Pexels

There’s a reason that plenty of us non-musical folks are in awe of those who can play an instrument. Because there’s something truly incredible about being able to pick up an instrument and make beautiful music come out – it’s a skill that has stood the test of time, and from ancient bards to modern day rock bands, music has the power to move and inspire, to bring people together, and most importantly, to entertain.

And one of the most impressive things about skilled musicians? The amount of time they have dedicated to their craft, and the true passion that shows. Because you don’t get good at playing an instrument overnight – it takes time and patience, and years of practice.

But if you live with someone who is constantly practicing an instrument, you might end up with something of a love-hate relationship with it. Or, in the case of the student in this story, a hate-hate relationship.

Read on to find out why.

AITA for getting mad at my flatmate’s drumming?

I (21, female) moved into my uni house with two other people from my uni in September.

We are all musicians, and all religiously practice our instruments. All three of us play guitar and sing regularly, and that’s not a problem, but one flatmate plays drums.

And REALLY loud, while I’m at it. We’ll call him Rick.

Let’s see how Rick’s drumming is affecting his roommates.

Rick usually start playing at 11am, which wakes me up as I’m a night owl when it comes to my work and just general life.

Our neighbours downstairs constantly complain – they just had a newborn baby – and they text him, but sometimes he starts playing louder.

My problem is that we (I’ll call the other flatmate Sophie) recently fell out with him for a number of reasons.

Since then, he’s started slamming doors incredibly loudly, leaving his door open when he drums, and has started playing super super loud. I can hear the drums in my room like they’re right next to me.

But that’s not the only problem with Rick.

Rick has a massive temper so I’m scared to say anything to him, but it’s literally so jarring.

Sophie and I have about seven assignments due next week, and it’s super hard to concentrate when Rick’s drumming is all we can hear.

We are both annoyed at this and I’m super close to messaging him and asking him why he’s suddenly got super loud.

AITA?

Honestly, the drumming isn’t even the biggest issue here – Rick’s temper and attitude is.

Playing guitar is one thing, and even that might be bothersome, but loud drumming must be horrible to live with – not to mention awful for the couple with the new baby downstairs.

But the intimidation, spiteful, and even aggressive behaviour gives serious red flags.

Let’s see what folks on Reddit made of this.

This person agreed that Rick needed to be more respectful.

While others wondered whether moving away from Rick would be the safest option.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a resident who is not amused by new parking rules, so locks a lot gate to teach management a lesson.

However, this Redditor thought that playing drums at 11am shouldn’t really be a problem.

When you have such a noisy and disruptive instrument to practice, unless you have a soundproofed garage or area of your home to practice in, you either need to find ways to reduce the noise or find another environment to practice in. Because loud drumming – while an impressive skill – must be extremely unpleasant to live beside or beneath, to the point that it’s no wonder that Rick’s roommates and neighbours are getting frustrated.

But the bigger problem is his temper. If this has got to the point where his roommates are afraid to raise issues with him because they know that he could react in an unhinged or even dangerous way, then something has to change. Either Rick needs to change his behaviour, or he or his female roommates (ideally him) need to find someplace else to live, because it doesn’t sound like it’s safe for them there.