Quote:

... All too often nursing homes rely on the good nature of musicians to give up their time free, sadly it's not always possible as we have families to feed too.



The situation is the same for me in this area, but I look forward to the "gigs" as Mission Work.

And, as rediscovered this past Christmas season, what a loving and receptive audience one can find!

I think this kind of work has its own reward, more valuable than money.

One old fella, in a wheelchair and wearing two hearing aids, as we were leaving after one fun hour or so, wanted to shake my hand and thank me for coming. He said, "You sure can tickle them Ivories..." Of course, I just politely thanked him for the compliment, but man, that little comment and the look of sincere appreciation on the old man's face was very dear to me.

Heh, long ago enjoyed some private lessons from one of the greats in the Pittsburgh area, mostly dealing with the art and science of playing unaccompanied piano. Perhaps the most important thing he said to me was, "They want to see you playing the WHOLE piano, so make sure to practice arpeggios and scales from 'end-to-end' and insert them anywhere there's a half note or more at the end of each melodic phrase." So true. The Chromatic Scale is a great way to connect things together that I think is not used as often as it could be. This teacher I'm referencing actually made the Chromatic Scale connections part and parcel of his style. Me, I'm still having to practice the fingering regularly or I'll get all tied up in the middle of a sudden idea... <grin?> Art Tatum was a Pianist. I'm a Pianner player.

--Mac

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