Unable to practise piano in the run up to grade 8... Options

[wurlitzer]

In the past I have posted on here about problems with my mothers partner before. He is a horrific person and never seems to leave the house to do anything. I absolutely despise him and my mother knows this all too well. She did ask him to leave and not return in February, but there hasn't been a period of more than 7 days in which he hasn't been in the house once since then. To add to that, he has actually sort of moved himself back in around 5 or 6 weeks ago which infuriates me.

I have my grade 8 piano exam coming up at the end of June and my pieces are not ready yet - the Madsen fugue still requires a lot of work and I need to bring the Beethoven Rondo up to speed and make it more secure, plus a number of scales are still rather problematic for me.

And then today, when I was asked to stop practising the piano because it irritated him, I got quite angry because I've stressed to him for a week or so now that my practice is very important at the moment. Consequently, I shouted at him and marched upstairs to do other schoolwork instead (I am in the middle of A level exams, although don't have any for 8 days now due to half term). When I returned downstairs about 15 minutes ago I discovered that my piano (I am the only person who plays in the house and it is a yamaha clavinova) was GONE. Yes, it has been taken out of the house so I CANNOT practise and I have no other access to a piano so I have no idea what to do. I am absolutely infuriated - mum doesn't seem to care that much. I am the one that paid for the grade 8 exam as she didn't see any point in me doing it so wouldn't pay for it.

I just feel as though I simultaneously want to burst into tears and set him on fire. I don't know what to do. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Misterioso]

Oh wurlitzer, I am so sorry to hear this! Is there any way that you can find out where the clavinova is? Or perhaps practise at school, or on a friend's piano, or borrow a keyboard so that you can at least keep up some momentum? It's far from ideal, but probably better than nothing.

It sounds like a dire situation, but is there any way that you can get your mum on your side to help you fight your corner?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/thereThere.gif)

[Becky_RMT]

Oh! Wurlitzer! I have no idea how angry/upset/stressed out you must feel right now...

I could rant and rave about all the things he deserves but it wouldn't get you anywhere! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Would it be possible to use a piano at a local school or church hall? If you explained your predicament they may be sympathetic - my school let me use the piano in the hall when I was taking exams, as I only had a keyboard at home.

You sound like a level headed and extremely determined person - I'm sure you'll find a way round it! If you can get past this with your A levels in the way too, you can do anything!

Wishing you lots of luck finding a place to practice, and strength not to kill this inconsiderate oik, as well as sending many virtual hugs!

Becky x

[maggiemay]

What a dreadful situation for you. I'm so sorry.

It's possible, if we knew where you were, that someone on the forums might know of somewhere you could practise - or even might be willing to offer you some time. However, it's a tricky one - you won't want to post your whereabouts on open forum, given the situation at home. If you want to pm me with your (approximate) location, I 'll have a think, just in case I know anyone. It's a bit of a long shot - still! And I think the suggestion to investigate practice at school is a good one - especially given your level and forthcoming exam.

[peri busy]

Hi

Can you borrow a headphone set? Not 100% sure, but can you not use headphones with a Clavinova.. ?

You could play til your hearts content and not a peep heard (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[tonedeafmum]

Hi

Can you borrow a headphone set? Not 100% sure, but can you not use headphones with a Clavinova.. ?

You could play til your hearts content and not a peep heard (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Isn't O.P. the person who was told that the noise of fingers striking the keys was unacceptable when practising with headphones in?

Get onto the phone to your teacher, Wurlitzer - s/he should be able to help you find a place where you can practise in peace.

[Sunrise]

This is just terrible. I can't believe that family members can be so unsupportive (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)
Wurlitzer, PM Barry Clari, he's quite good and knowing who is in which area. And pursue at school and with your piano teacher. There must be someone who could help.

[Cyrilla]

I don't have any practical advice, I'm afraid, but just sending you a very big (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thereThere.gif) .

What a truly ghastly situation for you to live in. I remember your earlier posts about this man. The stress must be unbelievable.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Crotchetymum]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/thereThere.gif)

I'm so sorry to hear this, Wurlitzer. As others have said, contact your teacher and your school as soon as you can.

[Pixie*Porsche]

This is an outrage and completely unacceptable. I don't not have words to say just how disgusted with the people (let's not forget the mother in this situation too) in question over this situation. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

If you live in the Derbyshire / Nottinghamshire area give me a shout - might be able to arrange something (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Get in contact with your teacher, your school, any local churches (many have good pianos (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)), village hall if it has a piano and any local universities.

[Maria]

Really sorry to hear this. What a stressful situation for you to live in. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Do you have any idea where the clavinova has gone? Would you be able to speak to your mum about it?

I would just reiterate what the others are saying about asking your teacher, asking others on here and at school about places to practice.

And just remember you won't be living at home forever!