A viral post on Threads has ignited debate over neighborly boundaries after one user shared a letter they received complaining about noise from their violin practice.
The post, shared by @aarontglenn03, has drawn 1.2 million views since it was uploaded on January 26, prompting thousands to weigh in on how they would respond to such a note.
“I’ve seen this bouncing around social media. How would YOU respond if you received this letter??” the caption read, accompanying an image of the lengthy message.
The letter, addressed “Dear Neighbors,” opens by acknowledging the quality of the music while pointing out the disruption it causes. It said: “For the last several months, we’ve been listening to your violin practice that you conduct in the backyard of your apartment. The music is really lovely, but it’s also really loud and it goes on for a very long time.”
Noise concerns often rank among the most contentious neighbor disputes, alongside lawn disagreements, property damage, and boundary issues, according to a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Newsweek.
View on Threads
The letter in the viral Threads post goes on to explain that the buildings are situated extremely close to one another, noting: “Please consider that our apartment building is immediately adjacent to yours and the courtyard layout means that your neighbors (us) are living a very short distance from your music practice.”
The writer identifies themselves as a fellow artist—“I’m a writer, and I respect your art and the need to practice”—but asks whether the musician could set limits on outdoor playing. “Is there any way you could limit your playing time so that we don’t have to hear it when we’re working at home, or trying to listen to our own music or watch a movie? Especially on weekdays???”
They describe how the sound marks a stark change from previous years. “I’ve lived here for around 10 years and up until this past year, I never heard anyone from your building, even when they were hanging out briefly on the patio. This is a big adjustment.”
The letter ends with a request for alternatives. “Could you at least consider practicing inside if you have a long practice session? Have you thought about practicing/playing in the nearby park? Thank you,” the letter concludes.
‘I’d Be Mortified’
The viral post quickly sparked conversation among Threads users, many of whom felt the letter struck an unusually calm and considerate tone for a noise complaint.
User @davrutherford responded, “This is one of the most respectful letters I’ve seen. I’d comply.”
Others echoed that sentiment, including @howie_the_first, who wrote: “They asked politely. The world doesn’t revolve around her practice.”
Some highlighted the broader impact that repetitive practice sessions can have on those living nearby. “I’d stop practicing outside. This can’t be the only person being bothered,” said @gunner_mcgrath.
Another user, @mvalrie, pointed to the intensity of repetitive sound exposure, saying: “Imagine listening to someone play the same piece over and over and over for hours…This is actually a form of torture referred to as sensory overload.”
Many sympathized with both sides, noting that the musician may not have realized how far the sound traveled. “I think this is a very thoughtful and kind request. Personally I’d be mortified that my playing would be bothering someone enough for them to reach out and I would absolutely try and play inside or somewhere else more often,” wrote @betticboo.
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via Threads.
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