My neighbors repeatedly called the police while I was playing the piano at home during normal hours. Why are the police only targeting us?

Many people who are averse to noise often express their grievances on various online platforms, but what if the noise makers start complaining? You're probably thinking: How dare they complain?

Here are two real-life examples:

Case 1:

What should I do if my neighbor calls the police on my child playing the piano at home (outside of rest time)?

My child practices piano for one hour every day at home, occasionally two hours, between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM and between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. He has never practiced during his rest time. The house is not well soundproofed, and the neighbors next door think it disturbs their lives and rest, and have called the police twice.

The police called us and told us to be mindful of our neighborly relations and communication. We had argued with our neighbors about this before, but I couldn't possibly stop my child from learning the piano. I believe that since my child practices at home, not during rest time and only for an hour a day-not professional practice like playing eight or nine hours a day-it's not illegal. For a neighbor to repeatedly interfere and then call the police is really going too far.

The police called and told us to be mindful of communication and try to avoid such situations. I think the police's handling of the matter was unreasonable; they made unilateral demands on us. As neighbors, they lacked tolerance and wasted national police resources, calling the police several times. How should I respond?

Additional information: We have installed piano sound insulation cotton and sound insulation pads, and lowered the pedals to reduce the volume.

Image and text are unrelated.

Case 2:

I did not play the piano during the hours that would disturb the peace, but several neighbors have complained to the property management that my piano playing is disturbing the peace. What should I do?

I am a music teacher and recently moved to a new house. I practice piano and vocals for 2-3 hours every day, usually from 3 pm to 9 pm. I thought it would be fine to practice during this time, but today the property management came and said that several neighbors complained that my piano playing was disturbing them. They asked me to spread out my playing and not to play continuously for 2 hours. However, due to work, I can't squeeze out many spare moments to practice. I can only practice during continuous periods of time each day. What should I do?

Using an electric piano and the soft pedal are impractical, because as a piano major, I know the long-term harmful effects of using these for practice. A professional soundproofing system would cost tens of thousands of yuan, and I simply don't have that much spare money right now...

Image and text are unrelated.

Both of the above cases involve noise complaints from neighbors caused by playing the piano at home, and they share a common characteristic:

• I didn't play during the break;
• The neighbors did not show tolerance or understanding;
• He was unaware that the piano noise was bothering his neighbors.

Are their views correct? Let's address these questions:

1. Is it okay to play the piano during non-rest periods?

In the noise law, the regulations concerning the prevention and control of noise pollution in daily life specifically address musical instruments, etc.

Article 60 When using household appliances, musical instruments, or engaging in other activities in the home, the volume should be controlled or other effective measures should be taken to avoid disturbing surrounding residents.

Noise that disturbs nearby residents is unacceptable, regardless of the time of day. Furthermore, the law clearly stipulates that noise producers have an obligation to lower the volume and take effective measures. In Case 2, the person involved knew they could have used methods such as electric pianos or soundproofing, but refused to do so, citing concerns about the impact on their practice.

What does this mean when people say their neighbors are intolerant?

All mutual understanding ultimately aims to get others to listen to the noise you're playing; if they don't want to listen, then there's no mutual understanding.

All the compromises you make ultimately result in demanding that others listen to the noise you're playing; if they don't want to listen, then there's no compromise between you.

The noise-makers shout that the law does not prohibit playing music, and look down on their neighbors for not being able to afford a villa, but they never mention that they don't want to spend money to build a soundproof room.

2. Are neighbors obligated to be tolerant of noise?

In Case 1, the parent felt the neighbors lacked tolerance and the police's handling of the situation was unreasonable. In her eyes, it seemed the neighbors should be understanding. Similarly, in Case 2, the girl believed her neighbors should be understanding of her profession and work... But in reality, do their neighbors have this obligation and responsibility to be understanding? Let's look at the comments from netizens:

The renowned pianist Lang Lang also caused noise pollution when he practiced piano as a child, but I believe his neighbors were never proud to be his neighbors, and their memories of being disturbed by the noise are probably only those of painful experiences. If you think your child has the potential to be like Lang Lang, then please share some confidence with your neighbors: they really don't care whether your child becomes a world-class master or not.

3. Is the noise from your piano really not annoying?

Often, noise levels can vary drastically between your own home and your neighbor's.

You can accept the noise you hear because there's a reason for it, but your neighbors are completely passively affected. At this moment, they might be reading, watching TV, or resting, and the noise will bother them. Actually, you can try having your child practice piano at home while you're reading or resting, and see if the noise can calm you down.

How exactly can we solve the problem of noise pollution from piano practice?

If Lang Lang had known this article when he was a child, I think he would have had far fewer troubles on his path to becoming a piano master. At the very least, his neighbors would always have been proud of him.

There are two ways to solve the noise problem in the music room:

1. Build a soundproof and vibration-damping room

Solution | How to make a standard "soundproof and vibration-damping room"?

Advantages: Soundproof and vibration-damping rooms not only prevent noise from your own home from affecting your neighbors, but also prevent noise from upstairs, elevator buildings, and neighbors from affecting your studies.

Disadvantages: It requires starting from a basic bare-bones house, and demolition is necessary if the house is already finished and renovated. The construction is relatively complex and has high requirements for construction materials, environmentally friendly workers, and technical expertise.

2. Use the soundproof cabin - musical instrument version

A soundproof cabin is the best solution.

Advantages: No need to demolish existing decorations, and it can be assembled after purchase in just one day. The sound insulation performance also meets soundproofing requirements.

If you have similar concerns, take the initiative to soundproof your music room and become someone worthy of admiration.

If you have a neighbor like this, simply forward the article to her/the homeowner group. If you've identified the problem and proposed a solution, public opinion will be on your side.