Irritating musical family

[CurtainWitcher]

Namechanged, as this is outing.

We moved into this house in Jan. A neighbour introduced herself and we clicked well as we have DC of a similar age.

I'm a Music examiner and teach at a local school (which her DC don't attend). She was very keen to let me know how musical her family are, even inviting me over to hear her children play their instruments.

The problem is that it's ramped up a notch during lockdown. Her DC have been entertaining the close (four houses) by playing their instruments in the street. She even joined them today (her DH is the only one who isn't involved, but she asks him to film it on his phone).

The thing is that this all seems to be very much aimed at me, and seeking my approval, which is uncomfortable and intrusive. DH is convinced that she encourages them to go out and play as soon as anyone steps out of our house. She's also sent me lots of videos of them, on Whatsapp. I always praise them, but it's getting ridiculous. Their playing is fine, but certainly not extraordinary.

WIBU to politely discourage their persistent performances?

Sorry I know it’s annoying but it’s also really funny

Just stop responding?

Wow. That sounds bonkers. Can you invest in some very obvious noise cancelling headphones?

oh dear haha this reminds me of that old sitcom "keeping up appearances" when Hyacinth always sang at her neighbour, in the hope that she'd get a part in his am dram group. Just be polite but distant when they start going on..say something vague like 'very nice, I must get on now'.

Sorry I had to laugh reminds me of the comedy keeping up appearances where she sings every time emmet leaves the house
I would just ignore her. If she sends messages don’t reply. If you talk face to face and she talks about music then change the subject constantly hopefully she will get the message
If not then being blunt is the only way!

Point out that they are not supposed to be wandering the street.

Ans stop commenting on the videos.

@gingganggooleywotsit great minds!

😂 brilliant.

I don't think you'd be unreasonable to politely discourage but I've no idea how you'd go about it.

It's making me think of Hyacinth Bucket and poor Emmet next door. Poor you, it sounds horrendous.

What do you mean they’re playing instruments in the street?

They’d get short shrift round here.

Do you live in a cul-de-sac?

What do they actually want you to do though? You out a give them all Diplomas? Surely they have their own teachers?

Haha everyone else has said the same thing while I was writing my reply!

Thanks. Yes, it's very like Keep Up Appearances. They rush out, singing, smiling at me.

I don't know what they expect, but she has asked me whether one of her DC would be able to audition for a music college. I said that I don't know. They're nowhere near the required standard, but I don't like to say that.

Today we had strings, electric keyboard, percussion and lots of singing. So noisy.

Amazing

I know a family like this. The launch in to song regularly but the most annoying this is the eye contact they make and maintain while singing, bring their face really close to yours like a very earnest west end singer

Excruciatingly awkward

You need to encourage them to aim higher! Think Marsh family and that Daddy-daughter duo in America.

Hopefully then they’ll be too busy to bother with you.

Yes, it's a very small cul-de-sac, so they stand in the street outside my house.

Yes, there's a lot of eye-contact and smiling, which is really intrusive.

Do they make you feel crotchet-ty OP?

I’m sorry but this is killing me😂😂😂

Sorry OP, but this is hilarious . Do your DC play instruments? Are they better than NDN's DC?

Relatives by any chance?

Just ignore them instead of praising them?

Seems like every other person is a community DJ, Karaoke star, singer,running round in a costume etc. Why dont they all f&&ck off and respect everyone's right to peaceable enjoyment of their home.

Good one, PragmaticWench.

A couple of days ago, she Whatsapped me "Gone Chopin, Bach soon" with some quaver emojis. Groan.

ClareVH, yes my DC do play instruments and yes have taken higher grades etc. I don't know if the neighbours really realise that though. I don't know.

Play heavy metal one afternoon... 🤣

Ah that's why then op, they feel threatened by your family's musical talents and are getting competitive. Bit sad really!