Looks Like a Family Lives Here

At a neighborhood reception recently I noticed the family piano, and it made me think of how the piano was once the center of family life.  In the old days, families would gather around the piano for entertainment, and it's interesting to think of all the other benefits that came along with such a group activity.

But this piano clearly has much family use in 2010, and I think that has to a good thing. In fact, I'd say a very good thing..

There's a beginning book of music open, which probably indicates piano lessons. We all know the many benefits of music lessons at a young age.

And then there's just the beauty of the instrument itself, and the way it becomes a focal point for not only the family's educational and musical activities, but as a place to collect many family pictures. What could be more appropriate? It's silently sitting there, symbolizing all kinds of real-world family values.

(And wouldn't it be a good thing if more families had active pianos in the living room? Maybe where the big-screen TV now sits?)

Played this great Steinway last night in the Great Hall--there's no other way to describe it--in Glenridge Hall, an old (major) mansion in North Atlanta. This house is used for movies, but is an actual home.

The piano is perfect, and is perfectly maintained BUT it sounds so good in the room that I went looking for the reason. I play a lot of very good pianos, but this one sounds SO much better that I wondered why. It's not just the size of the piano---around 7 feet--tho that certainly helps.

I figured that the warm, full, almost perfect sound came largely from the wood in the room---the old wood--and from the high ceiling, but I think (after some research) that the enormous size of the hall helps. The wood adds richness and natural reverb , and the ballroom-sized room makes that a natural reverb. You just can't get that sound in a regular-sized room.

Here's a nice explanation of room acoustics and piano sound from the Beethoven Pianos website. Acoustics is an arcane science, but you sure know good acoustics when you hear it . . . so . . . I guess I need a living room that's roughly the size of my entire house!

They Were Lucky Back Then

So . . . I'm almost ashamed to say that there was a time when I wouldn't have enjoyed playing for a group of senior citizens, (as I did tonight at Clairmont Place in Atlanta.)
But times change. Now seniors among my very favorite folks to play for, and the reasons are simple.

1. They know and love great popular music because they were lucky enough to grow up with it. Gershwin, Porter, Kern, Mercer and all the rest - --that was their hit parade. They know the songs, and they ask for them. They smile and tap their feet. They enjoy the best of American popular music.

2. They appreciate the music. I get more attentive looks, more high-quality requests, and more warm and appreciative comments from these groups than from any other. And they're not kidding.

(But, I have to say it gives me pause to project ahead 50 years. I just wonder . . . what will today's 20-somethings look back on when they're in their senior years?)

Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, and Irving Berlin offer words that last, and melodies that keep on giving. It's a bonus for those who know, lived with, and still love this great music. I enjoy being able to be part of it.

It's true: the melodies do linger on.

Why I Love Doing This

I record a lot, working of the solo piano CDs,  but I also play for events. (This photo was from a house concert...and what an enjoyable way to spend an evening!)

Seems to me that the life of a working pianist, even with the hauling keyboards, the loading docks, and other minor hassles . . . is a wonderful way to spend your life. I was reminded of this just last night when I played for a banquet for the Georgia Perimeter College Foundation.

This is a college--a large one with over 25,000 students--whose mission involves being accessible to many non-traditional students. Many GPC students are the first in their families to attend any college and it does a great job.

Last night a scholarship award was given to an incoming freshman, a girl whose family had come to the US from Columbia 10 years ago, and whose family had struggled mightly to save money for her college. Each time they would get some money saved, something awful would happen and the family would have to use the college money for hospitals, or funerals and so on.

But this is a wonderful, deserving young woman with energy and charisma, and the college gave her a scholarship that made 2 years, at least, possible. It's going to transform her life.

The thing that stands out to me is how many such events I've been a small part of. Over the years I've shared many, many family moments from weddings to anniversaries, to more difficult times. I've played for every possible kind of gathering, and I watch, listen (and maybe learn a bit).

So . . . I'm the fly on the wall, playing the dinner music or the reception music. Not important, really, but sometimes you get a window into an event that inspires . . . and maybe even brings a tear.

It's wonderful.

Why Is This So Funny?

I've always loved this New Yorker cartoon from years ago. It's been on my office wall for ages.

Reminds me of the time, sadly long before ubiquitous digital cameras, when I saw an old upright piano topple out of a pickup truck. The driver clearly didn't understand the notion of momentum.

The poor piano just exploded on the street, much like this cartoon version. Notes and strings and various parts scattered all over. I wasn't close enough to hear it, but I imagine it probably played a magnificent chord as it crashed into Charles Allen Drive, right across from Grady High School.

Now that I always carry a camera I'll probably never again see such a wonderful thing. But there's always this cartoon to bring back the memory.

More Than Music From This Piano

Wandering through Hickory Flat Pottery,  a wonderful gallery in the North Georgia mountains . . . . there's a piano that almost becomes part of the art simply by displaying it.

I wonder if the pottery would look as enticing if it were just sitting on a shelf?

And . . . I wonder if the piano still draws people to want to play it, now that it's mostly a display stand. Or maybe it's even more alluring to pianists because it's covered with art.

In fact, Cindy (the potter and owner) says that people will carefully move all the pottery and other art just to have a chance to play. That's a lot of trouble . . . but pianos have that kind of magnetic attraction--they need to be played. Even if it involves carefully relocating a lot of pottery.


Another context for this piano, and it fits right in . . .

Sixty Pianos on the Streets of New York---"Play Me I'm Yours."

Now Luke Jerram has brought his "Play Me, I'm Yours" art installations to the streets of New York City. There are 60 pianos scattered around the streets of the city. From reports, they are all in constant use.

Pianists of every ability level are encouraged to sit down and play. And instant communities form and re-form all day long. Some piano-players bring their bands and have impromptu concerts. Some people make music videos on the spot.

Here's CNN report on the project.

And heres' the project's own webpage. It's been around the world and will visit several smaller American cities. The pianos are donated when the project ends.

It just makes me happy to think of all the people sharing their music---for Julliard students to self-taught 'can't really play' kinds of folks. Music in the streets! Music for the people!