Spanish pianist facing charges for practice noise

GIRONA, Spain, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- A Spanish pianist whose neighbor complained about her practice schedule is facing charges for acoustic contamination.

The musician, identified as Laia M., a young professional pianist who lived with her parents during the 2003-2007 period of the complaint, could face 7 1/2 years of jail time if she is convicted of acoustic contamination and causing psychological damage, The Local.es reported Wednesday.

She could also face a four-year ban on playing any musical instruments and a $13,400 fine.

The woman's parents are facing the same charges.

The pianist's former neighbor, identified in court documents as Sonia M., told authorities the musician and her family refused to reduce her 40-hour-a-week practice schedule -- eight hours a day, five days a week -- during the 2003-07 period and her family was eventually forced to move to escape the noise and the anxiety issues it caused, El Pais reported.

Defense lawyers said the prosecution is exaggerating Laia's practice regimen and the musician and her family took steps to curb the noise, including soundproofing the walls of the practice room and the piano itself.

The trial, which began Monday, is expected to last four days, El Pais said.