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[quote=Anonymous]The very definition of a first world problem, but I'm curious about different opinions. We are a very musical family, all piano players, so, playing piano is an activity we really enjoy. A few uncomfortable situations have come up recently, I tend to usually be a really polite, socially accommodating person, so I'm curioius if we were out of line.

First - in a large spa-type resort. The place is huge with tons of rooms and areas, both indoors and out,  for people to sit and relax as well as perform various other activities such as swim, workout, run, etc. One of these rooms in the main lodge has a piano. I asked when we checked in and was told the piano was for guests to play. And, in fact, it is stocked with a large variety of sheet music. However, both times I went to play, there were other people in the room. The first time when I sat down, the people there really abruptly told me to leave. The second time, the person there, drinking a cup of coffee, reluctantly said I could play a song or two. My mother, there with us, said piano playing was disruptive, and the space was first come/first serve. I get that. But, on the other hand, there are literally dozens of quiet spaces to sit and relax or have a conversation, and only one for piano. I feel like if the resort has a dedicated space for a sanctioned  activity, you shouldn't prevent another guest from partaking in that activity, and, by sitting there, you are agreeing to have that activity occur in your vicinity.  I couldn't imagine, for example, telling someone not to use a treadmill because you got to the gym first and want to read a magazine in peace.

Second - play me pianos. My kid loves these. She's quite a good player for 10. I always allow to to play one or two pieces, not more than 5 or 6 minutes before we move on. If you've never seen these pianos, they are put up in public spaces and literally say "play me." We've never actually gotten push back or dirty looks, but the first instance made me wonder if it's rude to actually play if there are other people in the vicinity. There's one in a restaurant we go to, and she loves that. Obviously that space is never empty, and people are trying to enjoy a meal (it's a fast casual type place), but the restaurant put it there. She's playing actual, good quality, classical music, so there's nothing objectively objectionable, but a piano is still pretty loud.

I have a feeling I'm going to get slammed here. But I guess I asked for it![/quote]

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