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Hello.

I too lessons as a child and just started playing again this autumn. I have a brand new 50" upright. It has a really loud sound compared to my former console piano.

I also live in a twin home--shared wall with neighbors.

Do any of you live in a condo? Or an apartment? Or duplex/twin? If so, what were the rules for piano playing? I thought I would make my own rules to be considerate of the neighbors with whom I share a wall.

Also, how many hours a day to you all practice?

Thanks,
SoundofMusic

If only life was that simple. I've build a 6inch wall of sound insulation around mine plus repetitive stuff I practice on a DP plus luckily I prefer playing my clavichord (though my 1800 square piano is quiet enough not to disturb anybody). When I'm not practicing I sit here and marvel how quiet it is considering I'm surrounded on 4 sides.

Hi Keyboardklutz (love the name).

What is a DP???

Thanks!

Digital Piano.

soundofmusic,

I live in a condo with a common wall and neighbors on both sides. The condos were built in the early '70s and have concrete walls extending from the basement foundation to the peak of the rooftop. My neighbors on both sides have informed me that they rarely hear my piano and if/when they do, it is no bother to them. My practice habits are from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. Very seldom do I violate the later time. To be on the safe side, I also have a digital piano that I can play all night and never be heard by anyone, save myself. After nearly three years, now, I have yet to hear a complaint. Occasionally, I ask the neighbors on both sides if my piano sound penetrates the walls. The answer is always a pleasant, "no". I must say, I have exceptionally wonderful and caring neighbors regardless of having a piano.

I suggest you ask your neighbors...thus beginning a friendly dialogue...and learn whether or not they hear you play. An old adage comes to mind when thinking of my neighbors or you. Perhaps you have heard it, if not, I hope you enjoy this quote from the Good book and find it helpful and sincere:

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Good luck with your play,

Lisztener

Thanks for the condo/piano info Lisztener as well as the lovely quote.

It gets weird when your neighbours start critiquing your playing, citing their favourite piece, or ..... strangest of all, when one walks up to you one day and says "You have improved immensely in the last three months. Your playing is much different from the previous two years." and you realize this fellow has been listening all that time. (happened two years ago)

I have neighbours above, below, to either side.

For piano I have a DP with earphones and use that feature a lot. Also awareness of neighbours' hours, reasonable times etc.

Where I live it is impossible not to be heard. When I work on the computer at night I turn on the kitchen fan because the upstairs snoring distracts me.

Hi. They haven't said anything really--it's just that they are really VERY NICE people and I am not such a great player (not yet anyways). And, I have a dog who sometimes sings while I am playing...

I look forward to hearing more responses!

soundofmusic,

I am not trying to hijack your thread, so, assuming your permission, I'll say:

Hello keystring,

Life is stranger than fiction, eh? Your post is very amusing.

Best regards to both of you,

Lisztener

hello soundofmusic,
Where you place the piano makes a big difference. If you put it in a carpeted room against a non-shared wall it shouldn't be too loud unless you have thin walls.

I live in a townhouse with neighbors on both sides, but I have the piano against the back wall in a carpeted living room. My neighbors can only hear it if they have the TV off and they listen closely. Mine is a 45" console, but I usually play it with the top up and the bottom panel off, so it's fairly loud.

At one time I kept the piano in a room with hardwood floors against a common wall and it was much louder for that neighbor.

We do have concrete block between the units though, so they're pretty well insulated.

Hello. I actually ran into my neighbor tonight and I asked her. She said that they can hear me but not to worry about it. It is part of living in a twin. Still, I am going to try to just play when they are not home or keep my playing to a schedule.

I live in a detached home, but I've had a neighbor tell me she can hear me playing the piano. Sometimes I don't answer the phone while playing, and she left a message on the answering machine that said something like, "I know you're home because I can hear you playing your piano."

As a result, I try not to play before 8am or after 9pm so as not to disturb anyone. I figure anytime in between is fair game.