Having done both I agree with you. A drummer guy I know, in his 70's fell. I have played at that long term care hospital 3 times for 125$ each time. The woman in charge was Attilla. She demanded this and that. Start times delayed by 20 minutes because Mrs. Brown is coming but her nurse says she's waiting for ...da da da ..some friend of hers is coming la la la.

I played the grand piano for my friend last week. The staff on the floor were all over me, play this, wow, come back anytime, and he and his wife liked it. I ended up with 50 people around, about the same as for the paid once a month thing an a way too big auditorium for 200 people on a stage too high.

At the end of the day, the volunteer places were better. Just a caution. Try to find a place with several facilities. I ended up paying for 3 Police clearance letters. Unless you go out in the country and someone knows you.

John Conley
Musica est vita