playing for assisted living centers

[pianistimo]

if you live in pennsylvania, there's a recent article in the paper about someone who regularly schedules piano performers at an assisted living center here (where there's a decent baby grand piano).  he advertised openly for pianists to come and play and interact with the folk.  what do you think about offerring piano lessons, too?  some older people have great dexterity - and even if they don't - it's something to just do to have fun.  am thinking about both.  anwya, if you live here contact:  len baranoski at 610 331 0879.  i think it's the phoenixville villas assisted living center.  (his sister plays the piano - so he's kind of like a go-between to get things started - so he's starting a 'series of concerts.')  call if you want to play.

[zheer]

Sounds like a very good idea, think about it, you can try all the songs you have learnt by playing it to others, think of it as the best possible preparation for the concert stage, good luck an go for it.

[pianistimo]

thanks!  i mean what's the worst that can happen?  they throw their cafeteria food at you and tell you you don't play as good as the others.  i'm not scared of that anymore.  i'd just pick up the jello and throw it back and keep on playing.  it's strange, but when i get away and perform, it's kind of like having extra practice time.  (hope i'm not using them). 

[lau]

everybody asks me to do this, i might play next weekend for the old people

[rc]

I've thought about this a lot. I think my city is the retirement capital of Canada (that's not a joke!), there's a home on the corner of every street. Seems like a great opprotunity for performance experience, and the old timers would appreciate it.

The one place I checked out had a book of sheet music that the residents would like. So I decided to take some time to learn to sightread. If there's anything I've learned about playing for people, it's that you will be an instant success if you can just play something they can recognize... Then use the audience as guinea pigs for the new pieces