[Sophia M.]

Front Porch Forum: “Do I need to stop playing piano in the afternoon if one neighbor complains, even if others enjoy it?” (11/18/2025)​

Image source: Unsplash/Geert Pieters

Pull up a seat, GrayViners. “Practicing Peacefully” found comfort and purpose in the simple act of playing piano—but one neighbor’s complaint has her wondering how much joy should bend for the sake of quiet.

Hi GrayVine,

When I moved into this apartment, I brought one prized possession with me—my upright piano. It’s a little weathered, like me, but the sound still fills the room beautifully, especially in the soft light of afternoon. Every day around three o’clock, I sit down and play. It centers me. It reminds me that even now, I still have something to give.

Most of my neighbors smile when they hear it. A few have even said they leave their doors open just a crack so they can enjoy the melody. But one neighbor, just one, knocked on my door and asked me to stop. She said the music disrupted her reading. That the walls are thin. That it’s inconsiderate.

I apologized. I even started playing softer, closing the windows, choosing gentler songs. But she keeps complaining. I can’t tell if I’m being selfish for continuing—or if she’s being unfair by asking for silence in a shared space.

Should one person’s discomfort outweigh something that brings others happiness—and brings me peace? I don’t want to make waves. But I also don’t want to shrink myself to please the one who never listens.

Still listening,
Practicing Peacefully

What do you think, GrayViners? Have you ever had to balance your joy with someone else’s comfort—and where do you draw that line? Share your stories and gentle advice below. And if you’ve got a life dilemma of your own, start a conversation here.

 

[NIBOR0]

I love the sound of a piano. I, too, live in an apartment where the walls are thin. My neighbor up above me has a little one, (I'd say 4-5 years old) and she loves to run from one end of the apartment to the other. It usually doesn't last that long and I never hear her mother. My husband and I just kind of laugh and let it go. I use ear plugs at night even though I never hear much from above and I never hear from the apartment next to mine, so I guess I'm lucky. I would still love to hear someone play the piano in the afternoon. Play on!