I can’t remember if I wrote about this here or not, but there’s an art shop at our local mall, they sell only artwork created by local artists (including paintings, jewelry, sculpture works etc.) It’s a really neat place actually, it’s run by a non-profit board and in order for an artist to have their work sold in the shop, they have to pass a jury (made up of the board), and then the artist has to volunteer in the shop (basically as a salesclerk) for some hours each month. (I think that’s because the shop takes very little “cut” from the sale of the artwork). A lot of times, one of the artists will be sitting in the middle of the shop, either making something or just there to answer questions etc. It’s a really neat shop.

They have a small grand piano at the front of the shop which they like to have people come and play. They recently rearranged it so that there’s a little seating area next to the piano. I’ve played there three times in the last few months. I originally went as a way to prep for my jury piece, and playing in a public space like that is great practice for my stage fright.

I always ask the person at the register if it’s ok to play, and I always thank them for letting me play before I leave. The first two times I went there (when only played two pieces) they both said “you can keep playing!” And “please come and play again.”

So this past Wednesday I went and played my whole “set.” In the middle of my first piece, the artist who was there came over and sat next to the piano, and he stayed there the whole time I was playing, just listening. At one point, a couple was walking through the store and they were at the entrance and getting ready to leave (just off to my right and a little behind me) and one of them said "Can we stay here until the song ends?" and the other said "Yes, of course! I'm enjoying it too!"

After I finished playing and was collecting my things to go home, the artist sitting next to me and the person working the register both came up and complimented me and thanked me for playing.

The whole experience was so affirming and such a boost for my confidence as a pianist. As I was walking to the parking lot, I realized my hands had hardly shook at all while I was playing.

Now my plan is to try to add to my “set,” without letting any of those pieces fall out, and maybe get to about an hour’s worth of rep. I’d like to try to go there regularly (like maybe once a month).

I also would like to have people over for a music party at my house where I play a longer set (usually when I play for people at my house, I only play 2-3 pieces). Like people could come and sit in the living room (the piano is in the “dining room,” which opens to the living room) and chat and I could play, as opposed to having to set up like a formal concert. We’ll see how that goes, Mr SK points out that people might not feel comfortable talking if I’m playing, but I don’t necessarily want to force my friends to sit still for a 30 minute concert.

Anyway, this (lengthening my playable repertoire set and using it) feels like a nice goal for summer.