HOME PIANO

10 REASONS YOU SHOULD HIRE ME!

#1 – YOU HUM IT, I’LL PLAY IT

I have perfect pitch and if I’ve heard a tune, I can make a pretty good stab at it even if I’ve never played it before. Very handy for those inevitable, unscheduled request spots!

#2 – NO WARTIME DEFAULT

While it made sense around 30 years ago, people in their 80s today would have either been at primary school, in cots or not even born when wartime songs like “We’ll Meet Again” were released. I’m always more than happy to play such tunes if requested, but believe that 2020s residents’ first-hand musical memories will come from a much later era, hence the late 1960s to early 1980s melodies I offer as an alternative!

#3 – NO UNCOMFORTABLE SINGING SESSIONS

Equally, while I could play backings for sing-alongs, they only seem to be okay when every participant is equally vocal. In reality though, I don’t always believe they are very inclusive if some residents are non-verbal, quieter, shy or less outgoing than others, and usually favours the more gregarious. I also believe there’s little point in sing-alongs, unless everybody is singing along! Far better to allow people to sit back and just relax with a live performer.

#4 – FITTING IN WITH THE HOME ENVIRONMENT

While I do own a P.A. system, I’ve also discovered that homes don’t always want to have too much disruption to daily schedules, so my default performances involve literally myself plus a keyboard with built-in speakers resting on a keyboard stand. No giant stage or complex equipment required, and I can set up in other areas of a home within minutes. I also have battery-operated keyboards if people want to take things outside!

#5 – HAPPENING RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU

No backing tracks! I play honest 100%-live music on a keyboard, so residents are getting the totally personal experience of a musician playing especially for them, just feet away. I apologise to anybody wanting me to hand out novelty hats or inflatable microphones, but I believe there’s room for something cosier and slightly more chilled!

#6 – NO STRANGER TO HOMES

I have spent at least three years in the past working in care homes myself, so have some appreciation of how such establishments operate, so will do all I can to fit in with systems and protocols.

#7 – THE BORING SMALL-PRINT STUFF

I have Public Liability Insurance (PLI) up to £5M, the PAT certificates (for any electrical stuff requiring it), an Enhanced Background Check (dated January 2021) and am of course double-jabbed! More than happy to take COVID tests when entering sites.

#8 – REAL-WORLD MUSICAL EXPERIENCE

A quick visit to my main musical page (www.pauldavismusic.co.uk) will hopefully give enquirers some reassurance about my wide experience as a gigging musician, with several thousand gigs to my name, mainly on keyboards and bass. From hosting open-mics to playing at weddings, from garden barbecues to rock festivals, from pub gigs to tribute acts – I’ve had the pleasure of first-hand learning from numerous situations over the years, which I hope I can bring to my Home Piano performances too!

#9 – A FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO BOOKING

I learnt early on that it’s not always a good idea to block book regular spots when offering a service like this, both from my own perspective and that of the residential home too. I therefore take each booking on a one-by-one basis, which means that there’s less messing around with far-reaching timetables no awkward long-term contracts, plus bookings can be fitted in with home schedules and more immediate changes of plan.

Naturally, I’d love for homes to book me on a regular(-ish!) basis all the same, so I’ve included the reduced fee offer for repeat Tue/Wed/Thu bookings within 14 or 28 days of the last (£45 & £60 respectively, instead of £75) to encourage this. And of course, don’t forget the introductory £20 offer!!

#10 – EXTRA SERVICES

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SOME UNPLUGGED DUO ACTS I PLAY WITH

Finally, I am involved with several singers if a live duo is ever required for more special occasions, and even bands. The solo keyboard remains the core of Home Piano, but can provide other expanded musical experiences involving my talented local singer & instrumentalist friends, or a bigger sound if required. :)