AN IDEA FOR A NEW VENUE FOR O/M's... HAVE THEM IN PIANO DEALERSHIPS!
Hi there.... My name is Chuck Clynes and I am a guitar player and singer-songwriter. I am also a wholesale piano rep, having worked for a number of big manufacturers, calling on dealerships all around the country. I've had the pleasure of being part of the O/M scene in Atlantic Beach, FL for the past several months and have really, really, really enjoyed it. Did say I also really enjoyed it?
From what I have seen and heard of the whole O/M phenomena thus far, most of them are geared towards guitar and other stringed instrument players, along with some hand percussion and other types of acoustic instruments that can be moved easily from place to place. I've also marveled at the fact that so many kids are involved, the level of their musical and performance skills and that their parents are so supportive and involved in these events themselves. With all of the cut backs that have taken place in our public school systems across the country and the fact that music and the arts usually take it on the chin first when times are lean. I think the O/M mic scene is providing a tremendous service in keeping live music "alive and well" in this great nation. Bravo to all of you who are involved in this wonderful adventure in music!
Pianos are heavy and are not conducive to being moved around like a guitar or a drum. As a result, it is rare to see a piano being performed at most, if not all, Open Mics. As a result, hundreds of budding pianist and keyboard artists are being denied the opportunity to join in all the fun. Conversely, all you guitar and horn players as well as you percussionists are missing the opportunity to expand your horizons by including pianos at the Open Mics where you play. Here is my solution to this overcoming this impasse:
- Piano dealerships usually have recital halls and other areas where audiences of 40 - 50 people get together for their childrens' recitals or other concert activities.
- Piano dealerships keep a good inventory of pianos that are always tuned, regulated and ready for performance.
- Piano dealerships are very supportive of music education.
- Piano dealerships like to have FUN with music too.
- Piano dealerships would welcome any and all musicians into to their stores to perform at open mics along with their piano performers and students.
I recently sent out the attached newsletter outlining the idea of piano dealerships participating in the Open Mic scene by sponsoring events in their stores. It's getting quite a bit of attention from many of my friends and associates in the business across the nation. I'm personally working on getting some started here in Florida. If piano dealers can see the logic and benefit of being part of this musical phenomena, it opens up a whole new type of venue for every Open Mic performer across the country.
I welcome your consideration of this idea and any input you may have to offer. Thanks
Tags: Mics, Open, Piano, Stores, in
Views: 8
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Leaves - November 2010.doc, 147 KB
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Craver on
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Chuck is 'spot-on' with this.
I'm giving a presentation at the upcoming NAMM Show on this topic.
By reaching out to the local community and hosting an open mic in their stores, music retailers have the opportunity to showcase products and build relationships.
People by from people that they trust.
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Permalink Reply by Frederick Ingram on -
I think it's a brilliant idea. Especially for suburban dealerships or ones in smaller towns, and if it's a regular event that builds an audience.
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Permalink Reply by Chuck Clynes on -
Thanks for your response Frederick. I've been gnawing on this idea for several months, wondering why all the guitar pickers and their friends were out having so much fun and my friends who play piano had to sit and play through stuffy old recitals. Not that there's anything wrong with the teaching and lessons... those are very important, but sometimes, you've gotta let your hair down and tickle the ivories just for the fun of doing it and I can't think of a better way than sharing the air with a whole bunch of other musicians.
I've also got some great news. I've only been "officially" talking this up for about a week, and I just got Jack Melvin, owner of the Keyboard Connection in Jacksonville to host his first O/M on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011. Jack's got a great store with Yamaha acoustic and digital pianos, Roland digital pianos and Lowrey organs. There's music going on around there just about all the time. I'm going to be the emcee (a first for me) and we're going to get the word out to everyone and do it just like I've seen Mike Shackelford do in Atlantic Beach. In fact, I've got quite a few really talented friends that I've made out there who I think would love to come out and get Jack Melvin's O/M off to a great start. Stay tuned for details!!!
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Permalink Reply by Chuck Clynes on
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Great news! Jack Melvin, manager of Keyboard Connection in Mandarin, FL (Jacksonville area) has agreed to begin hosting an on-site O/M at his store on Feb 13, 2011! He's got a great store and handles the Yamaha acoustic and digital pianos and Lowrey Organs. I've already got 4 acts signed up and it's more than 3 months away! This is going to be FUN!!!
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