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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

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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:

saraclara · 29/11/2020 09:40

Hang on...

The piano teacher comes to you? What's the difference, Covid-wise, between your kids going to the teacher and the teacher coming to you?

Or is this a zoom lesson?

Redburnett · 29/11/2020 09:38

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.

SusannaSpider · 29/11/2020 09:38

DD practices before school, so about 7-45. We are in an end terrace, but the piano is in an extension outside of the thick outside walls, so not on a shared wall. But you can hear her playing from the garden. I've never given it a thought, but then I have to listen to the neighbour's nasty, yappy, little dog. I think the neighbours get the better deal.

highlandteajenny · 29/11/2020 09:37

I think it will depend on your neighbours routine. I'm up by 6.30am most days (oh the joys of having an 18 month old who doesn't yet understand the idea of a weekend lie in ) so wouldn't bat an eye at music at 8.30.

saraclara · 29/11/2020 09:36

Gut reaction is that it's too early, especially as it's on an adjoining wall.

But obviously asking your neighbours is the way to go (while making it clear that it's absolutely okay for them to be honest). If they know it's just for lockdown and they're up and about by then, they might be okay with it.

Personally I'd hate someone having a piano on the wall adjoining mine. It's an awful thing to do to a neighbour. And I'm a pianist.

Have you considered a Clavinova or similar?

maddy68 · 29/11/2020 09:35

Definitely too early

lemonsquashie · 29/11/2020 09:33

I have a 3 year old and 8/30am is the middle of the day to me. Depends on their circumstances

Equimum · 29/11/2020 09:32

I would speak to your neighbours.

Our neighbour is a piano teacher and he immediately called round when we moved in. He explained his job and that he teaches at those sort of times, apologised and said that he would avoid practicing in the evenings as he could see we had young children. As it happens, we are always up by 8.30 anyway, so it really wasn’t a problem, and we have be very grateful for his courtesy in the evenings. He always lets us know if he needs to use the piano late on, and we really appreciate his courtesy. (Plus, he has to put up with the noise of our children in the garden!).

lemonsquashie · 29/11/2020 09:31

Ask your neighbours. They may enjoy the playing or they may hate it. At least by asking thy won't resent you.

If it's too early, change the time of the lesson

StCharlotte · 29/11/2020 09:29

As an aside, I feel very sorry for the people down the road whose neighbours have a drum kit right in front of the open fireplace on the adjoining wall. There's also a piano in that room and some brass instruments as well

NeonIcedcoffee · 29/11/2020 09:27

Of course it's too early. I can't believe you have to ask.

DrDetriment · 29/11/2020 09:25

Yes it's too early and I say that as someone who plays the piano.

Original poster

Minimimimi · 29/11/2020 09:24

8.30am is only once a week and purely due to lockdown because we’re not allowed to go to the teachers house for practise.
Thanks for all the feedback- good to hear both sides.

OP posts:

lentilsforlunch · 29/11/2020 09:21

Go and talk to your neighbour and report back to us!

Pp saying get a digital piano - how is that going to work with the lesson? The teacher won't be able to hear it

BeaufortScale · 29/11/2020 09:20

It wouldn’t really bother me, and I’d be fine if you explained that this was the only option until you’re allowed back in the teacher’s house. But I would appreciate an explanation.

PinkFondantFancy · 29/11/2020 09:19

8:30 if it was a weekday during term time would be fine IMO but before 10 on a weekend is too early I think

LynetteScavo · 29/11/2020 09:17

I wouldn't bother me.

ZolaGrey · 29/11/2020 09:16

We have a piano, I wouldn't let them play at 8.30am.

Bagadverts · 29/11/2020 09:16

Ask your neighbours, everyone is so individual. Personally I’d hate it that early on a weekend.

Fishfingersandwichplease · 29/11/2020 09:15

If they are good players, it wouldn't bother me but l am an early bird anyway - be different if l ever got in a lie in!

Angel2702 · 29/11/2020 09:15

Completely unacceptable you might like the sound of piano but I wouldn’t want to be woken that early on a weekend to that noise. Being piano music doesn’t make it any more acceptable than playing any other type of music that early in the morning.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 29/11/2020 09:15

Talk to your neighbours. I would be a bit irritated by piano playing at 8.30 on a Sunday... But if a neighbour actually said it was a lesson time and you couldn't go to the teachers house, I would be more sympathetic.

Is there anyway you can soundproof it? Foam or something behind the piano? And not touching the wall.

At least it isn't Grade 1 violin or a trumpet... Obviously kids have to start somewhere, but the early stage can be painful.b

AaronPurr · 29/11/2020 09:14

My kids practise at 7.15 & I have never thought about the time

That's super early.

HmmSureJan · 29/11/2020 09:14

Neighbours and were.

Shinyletsbebadguys · 29/11/2020 09:13

I'd speak to your neighbours. I mean when my DC are not at their dads on a weekend it wouldn't be a problem for us as neighbours because we are up and about by then. If the DC are at their df then yes honestly I would be annoyed at being disturbed that early.

Having said that if the neighbour came around apologised and explained I'd be ok with it in the spirit of community so to speak.

Go and talk to them

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