Picking out music for a school presentation

[mdw12326]

Hey everyone!

As a warm-up speech of sorts for my public speaking class, our next assignment is to attempt to “sell” something. Quite fortuitously, there happens to be a piano in the room! I’m a piano enthusiast and, although I’m somewhat out of practice, I had the crazy idea of selling the piano. I thought a cool intro would be to play VERY briefly something to get their attention. The class is populated predominantly by kids my age in their low to mid 20’s, so in other words, I need to find some contemporary music that would be palatable to most people’s taste. An added twist, however, is that the girl I’m absolute crazy about is in this class, so I need to give an awesome speech. I know, I know, Matt: Super Stud, Super Star! 

I’m also willing to consider something classical or jazzy (I had Rhapsody in Blue in mind because that seems to appeal to the general population of people not versed, or familiar at all, with anything NOT mainstream). I’m able to play Chopin waltzes, a little Mendelsohn, and with practice and a little trouble, I’m able to play Rhapsody in Blue (adapted for solo piano, needless to say), Kabalevsky, some Debussy -- that's my general playing level; I'm sorry that I don't know what grade that is.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Her favorite song is something by Matthew West – a horrible song, I admit, but I like her anyway!!! smile I was planning on making a trip to the library sometime to acquire some sheet music, or whatever I can’t find there, I will get online someplace (reluctant though I am to use up printer ink because I’m REALLY stingy with printer ink haha), while also conforming to the law.

I would greatly appreciate any ideas you may have as to what would be the best to play, not only for the class, but that would also impress this girl I’m sooooooooo crazy about.

Thanks a bunch,
Matt

[cabbynum]

In Sospiro, not crazy hard and it's very beautiful. It's not easy though, so be careful.

[pianoman8]

Play her favorite song! Even though might be embarrassing, look up and smile at her while you play!

[cabbynum]

Play her favorite song! Even though might be embarrassing, look up and smile at her while you play!

I think this guy gets more ladies than I do...

[Bob]

I'd pick something useful to you.  The presentation is temporary.  Probably the girl too.  The music will still be there years from now.

[theholygideons]

An added twist, however, is that the girl I’m absolute crazy about is in this class, so I need to give an awesome speech. I know, I know, Matt: Super Stud, Super Star! 

Even though playing an instrument may be a demonstrator of higher intellectual value, the act of performing piano, per se, in front of her will not suffice. It is imperative that the focus is not on your own greatness, but how you make other people feel great (or wet in the case of the girl), through how you engage with the audience. Speak with open palms, and use your body when you play. Assuming that 'Matthew West' is a pop song, you could make the connection between how it's in ABA form, and then play a Chopin waltz and comment on the similarities of classical music with pop. And all of 'em britches be fallin' on yo lap, N I G G E R!!