Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum Playing at Senior Centers

I play in different senior centers monthly 2-3 times (nursing home/adult day care & assisted living) I also can only play from sheet music.

A Couple helpful tips:

When playing keep your mind on your music. These places usually have very distracting things going on.

Plan what you are going to play, and time how long it actually takes and have a few extra just in case. (Learned from my teacher)

When you mess up, keep going and they probably won't even notice.

They love songs that would be considered children songs like Jesus Loves Me, Oh Suzanna, Father Abraham.

I do a variety and don't always play the piano when I sing. Last year for Christmas I sung the Little Drummer boy and used a drum. I also use a tambourine, or egg shaker on some songs.

Have Fun!!!!!!

Update! I played at the nursing home, everything went well. The people there were very sweet and clapped even when I messed up (Which happened more often than I would have liked :P ) Afterwards, I talked with the residents and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I'll definitely be doing it again. Happy Thanksgiving, every one!

Hooray Teabelle

Teabelle that's awesome! Congratulations on having a successful gig!
And kudos to you for giving back to your community. That's what I call a Win-win.

So glad things went well. It is a very rewarding experience.