fun when it happened, that's a great story now...but inquiring minds want to know...what did you do after that?

[spirtuba]

Here in Switzerland most people live in flats. You get house rules with your keys and in most if not all of them is a passus about musical instruments (mostly one hour on week days between 8-11am and 1-5pm, no weekend practice at all). So, basically, you are only allowed to play an instrument when you are away at work. Most people playing an instrument play with practice mutes or try to rent a place where they can practice, which is very difficult to find. I was lucky and found a place where I can practice about four times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. I also have a practice mute of course...

Regarding thick walls, the sound of a tuba can basically go anywhere because of the long waves it produces. I also tried to use a practice cabin and had to give it up, neighbours were complaining. I also think it's getting worse, since less people play instruments themselves they tend to have less tolerance for people who do and need to practice, but maybe I'm wrong here.