First piano party
Found in: Recitals & Events
Joy O., Alabama
I’m planning my first piano party. Where can I find training or info on what to do? What do I need to consider in finding a location, planning, publicity, everything?
Carrie L., Michigan
We have small informal recitals at senior homes. You could do that and just have them play and pass out snacks to the residents after. You could do a Piano Party and do games, snacks, play for each other at your studio (if there’s room), or see if a student has a home that you could use. Just let your students know once you have a date and time, and have them sign up. Typically an hour or less is plenty of time.
Leeanne I., Australia
I did my last party at a local church. Think of anywhere that has a piano and give them a call. I did all my students at once. It was a great chance for them all to meet each other.
Deb K., South Dakota
I go to the local piano stores. They have grand pianos, special lighting, and sound systems, and let me use if free. I post it in my local Facebook in the “Things to Do” section.
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
I will mention one idea I’ve used several times when I didn’t want to find a large venue. ‘Five Minutes of Fame’ – make signup sheets with 5-minute slots for students to commit to playing during. Ask them to come 10-15 minutes before and stay a bit after. That gives you a rotating crowd, and the families don’t have to make a big time commitment. Some like to stay a long time, but if it starts getting too crowded, people are good about adjusting to the space or leaving if they’ve been there a while. I usually have a simple refreshment like cookies, and they can just grab one and eat while they listen. Very informal and fun. My families have always enjoyed this format.
I don’t do this every time, but it’s nice to mix things up and offer different formats.
Carol P., South Carolina
I’ve had piano parties at nursing homes, churches, library conference rooms, local restaurants/cafes, and public parks by the water. If you have a keyboard, anything is possible! Sometimes we have blues-themed performances or they play holiday songs, but mostly I ask them to play their favorite piece from the level they are currently working on. They usually want to play two pieces, one from Foundation and one either Accompaniment (singing), composition, or a popular radio song they are learning for fun. Pretty much anything goes. Cookies or Chex mix are usually winners. One year I made a cake and cut it in half so that it set together like a long rectangle, covered it in icing, and put Kit Kat in groups of 2 and 3 like piano keys. Really anything works!