Hello all. I'm interested in finding a piano that I can go and play on once a week or so - not for serious study, just to keep a modest repertoire intact so that I can perform it if need be. If necessary I could swap some service for the use of the piano, but it seems to me that there's probably lots of pianos in Toronto that I could borrow for free, like people who would enjoy hearing the practice or would be glad to have the family piano getting some use.

Any suggestions on how to go about finding such a situation?

I only show up at church a couple of times a year, so I'm reluctant to ask to use my church's piano. Another thing I'm considering is approaching the closest nursing home and trading the opportunity to practice for the pleasure that some residents would find in hearing it. My only reservation there is that I'm working on establishing myself as a pro entertainer and I've been strongly discouraged from playing for free.

I imagine the best bet would be a private home in my neighbourhood where the kids have moved out and the elderly parents miss hearing the piano played. Finding that home is a little trickier than going to an institution, though.

Thanks, Marion