Am I The Best Chicago Piano Player?

by admin | Dec 21, 2014 | chicago piano player

I don’t think so. I’d like to think I am but I am not. I will tell you a little story first though, before I explain that is …

It’s always a pleasure to play piano in front of people. But I got to admit, I do get a bit tired some nights. A little short tempered if you will. I almost snapped at a guy who was just being polite last night at the end of a long day that included a recording session that went VERY well, a solo gig for some seniors which was well received and a sing along gig that went all night and revealed not one chance to take a break.

He was just being nice, yet he was also inquiring about a gig. Of course, he wanted to talk prices and availability.

I never discuss price at a gig. Two different parts of my brain.

I’ll talk business during the day when I’m wearing my business hat. When I’m out gigging I have a completely different mind set – entertaining.

So this guy was asking about a festival date in July and I thought, well I can’t not talk to him. He was being very polite for so late at night, a rare trait indeed.

I was saying how yes I do travel all over the place. And yes I do have a band I could bring. And yes with a day of rehearsal time I could bring a new band up to speed.

But I wasn’t going to talk price. I did talk about needing to include travel and lodging. That part was logical. At least to me it was. But I couldn’t mention a price because I didn’t know how much gear I was going to have to bring or how big of a crowd I was required to perform in front of.

I get calls all the time from people who are looking to get a price quote. They’re shopping strictly on price. I understand that.

We are all on some sort of budget.

But I don’t base my price on the what others’ are charging for their services as a Chicago piano player or musician. I am setting my price based on what I bring to the party. And what I bring to the event is extremely unique. Just ask the people who hire me as a piano player over and over again. Year after year. Fund raiser after holiday party entertainment. And it’s not just my services as a premier Chicago piano player. I charge based on the caliber of entertainer I am. I base it on the quality of musicianship I can bring to you through my years of experience on the scene knowing who to call when you need a first rate band to back me up.

The thing is I know I’m not the best piano player in Chicago. I know I’m not the best entertainer. I do know I am in the top tier of performers.

So if you’re looking for cheap, go somewhere else. If cheap is important to you I’m not the guy you want. I’m also not the most expensive. So give me a call. If I cant do it, I know a Chicago piano player I can call who will give you what you’re looking for in a great evening of entertainment.