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That’s odd. On my daughter’s you can’t hear her press the keys unless you’re standing right there. With her headphones on, even just a few feet away I can barely hear it – certainly less than the clicking of laptop keys. I can’t imagine it would bother a roommate. It must depend on the brand.</p>
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About half of the schools we’ve visited (small LACs) do have pianos in some of the dorm common areas. Almost all allow non-music majors to use practice rooms (much higher quality and better cared for instruments), although at some, music majors do get priority for sign-up times. But your child should have no trouble finding a piano for occasional play.</p>