Been asked to perform

[ranniks]

Hi all,

So for my school I was at a old people's home (sorry if I phrased that wrong) and there is this Bechstein Grand in the center of the building and around it are the homes of the people living their. There's also a pool there where fish are.

Anyways, to make this story short: a friend of mine played on the piano and I played afterwards. I played easy fur elise and prelude in c major. They interrupted me midway through the prelude because I had to go.

But before that a woman came to me asking if I could play for an occasion of theirs as background music. I am too humble, humble to the point of being bad for my psychological health. Anyways, this is what I repeated 5 times:

'I'm not that good, just played 5 times'
'Only played piano for 6 months, I'll ask my teacher if he can perform for you'

They said they would get 2 pianists so we could switch and she didn't mind my repertoire. She asked my number and I gave it.

I downgrade myself so many times....I don't know why!

Btw, the videos I've been uploading with me performing are me playing them while I am practising them, I am proud to say I'm pretty decent with the piano now. The prelude in c major being an special piece I can play with emotion. Everyone in the place was looking at me apparently.

They even want to compensate me. But I'm not sure what to do. Don't want to embarrass myself. My friends told me they aren't looking for Mozart, just you.

My teacher told me last time that I am talented and hard working, so maybe I should do it? I'm not saying that to be arrogant, just because I'm actually really humble and this time just want to say what's on my mind.

Would love to hear from you alll.

[dcstudio]

your mind is telling you that you will have to "fill the background" with many notes and you will have to play really tough music in order to be worthy of being asked to perform....that is an overwhelming task...

the truth is -- they will love you no matter how well or how poorly you play.  It is an amazing experience to play in a retirement home--I have never seen a more appreciative audience.  You will make them happy because you are young...   if they notice any missed notes it will only endear you to them more...as will your nervousness---  you will remind them of their children...when they were young..

Now--are you really going to deprive these people of ALL that you can give them because you are afraid of playing poorly?  I know I am being preachy but sometimes you not only SHOULD play --it is your responsibility to... 

that is why we play for others...to share 

the downside:

just watch out for the oxygen tanks---they can jump right out in front of you and cause you to go sailing across the room--and that is far more embarrassing lol.

[ranniks]

your mind is telling you that you will have to "fill the background" with many notes and you will have to play really tough music in order to be worthy of being asked to perform....that is an overwhelming task...

the truth is -- they will love you no matter how well or how poorly you play.  It is an amazing experience to play in a retirement home--I have never seen a more appreciative audience.  You will make them happy because you are young...   if they notice any missed notes it will only endear you to them more...as will your nervousness---  you will remind them of their children...when they were young..

Now--are you really going to deprive these people of ALL that you can give them because you are afraid of playing poorly?  I know I am being preachy but sometimes you not only SHOULD play --it is your responsibility to... 

that is why we play for others...to share 

the downside:

just watch out for the oxygen tanks---they can jump right out in front of you and cause you to go sailing across the room--and that is far more embarrassing lol.

It didn't come up to me in that way. Thanks! If she gives me a call, I'll definitely do it.

It will be playing prelude in c major, fur elise, chopin op28n4, menuet in g major, perhaps march in d major and some chords back 2 back though (will try to make a loop out of it). Hopefully I'll last at least half an hour.

[dcstudio]

I am so glad..
be prepared...you may see them cry.   Try and be gracious...  your choice of music is lovely.  I suggest you get a "fake" book of old standards.   They will LOVE it.   Using the tracks on your keyboard or looping--is a great idea!!! 

and relax.... 

[hfmadopter]

It didn't come up to me in that way. Thanks! If she gives me a call, I'll definitely do it.

It will be playing prelude in c major, fur elise, chopin op28n4, menuet in g major, perhaps march in d major and some chords back 2 back though (will try to make a loop out of it). Hopefully I'll last at least half an hour.

I had not been into this forum recently enough to see this thread. I'm glad you will do this if asked. It will go well, you already have given them a taste of what to expect. You and I discussed fake books and lead sheets over in the student forum, just keep it simple and smooth ! You will do fine.
David G.

[dcstudio]

I had not been into this forum recently enough to see this thread. I'm glad you will do this if asked. It will go well, you already have given them a taste of what to expect. You and I discussed fake books and lead sheets over in the student forum, just keep it simple and smooth ! You will do fine.
David G.

... of course you will...   yes lead sheets, fake books,  the rhythm tracks on your keyboard and the auto-accomp functions...these are ALL wonderful to use on these kind of gigs.  HAVE FUN and so will they!   I cannot stress this enough...play music you ENJOY and let it be known that you are loving what you are playing

if you can--try to pay attention to what tunes get them to "perk up" and try to go in that direction.  and SMILE--you wouldn't believe what a difference that makes in the audience's perception of you.

[iansinclair]

And keep in mind while you are at it that your audience will have come with a very positive attitude.  They are not expecting Horowitz, they are expecting nice music.

The idea of fake books and old standards etc. is excellent, though!

[oxy60]

Yes watch out for the 02 tanks but be very aware that those motorized wheel chairs can turn on a dime. The person is seated on the center point of a circle and their feet become the circumference.

A woman once came to a blues jam with a tambourine on the handle of her 02 cart. The amps were up all the way and we could still hear her in the club. The band however could be heard 2 blocks away...   

You will be surprised at the reaction. We do it every Sunday between 4-7. The only difference being that the audience and the musicians are the same age! And we do it in a bar.

[ajspiano]

I'll just echo some earlier sentiments here. This audience is going to LOVE the fact that you are playing, pretty much no matter what you do. They will not care. They will have a kind of happiness that lives because you are happy to play..  It will get into their memories, like how they always wished they learnt to play but didnt get the chance. The fact that you are getting that chance, to learn piano, and taking it... That will make them happy.