Concert pianist Laia Martin on trial for noisy practicing

GlobalPost

Spanish concert pianist Laia Martin is on trial and could face more than seven years in jail after a neighbor complained her practicing caused psychological damage.

The neighbor, known only as Sonia B because of tribunal regulations, said Martin's practice sessions — which she said lasted eight hours a day, five days a week, between 2003 and 2007 — caused noise pollution.

More from GlobalPost: Casablanca piano nets $600 grand at NY auction

Sonia B lived above Martin in the north-eastern town of Puigcerdà, while Martin, 27, studied at a music college. She said Martin's constant playing gave her sleeping problems and led to nervousness, anxiety and panic attacks.

Sonia B also told the court that she eventually had to move out of her house and now hates pianos.

Martin denied playing at home as often as the complainant says she did and said she took regular piano classes in other towns.

The trial is expected to come to an end on Friday.

Sign up for our daily newsletter

Sign up for The Top of the World, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.