Full disclosure: I have played a street piano before.

Street pianos. City gems, as I like to call them, are the BEST form of public art. Here’s why:

Okay here’s the problem. It’s a big one too, if I may add. Street pianos, hence the name, are located in public. Usually in train stations where people need to get from A to B. These people don’t want any distraction, they have a lot of tasks to do–that’s why they’re in a train station in the first place. Thus, they see street pianos as a nuisance, a disturbance even. But don’t worry, I’m here to convince you why they’re not.

You’re probably thinking: Why should I care? Well, if you’re a musician, you will probably resonate with this a lot. But if you’re not, I’ll help you and here are three reasons why street pianos are the best form of public art.

May I present to you the first claim. Street pianos are the BEST because people are given the opportunity to showcase their musical talents.

Some say that playing street pianos can be seen as a narcissistic gesture. Call me a narcissist, but even Beethoven was one and look at how much he has achieved. Anyway, piano players work hard and practice daily to get where they are, so why not showcase their talents when given the chance? For those of you who don’t play an instrument, I’ll explain. Having all of that pent-up anxiousness and years of practice makes performing satisfying. Immensely.

So that’s why it’s so amazing to be able to perform in front of a live audience, knowing people are listening so that your hard work doesn’t go to waste. Practicing at home by yourself can get boring. At times you ask yourself, what’s the point? Who am I playing for? Street pianos are the solution to that because you KNOW that people are listening. And while it might be scary pouring your heart out on display like that, at least someone acknowledges you and that is a special feeling for a musician.

Reason number two. Street pianos help build community by serving as a catalyst for conversation.

People stop and smile. Then they start talking. Keep in mind, these are COMPLETE STRANGERS. But the music is what’s uniting them. The authenticity and the liveliness is what draws people in. Street pianos serve as a catalyst for conversation amongst people of all types. Not only pianists and musicians. They watch, linger and then applaud. Some even call street pianos a “smile generator.” And one day in the future, when these same people see another street piano, they’ll meet someone new and tell them the story of how it brought them joy. That’s the magic of street pianos. It builds community across all people and it does that through music. 

And when you think about it, music has so much power. It has the power to make someone stop in their tracks, shift their attention, and just be present in the moment and listen. And yeah, some people believe it’s distracting, especially being in a public transit place where people have places they need to go. But even just for a mere minute, hearing the piano can bring them joy that will make their day. Also, pianos are unique in the way that hitting one pristine key can already reel you in. It’s a little hard to explain, but pianos have such a unique tone and they’re so versatile in that you can play multiple notes at the same time, unlike the saxophone or bassoon.

Here’s my last reason (although there are so many more). Street pianos are the BEST because they’re a gift for the ears, heart, mind and soul.

One of my favorite ways to describe street pianos are by comparing them to free hugs. Okay first off, free hugs. They can oftentimes seem forced–like you’re forced into it. But once you’re actually given that hug, you’ll feel your insides melt as you’re suddenly overcome with that rush of happiness. I was reading an article on street pianos and I really resonated with one of their quotes. It said: “Life is hard, but doesn’t this small bit of happiness bring us all a little bit closer?” That’s exactly how I feel about street pianos. You’re in a train station, and suddenly you hear the keys being played. It’s not like you can block it out, you’re forced to hear it. But once you stay and listen a little bit more, you’ll become fascinated and content, the same feeling when you receive a free hug.

Okay, the moment you’ve all been waiting for or are particularly interested in. The Jerk Talk.

A jerk may watch my presentation and say this: Street pianos are annoying.

Well I hate to break it to you, but it’s not always about you. Yes, I’m talking to you Jerk.

There’s other people around you. Street pianos are public and are meant for the public. And yes, I do understand your point. Sometimes you just don’t want to listen to someone play that overrated Fur Elise tune that you’ve gotten sick of BUT, again, be considerate. While it may not seem like it to you, street pianists can make someone’s day. Someone may be coming home from a long day of work and while waiting at the train station, they’ll hear the piano and find a moment of peace. It might even make them smile.

And so, even though you may not like it, other people will. What might not bring a smile to your face might make someone’s day. So before you rush and call street pianos annoying, be considerate. That’s all.

Okay now you’ve reached the end of my presentation. I think the best way to wrap it up is saying that street pianos are something you never knew you needed. That’s what I love about them. They’re like a spontaneous box of joy. What’s not to like about them? If you really think about it, you’re basically getting a free impromptu concert. We’ll have to thank the street pianists for that.