Public Piano
When I was a kid, there was an ice cream parlour with a grand piano in it, and they had a policy that anyone who played a piece could have a free ice cream. So, my piano teacher would organise little field trips where she would take us there and we would play and the nice lady behind the counter would give us free ice cream, and it is a cherished memory from my childhood!
Last year, I tried to recreate that to the best of my ability! We all met at the studio and walked to the nearest public piano. Then each student and teacher played a piece. The piano didn’t play super well, but it was fun to play outdoors! Then we all walked back to the studio and ate ice cream!
Performing in public with strangers walking by feels very different than playing for friends and family! And performing on a piano that isn’t in great condition is good practice for adjusting to the instrument in front of you - especially as pianists, you don’t bring your instrument with you, so you need to learn to adapt and just keep going even if the piano doesn’t respond the way your piano at home does!
I was interviewed about the public piano event for a teacher blog - here is the interview!
Bringing the Piano Recital Outdoors for the Summer!
1) Describe your event
For the last couple of years, I’ve organised a Public Piano Event for my students, and it’s the perfect activity for a hot summer day! The first year, we gathered at the studio, walked to the nearest public piano, each student played a piece, and then we returned for an ice cream party. The second year, I expanded the idea by choosing a beautiful piano located in a garden outside a concert venue. We all attended a solo piano concert indoors and then headed to the public piano outside the venue, where the students performed for the exiting audience, many of whom stopped to listen. After the crowd dispersed, we had a picnic in the park. This event was a lovely excuse to take the students to see a professional pianist perform live, which some of them had never had the opportunity to do before (and I think it is so important for students to see live music)!
2) What gave you the idea to have this event?
When I was little, there was an ice cream parlour with a grand piano inside, and if you played a piece, you got a free ice cream! My piano teacher used to organize field trips for us: we’d go, play a piece each, and a kind lady behind the counter would hand out ice cream. It’s a cherished memory from my childhood!
3) What did you notice with your students' playing as they prepared for this event?
The students were highly motivated and excited. Many made special requests for pieces they wanted to prepare specifically for this performance (music they thought would be familiar or appealing to the general public such as pop songs, movie themes or famous classical pieces). The public nature of the performance helped focus their practice, but without the pressure of a traditional recital. The novelty of playing outdoors and the idea of being part of a fun group outing helped drive their enthusiasm.
4) How did families respond to this event?
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Parents loved seeing their children perform and many were impressed by how confidently they played in a public environment. Several families told me how memorable the day was and requested that we do it again!
5) Did this event give you ideas for future events?
There are public pianos all over Montreal, which opens up so many possibilities. Many are located near parks, community centres, or venues where events are already happening. For the next iteration of the event, I’m planning to bring my students to a free outdoor concert at one of the parks that has a piano, so students can play before the concert starts, and then we can all sit together and watch the show! I’ve also been considering gathering at the piano in the airport near where I live, so that the students could perform for the travelers.
6) What do you think made this event such a success?
Performing outdoors, with strangers walking by, is an entirely different experience than playing for family and friends. There’s a vulnerability and excitement that makes it memorable. I’ve also found that the ideal combination for kids and families is mixing something educational with food and fun. These elements create a fuller experience and make the day enjoyable for everyone, including siblings and parents. Sometimes, students who aren’t as naturally drawn to music are won over by the social fun around it, and that makes them more engaged. I hope all of my students carry warm and positive memories of piano lessons, whether or not they continue long-term.
7) How did your students respond to this event?
One of my students recently told me that playing on the outdoor piano was his favourite performance ever! All the students loved playing outside, being appreciated and complimented by strangers, and then celebrating afterward! One especially meaningful memory was with a student who has Selective Mutism. I’d been teaching him for three years, and in all that time, he had never spoken a word. I was scooping ice cream for the students and asked him, “Which flavour would you like?” I assumed he’d point, but instead, he looked up and said, “Vanilla.” I was so shocked and moved that I had created a situation where he felt comfortable using his voice! That moment really showed me how important it is to create environments where students feel safe and happy.
8) Are there any other pedagogical thoughts you’d like to add?
Playing on a public piano is a great lesson in adaptability. Pianists don’t typically bring their instrument with them, so learning to adjust to a new piano is essential. More importantly, though, these events teach students how to manage nerves in unpredictable settings and how to connect with an audience, even if it’s just a passerby. It reinforces the idea that music isn’t only something we do in lessons or for exams—it’s something to be shared. In addition, as a teacher, I believe strongly that providing regular and varied performance opportunities can really help students feel confident performing in a wide variety of contexts! I was not present for this, but I was told the story afterwards and was very impressed: one of my very young students was at the Montreal Jazz Festival with his family, and there was a public piano, and he (on his own initiative) went up and spontaneously performed in front of a huge crowd!
9) Tips for any teachers considering this event
If you’re planning a public piano outing, I strongly recommend visiting the piano in advance. Some are in rough shape from weather exposure and may be nearly unplayable, which wouldn’t be enjoyable for the students. Also, many public pianos are now protected with lockable cases, especially when attached to businesses or public venues. Check ahead to make sure the piano will be accessible at the time of your visit. It would be very disappointing to show up and find it locked!
10) Any final thoughts?
My hope is that music becomes a lifelong companion for my students. Maybe years from now, even if they no longer take lessons or don’t have a piano at home, they’ll walk past a public piano in a park, sit down, and play a piece they still remember from their childhood—and maybe someone walking by will smile.