Venues for amateur chamber music

January 12, 2011 at 08:03 PM ·

 Nursing homes and private parties are a great place to start. If you were more portable (i.e., a quartet, not a piano trio) you could go just about anywhere that busking isn't prohibited-- farmer's markets, malls, etc. If you can find space for it, maybe consider organizing some salon-style evening concerts in which you invite some other guest musicians and an audience. 

January 12, 2011 at 08:24 PM ·

If anyone belongs to a church, they might appreciate having you play for a service.  Nursing homes and retirement residences are always good.  Sometimes local hospitals welcome this sort of thing- a nice break for both patients and staff.  Odd as it may sound, even a local jail or homeless shelter might appreciate having you come and play.  If you have friends with other chamber groups, organize a "you play for us; we'll play for you" pot luck evening.

January 13, 2011 at 05:13 PM ·

Most churches are receptive to the idea of acting as a chamber music venue. Sunday afternoons are often the best time because in winter the sanctuary is heated for services anyway. I find that the Unitarians are especially welcoming in this respect. I have paid rental fees, but the church will waive them if the group also performs at a service. You might also find a church of a different denomination that has a pastor who loves classical music, and it wouldn't hurt to check with the Rabbis at local synagogues.

Public schools make good venue, too, but in recent years the ones around here have become obsessed with potential liabilities and require a million dollars of insurance for each event. It never hurts to check because you often come up with some good leads. If the public school leads dry up, try private schools.

Sometimes even large private residences serve well, providing there is a decent piano in the house. You might have to limit the audience to a small number, but I've found that people love the exclusivity.

Bookstores like Borders and Barnes & Noble are another possibility, although the piano (or lack thereof) will be a problem and you'll have to decided if you can handle playing on a carpeted floor. Libraries in our area often have a space available for an intimate chamber concert. Groups have even played in the town hall and gotten a decent audience.

Good luck

January 13, 2011 at 06:02 PM ·

Our local art museum has small classical groups perform in the entry atrium on weekend evenings and afternoons.

January 13, 2011 at 09:05 PM ·

I will 2nd art galleries...that has worked well here (sans piano though).  We've also been at Seniors/Recreation centres that have pianos, as well as churches.  Would a school be a possibility for you?

Just editing - what about a music store?...I mean musical instruments...depending on the store it might be quite cool and I think people going into one would probably be appreciative of live music, even if they're not classical nuts.

January 13, 2011 at 11:03 PM ·

 I've played solo, with my daughter, and with a quartet at a local farmers' market.  We got paid in coupons for the market.  Nearly every time I've met and talked with people personally.  It has been a really nice experience and I plan to keep on doing it.  

Our quartet also played at a "first light" celebration in a real estate office.  The whole town was having this celebration and different businesses had different acts:  magicians, clowns, other types of music.  

January 13, 2011 at 11:44 PM ·

Great suggestions, please keep them coming.

As for getting paid, I would almost rather not, because then it would become a job.  I play violin because I love it, not because I want to make money.  Once money enters the equation, it kind of changes ones perspective -- probably a good subject for another thread.

January 14, 2011 at 12:50 AM ·

"I play violin because I love it, not because I want to make money."

Ditto.  If I had time to give a recital a week locally, free of charge, I'd do it.

What about airports, hotels, and convention centers?  Also, check out Michael P's input -- second of his two posts -- in the 6-1-2010 thread "Can't we play something new?"  This is somewhat like Karen's experience.
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EDIT: On second thought, airports might not be the easiest places to get in and out of -- especially post 9-11.  It's been a long time since I went to one -- well before 9-11, in fact -- I don't fly anymore.

January 14, 2011 at 02:17 AM ·

 Most people around here, both amateur and professional, use churches. Many of them require event insurance, which is becoming difficult to find. I recommend EventHelper.com. An example of the price difference: local insurers wanted about $350 for one night of liability insurance. EventHelper does it for $170. Make sure you ask whether a "waiver of subrogation" is required.

January 14, 2011 at 02:50 AM ·

Down here in Houston is a music store called "Dowling" which has a recital space for rent (open to anyone). 

As for myself, I've performed in art galleries, churches/chapels, farmers markets, hospitals, nursing/retirement homes, private homes, and most recently a condo club house.