Piano too loud

Reply to Piano too loud on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 01:28:28 GMT

Nebbermind — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 01:28:28 GMT

If wanna give neighbours some peace, can try to use double glazed windows coz some people use this method to prevent traffic noise from coming into the home.

Also, ensure the gasket/rubber lining of the windows provide a good seal. This will cut down the sound from getting out. It’s like when you are in a car, you car hear more of the outside noise (even when stationary) when there’s a gap on your window or the door not closed tightly.

Donch forget the gap around the door too!

Once you take care of these, I believe there will be very little sound leakage.

Reply to Piano too loud on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 00:41:24 GMT

ngl2010 — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 00:41:24 GMT

I am actually a fierce mummy. Hahaha... I called the nearby police station and asked them whether there is a time guideline for piano practice. The policeman was unsure but he said they only entertain noise disturbance complaint after certain hour (I couldn't remember the exact time but 9pm is definitely ok). With that information, DS practised with more peaceful mind because this mummy is ready to face the neighbour should he complain again.

Anyway, we put a very thick mattress behind the piano and a thick rug beneath the piano. We never got any complain again

Reply to Piano too loud on Thu, 23 Jan 2014 00:23:22 GMT

jedamum — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 00:23:22 GMT

Got our first experience.neighbour ‘comment loud loud, not complain in our face’ comment on our piano being noisy. We do 6 days per week practice (piano lessons included ie son off one day per week with no piano ), at 10am thrice, 4pm twice and 7:40pm once a week, 40min in each, for grade 2/3. We fixed the time ourselves, hoping that the routine will be obvious to neighbours who can then plan their schedule around it, instead of just adhoc practice time. Son has an electronic keyboard to satisfy his adhoc time musical pursuit. Because we used to stay beside a child Learner too and his routined practice session became our routine, as we knew when to expect the playing to start. Even with that, neighbour comment. Same neighbour whose son smokes along the corridor. Next time we comment loudly back, or best report to authorities? No la. The son is ok and friendly. His mum is the older generation kind, so hence the comment ba. Think we probably removed the evening practice session for the week and do 5 days 50 minutes for now until son goes morning session next year (then can afternoon practice). Next time when son needs more practices when higher grades, I just increase my skin thickness then. Downstairs neighbour appreciate our routine (they play electric guitar during weekends) and now her kids just pick up piano too. will observe andtry to establish a workable routine so both won’t clash.

Neighbours.

Side track, a different neighbour C, living at one end, complain neighbour D renovation stopped at 6pm when regulations state 5pm for noisy work. Same neighbour C whose family members play soccer at void deck which was prohibited and park their laundry along the corridor (allowed?).

Neighbours.

Reply to Piano too loud on Thu, 05 Dec 2013 08:05:26 GMT

waiyean — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 08:05:26 GMT

I don’t think there is an official guideline on what time piano can be played. However, a factory is not allowed to generate noise levels above 55 decibels in residential premises after 11pm. Normal piano practice is about 60-70 decibels, and piano fortissimo is 84-103 decibels.

I placed a thick carpet under my piano, and also got a thick 0.5 inch full-height piano cover which I keep on during practice. Keeping all the doors and windows closed, I haven’t had any problems with neighbours so far, even when practicing past 11pm.

Reply to Piano too loud on Thu, 05 Dec 2013 02:56:09 GMT

LovingBrahms — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 02:56:09 GMT

If I didn’t recall wrongly, there is an official timing for such noises E.g instrument playing, mahjong, which is 11pm. Must double check on this. I usually advise my students to put cardboard stacks behind the piano. Cheaper too. So far no one complaint.

Reply to Piano too loud on Thu, 05 Dec 2013 01:28:21 GMT

Paulyn Y — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 01:28:21 GMT

i was shopping around at bras basah a few weeks back for instruments. i came across a device, which apparently can be installed in a regular piano and d sound would be channelled to headphone. i’m not sure how it works, neither did i ask about it with the shop.

i have the same dilemma growing up. i dared not practice at night for fear neighbours would complaint. as a result i have always wanted a digital piano, so that only me can hear what i am playing.
however back then, and even now many traditional strict piano teachers will not recommend parents to buy their kids digital pianos because they claimed compromised on touch, dynamics, intonation etc.
but here’s my thought - if i don’t even get the chance to play, what matter does it on touch, tone etc?
i’m sure many teachers wouldn’t agree with me, but this is just my thought as student.

Reply to Piano too loud on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:56:09 GMT

rocklandpiano — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:56:09 GMT

Below are 6 tips on soundproofing your Apartment or House.

* Fill Your Apartment with Fabric
While you may appreciate metal or wood, or even desire a modern look in your apartment, these materials amplify sound. Fabrics, or fabric items absorb wood and therefore act as soundproofing materials, despite not being designed as such.

* Don’t Overlook the Walls
The walls in the room in which a piano is located are often not treated to assist in soundproofing. Typical paintings, posters or other framed objects do not absorb sound waves. Therefore, hang items on your walls that will assist in absorbing sound.

* Use the Ceiling
Noise travels through the walls, including the ceiling. When soundproofing your apartment, do not forget that sound waves travel in every direction, including upwards.

* Rely on the Piano Itself
While you may not particularly want to dampen the noise from the piano, you might be willing to consider dampening its loudness. Putting heavy rugs on the top or back of the piano will still permit the beautiful music to be heard, but at a much lower volume. Many piano companies offer piano coverings that look beautiful, will fit your piano type and assist in making a piano less noisy.

*Seal off Vents When Playing
Much noise in apartment buildings travels between apartments through air vents or other connecting ventilation holes. While you probably do not want to block these vents all the time, placing a thick fabric item over them while you are playing can significantly reduce the amount of noise other apartment dwellers hear.

Open it Up
If it is not winter, one of the best ways to soundproof your home is to play the piano with as many windows and doors open as possible. With an escape route to the outside, fewer sound waves will travel to the other apartment. Essentially, by opening doors and windows you are providing the sound with a means to escape the confines of your apartment.

Reply to Piano too loud on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 04:49:25 GMT

bebebub — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 04:49:25 GMT

ngl2010:
Thank you all for your advice.

We always close all doors and windows when DS plays the piano. Next door neighbour actually had complimented him a few weeks ago (maybe she is a very nice person. Now we are worried that she is actually bothered but too courteous to us). The one that complained to us was the neighbour directly downstairs. DS was playing Bach's Prelude and Fugue in B-flat BWV 866 when he complained. Maybe the Prelude part has a lot of 'hammering'?

I am tone deaf. Our piano is Yamaha U1. Is the sound bright?

Now it is very stressful for us to play piano. DS needs to practice his scales everyday and he just does not have enough time to practice if we are limited to 8pm every day.

DH is thinking of renting a studio in nearby music school every night. But it is a lot of money and tiring to travel...

I think playing before 9pm is alright but I cannot find a government regulation to support this. Anybody knows?

In the meantime, we are going to move the piano to our bedroom (because we think the wooden floor will absorb the vibration better), put a thick rug underneath the floor, put a mattress behind the piano and open the wardrobe to absorb the sound even more (I don't know whether it is silly or not but we will try everything possible).

My DS is very worried playing piano now that I have to keep telling him that if the neighbour complains again, I will put my foot down. If we are playing within reasonable hours (to me is before 9pm), why do we need to be scared? I will tell the neighbour that this is our home and our DS needs to practice piano so deal with it. Short of telling him to move out and rent another place (I believe he rents the unit because we keep seeing different people from his unit each year and I think he is FT because of his accent). I still want to be courteous but I cannot risk my DS failing grade 8 exam just because of this. We have already abandoned all PSLE preparations for this exam piano....

Sorry for the rants. I guess I am under a lot of stress :imdrowning:

Personally, I think if the practice concludes by 9pm, it is very reasonable.

Your ds should not be stressed by this. Assure him that u will resolve the issue and let him get on with his preparations. Good luck in his mar exams :xedfingers:

Reply to Piano too loud on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:40:51 GMT

mrsoon — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:40:51 GMT

As a matter of interest, how to sound-proof a room? Thanks.

Reply to Piano too loud on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:38:33 GMT

jce — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:38:33 GMT

Bach should not be "hammered" but because of the articulation and plentiful finger work it may sound more "noisy". I think an explanation to your neighbour seeking their kind understanding is sufficient

Reply to Piano too loud on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:05:00 GMT

ngl2010 — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:05:00 GMT

Thank you all for your advice.

We always close all doors and windows when DS plays the piano. Next door neighbour actually had complimented him a few weeks ago (maybe she is a very nice person. Now we are worried that she is actually bothered but too courteous to us). The one that complained to us was the neighbour directly downstairs. DS was playing Bach's Prelude and Fugue in B-flat BWV 866 when he complained. Maybe the Prelude part has a lot of 'hammering'?

I am tone deaf. Our piano is Yamaha U1. Is the sound bright?

Now it is very stressful for us to play piano. DS needs to practice his scales everyday and he just does not have enough time to practice if we are limited to 8pm every day.

DH is thinking of renting a studio in nearby music school every night. But it is a lot of money and tiring to travel...

I think playing before 9pm is alright but I cannot find a government regulation to support this. Anybody knows?

In the meantime, we are going to move the piano to our bedroom (because we think the wooden floor will absorb the vibration better), put a thick rug underneath the floor, put a mattress behind the piano and open the wardrobe to absorb the sound even more (I don't know whether it is silly or not but we will try everything possible).

My DS is very worried playing piano now that I have to keep telling him that if the neighbour complains again, I will put my foot down. If we are playing within reasonable hours (to me is before 9pm), why do we need to be scared? I will tell the neighbour that this is our home and our DS needs to practice piano so deal with it. Short of telling him to move out and rent another place (I believe he rents the unit because we keep seeing different people from his unit each year and I think he is FT because of his accent). I still want to be courteous but I cannot risk my DS failing grade 8 exam just because of this. We have already abandoned all PSLE preparations for this exam piano....

Sorry for the rants. I guess I am under a lot of stress :imdrowning:

Reply to Piano too loud on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:22:44 GMT

Always21 — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:22:44 GMT

When my boy plays the piano, I always asked him to turn on the air-con. It helps as he can hear himself better and also will not get any complain from neighbour.

During the examination, the room is also sound proof. Just want him to get use to it.

Reply to Piano too loud on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:21:18 GMT

bebebub — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:21:18 GMT

i find the closing of windows and doors help quite a bit. Get your kid to practice with and without closing them, while you stand outside your unit or even downstairs, and feel the difference.

The sound of our previous (very old) piano was rather \"bright\". I only realised the difference after changing it to this current one.

I suppose most people don't mind listening to the pieces, but hearing endless practices of scales may be a different story. This can happen when you hv a number of kids practising piano in the same estate

Reply to Piano too loud on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:08:46 GMT

Sun_2010 — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:08:46 GMT

My neighbour's daughter plays the piano. When I hear it, I go and open my door fully. My only complaint, she doesnt play often enough. Yes she plays very well. :rahrah:

Reply to Piano too loud on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:07:09 GMT

jce — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:07:09 GMT

I think generally as long as practice is done by 930pm it’s acceptable.

NGL2010, is it because your DS’s playing on the piano was too loud? In other words, sorry for being crude, was he hammering on the piano? Did you find it loud? Also, some pianos are brighter than others, some shrill and that can be rather piercing. Try explaining to your neighbour that your DS’s exam is just round the corner so he may be putting in a few more late night practices than normal, I am sure they’d understand.

Reply to Piano too loud on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:00:53 GMT

jce — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:00:53 GMT

Don’t practice with the soft pedal down, in fact should not practice with anything that’ll dampen the sound though it’s ok to close the window, rug under the piano, soundboard facing a certain way. The reason for this is because the teacher wants the student to listen to the sound/tone that’s being produced when he/she is playing in a certain way, if you hamper the sound then this can’t be achieved and hence the student won’t be able to execute with precision what the teacher wants.

Reply to Piano too loud on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:21:19 GMT

waiyean — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:21:19 GMT

You can put on a full piano cover while practising. That will reduce the sound significantly. Close all windows and doors, turn on the aircon. It is unlikely the neighbours will find it too loud. We play the piano beyond 9pm everyday, so far no one has complained.

Reply to Piano too loud on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:21:00 GMT

happyheart — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:21:00 GMT

We have a house rule to practise piano only after 9am or before 9pm. During night practice, I will close all the windows to minimise sound travelling out. So far, we have been blessed with neighbours that are rather tolerant hence no complaint

Reply to Piano too loud on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:07:35 GMT

jedamum — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:07:35 GMT

Soft pedal practice is not the same.

Maybe you can practice before homework if you want him to practice everyday regardless of homework load?
Hope your situation will get better.
For us, we try to practice after 10am or before 8pm, my p1 in afternoon session. When we just bought the piano, I was also very concern with the noise. I read that a lot of the sound came from the back (sound board?) So we position the piano to face a wall facing outside instead of next door neighbour. Not sure if it helps. We are lucky that my downstairs neighbour is somewhat friends as our kids go to the same school and we rendered them some help recently.
My husband is the one who complains of the loud noise, so I have to try to get kid to practice before he comes home, or my husband will use ear phones connected to his game to block/dampen the not so nice amateur playing

Reply to Piano too loud on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:51:15 GMT

Tabby — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:51:15 GMT

You can put a thin mattress between the piano and the wall, that will soften it a lot. And of cos use the soft pedal to practise at night.