(no subject)

[ivyfic]

There seems to be some sort of public art installation going on in Boston where painted stand-up pianos are sprinkled around the city, with signs saying, "Play me. I'm yours."

Every time I've passed one, someone's been playing. And they've always been good. Sometimes there'll be people singing along.

Walking home on Friday, I watched a guy walk up to the one in front Symphony Hall, set his lunch on the ground, and start four or five different pieces before he settled on what he wanted to play. I looked over at a bus driver who was waiting nearby for the concert to let out. He said, "I had no idea how many people could play piano. It's just people walking by on their lunch hour!" Granted, we were in front of Symphony Hall, next to the New England Conservatory and the Berklee College of Music, so there is a higher density of piano proficiency here than other places. But even in other parts of the city--always someone good playing.

I suspect there are more people with a latent piano skill than you'd think--even if they haven't played in years. So many of us had lessons. Even if it's a minority of people over all, there seem to be more than enough people in Boston who can sit down and just start playing something from memory to keep the pianos occupied. And it also shows just how easily ordinary people are willing to let their music be heard when given the opportunity.

Comments

[thirdblindmouse]

I passed one in BU, one in Kenmore, one in Davis. And each one had someone talented playing them. It's funny how music production isn't a central pastime anymore, but it clearly remains something that people have the urge to do given half a chance.