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Original poster

Is 8.30am acceptable time for piano practise?

117 replies

Minimimimi · 29/11/2020 09:05

We live in a semi and our piano is on the side of our neighbours (not by choice- but only place available due to position of heating et al)
Both my children plays the piano and I have always made sure that piano practise is during acceptable hours 6-7pm during term hours and after 10am weekends.

However- due to lockdown- my sons actual lessons are now at home, weekends 8-10am. (Normally we go to the teachers house at 8am)

I have done everything I can to delay touching the piano first thing and the first 30 minutes is spent on theory, thus the noise starts at 8.30am.

The children are grades 4 & 5 and they are actually playing the piano rather than piano bashing. Youngest is age 7 and still go to sleep very early. The piano teacher does not have any other slots.

Is 8.30am too early?
Does anyone know the legality of piano playing at such hours?
AIBU?

OP posts:
borageforager · 29/11/2020 10:02

@Minimimimi

The piano class is via zoom, no face contact.

The neighbours are definitely up by 8.30am- as I always see their washing out before 8, but do appreciate that it’s one thing being up, and another having to hear somebody play the piano. Apparently it’s because their kids are still asleep (10,15,19) because they sleep late. Whereas a year ago- we were told not to play late- as it’s too late. (Ironically it was 8.30 again, but pm)

They have complained for the first time since previous late hour episode a year ago (I suspect it’s due scales today- as prior weeks the kids had only been pieces.)

Oh, so your neighbours have objected to 8.30am lessons?
SueEllenMishke · 29/11/2020 10:02

Of course it's too early. This would piss me off big time.

borageforager · 29/11/2020 10:00

@Redburnett

I'm surprised so many people think it is too early. I think it is fine, and personally I would prioritise my DCs learning, enjoyment and well being over grumpy neighbours who might want a lie-in.
There are quite a lot of hours available in the day for piano playing though, but only a limited window for a lie-in...
Original poster
Minimimimi · 29/11/2020 10:00

The piano class is via zoom, no face contact.

The neighbours are definitely up by 8.30am- as I always see their washing out before 8, but do appreciate that it’s one thing being up, and another having to hear somebody play the piano. Apparently it’s because their kids are still asleep (10,15,19) because they sleep late. Whereas a year ago- we were told not to play late- as it’s too late. (Ironically it was 8.30 again, but pm)

They have complained for the first time since previous late hour episode a year ago (I suspect it’s due scales today- as prior weeks the kids had only been pieces.)

OP posts:
Clymene · 29/11/2020 10:00

No don't ask your neighbours. It's putting them on the spot. Just don't do it.

BecomeStronger · 29/11/2020 09:59

It depends who the neighbours are. Mine is out sweeping his drive at 6am every morning, so I don't think he'd be bothered. I'm up by 7am at weekends and my late sleeping teens sleep through anything so we wouldn't mind either, but generically, yes it's too early.

UsernameChat · 29/11/2020 09:58

You should check your local council website for details on what constitutes noise complaints and what time noise can start from.

Personally, I'd be really pissed off if someone started playing the piano at 8:30am every single weekend. I'd try and change your child's piano lesson, if I were you, or buy headphones (if they can be connected to your piano).

Lweji · 29/11/2020 09:56

Ask the neighbours.

And if the piano practice is a long term thing, regardless of hours, I think you should invest in noise reduction strategies. Be it with the piano itself, or on the adjoining wall at least.

Sometimesonly · 29/11/2020 09:56

I think it's fine. Better than my neighbours practising scales at 11pm. However, I don't know why people don't take this into consideration when they buy a piano. I live in a flat and I bought a piano with headphones as I want to be able to practise whenever I like (obviously wouldn't work for a lesson though).

housemdwaswrong · 29/11/2020 09:55

8.30 in a weekend is too early imo. I play piano and teach... but not at 8.30.

Itsokthanks · 29/11/2020 09:55

Ask your neighbors. I wouldn't really mind but it's quite early if they like a lie in.

dingledongle · 29/11/2020 09:53

Have you asked your neighbours?

Maybe they might be ok with it?

LadyPenelope68 · 29/11/2020 09:52

Way too early, I’d be very annoyed if I was your neighbour.

Clymene · 29/11/2020 09:51

Oh god I would hate this. I used to live next door but one to a family where the kid was quite proficient at the piano but scales are murder to hear and inevitably, struggles with a new piece always happen in the same place.

It's bad at any time of day but early in the morning on a weekend? Just no.

CeibaTree · 29/11/2020 09:51

I think the fact you are asking shows you know it's too early. During the week, fine - but weekend not fine!

CoronaIsWatching · 29/11/2020 09:49

Shouldn't be doing it at all if the neighbours can hear it, just get a keyboard with headphones.

OddBoots · 29/11/2020 09:49

It wouldn't bother us if a neighbour did this but each family is different - even if it is okay legally the reasonable way to behave is to ask first.

IDontDrinkTea · 29/11/2020 09:48

I wouldn’t mind, but then by 8:30 I’d have been up nearly 4 hours with a toddler who likes an early start 🥴

supadupapupascupa · 29/11/2020 09:48

Talk to the neighbours. Noise is most annoying when you don't know when it will stop. If they are aware of the timings it might not be an issue

AuntieStella · 29/11/2020 09:46

Also it could be a good time to introduce the use of the soft pedal and the concept of pianissimo

DrinkFeckArseGirls · 29/11/2020 09:45

It’s too early. We stopped the violin enseble classes at they were early Saturday morning on Zoom 🤷‍♀️

PawsAndPhytoncides · 29/11/2020 09:43

Another one saying to speak to neighbours to ask. Give them plenty of chance to say no.

Personally, I wouldn't mind on weekdays because I'm up and out the house walking the dog long before then. Especially if I knew it was a once a week lesson. But others might have different routines and preferences.

AuntieStella · 29/11/2020 09:42

You need to talk to the neighbours

How much can they hear and does it bother them if they can hear it?

Also, if you explain that it's temporary during lockdown/tier, and how long the playing will go on for, it'll be a lot easier for them to live with, because they'll know what to expect. If you make the explanation clutching a big tin of Quality Street for them, it'll ,are it even easier to to be reasonable

LilyLongJohn · 29/11/2020 09:41

Speak to your neighbours.

Sarahandco · 29/11/2020 09:40

Yes unfortunately if you live in a semi it is too early for a Sunday. Unless your neighbours are generally up doing diy at 8.30 - then it might be worth asking them if they mind?

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