AIBU to practice the piano

[TooTiredToWork]

I started learning the piano during lockdown - initially on an electric keyboard and when I passed my Grade 4 I treated myself to a proper piano. I have absolutely loved learning an instrument and feel I am doing quite well - preparing for my Grade 5 and playing some grade 6 and even 7 pieces

The problem is my DW doesn’t like me practicing too much. Because obviously the piano doesn’t have headphones and it’s in the living room where the TV is. She likes watching TV most of the evening. At present we have negotiated 10min a day, which doesn’t feel nearly enough. Mainly I practice when she’s out - but work schedules mean that’s not too often

I know she doesn’t really like classical music (which is mostly what I play) but AIBU to ask if I can play a bit more?

PS - I sold the keyboard to help fund the piano. So that’s not an option

I do actually feel sorry for your wife. Imagine having to listen to music you don't like for 45/60 minutes a day?

Pianos are loud it's not like she can really escape the noise in the house (unless it's v big). Plus it's practice so it will 1) go wrong frequently and 2) be the same song played on repeat. Would drive me nuts.

Could you do an hour every other day?
Tbh every day would drive me insane but 10 minutes is nothing and she's taking the piss expecting her TV watching to take priority.

My DH also picked up the piano during lockdown and I'll be honest, I don't really like it when he's practising. I can't pinpoint the problem but it just doesn't sound nice when he plays. Fortunately for me he tends to do his longer sessions in the mornings when I'm on the school run so I come back later and catch the tail end of it.

I don't have a solution for you and I think it's unreasonable of your wife to 'allow' you to only play for 10 mins a day but I also wouldn't want to be in her shoes, sorry!

I recall my DH saying there are now upright pianos that have a headphones function, maybe you could look into them?

@TooTiredToWork I have a DD who plays the piano and violin to diploma level and agree 10 mins is ridiculous. And an electric piano will not help you pass grade5 and beyond as the feel is very different. I’d explain to your DW that either you find a happy medium or to save the marriage you’ll need to invest in a Yamaha acoustic upright which has a silent piano option so you can use headphones. Yamahas really hold their money if you ever need to sell it and choose a black or white finish.

This article describes other systems which can be retro fitted to an acoustic piano.

pianopricepoint.com/pianos-with-headphones/