We're thrilled that you want to host a piano!
Below, we've answered some
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does it mean to host a public piano?

   • Hosting a public piano means becoming our community partner in bringing spontaneous art and music to public spaces. We’ll deliver an artist-painted piano to your location, available for the public to play and enjoy. You’ll help us create a welcoming environment where creativity and connection thrive.

     
     

2. What makes a good location for one of your pianos?

   • We want the piano played frequently, so it should be in an area with relatively high foot traffic freely accessible for public use.

   • The location can be indoors or outdoors. Indoor pianos typically maintain higher quality, play better, sound better, cost less to maintain, and last longer.

   • Outdoor pianos must be protected from water (rain, snow, sprinklers, puddles, sideways rain, etc.).
     
     

3. What’s the process to get a public piano at my location?

   • Play Me Again Pianos manages the project from beginning to end.

   • We hold a fundraiser to cover installation costs and the first year of tuning and maintenance.

   • We issue a call-to-artists.

   • We choose the design and move a donated piano to the artist.

   • The artist sands, primes, paints, and finishes the piano.

   • We coordianate a date for the ribbon-cutting event.

   • We deliver the piano to yourlocation.

   • We unveil the piano publicly.

4. Who owns the piano after it's been placed in the host locatiion?

   • Play Me Again Pianos maintains ownership and provides basic maintenance to keep the piano playable.
     
     

5. Who tunes the piano?

   • Play Me Again Pianos tunes the piano once we move it into place, and periodically throughout the year. Generally, outdoor pianos are tuned quarterly and indoor pianos annually, though frequency can vary by piano and location.

   • Indoor pianos hold their tuning longer. Outdoor pianos can have frequent issues with sticky keys due to humidity. Keys might stick on humid days and the play fine on dry days. We’ll repair sticky keys caused by other issues as needed.

   • An outdoor piano can sound like a ‘honky tonk’ piano as weather fluctuates and as it ages, but regular use helps maintain playability. Community Piano Stewards can greatly assist with minor issues (learn more on our Volunteer page).

   • We hold periodic fundraising events to cover future tuning and maintenance.
     
     

6. How long will the piano last?

   • An indoor piano can last as long as a typical household piano.

   • Outdoor pianos generally last for two to five years, depending on factors like the original quality of the donated piano, how will it’s sheltered, and local weather conditions. In Georgia, an outdoor piano typically lasts three to four years.
     
     

7. Who paints the piano?

   • We issue a call-to-artists and select the design from submitted proposals. We're always looking for artists, and sometimes they reach out directly.

   • If you have a local artist in mind, we’re happy to discuss the project with them. Having a local artist involved makes the piano even more special.

   • In some cases, we collaborate with hosts to offer an artist stipend, which can increase the number and quality of artist submissions.
     

8. Where is the piano painted?

   • The piano is painted either at the artist's studio or at the host location.
     
     

9. How long does it take to get one of your pianos?

   • It takes about four months to complete the process if the artist makes steady progress. Artists estimate their completion time when submitting their design. However, since artists volunteer their time and talent, the timeline may shift.
     
     

10. Who names the pianos?

    • Play Me Again Pianos names each piano, but we always welcome suggestions.
      
      

11. How much does it cost us to have one of your pianos?

    • We work with hosts to organize fundraising campaigns covering the expenses of placing the piano and ongoing maintenance. Currently, we crowdfund approximately $2100 before issuing the call-to-artists.
      
      

12. What are my responsibilities as the host of a piano?

    • Be our advocate in the community: Help promote fundraising campaigns, calls-to-artists, piano unveilings, and other related events.
      

    • Be welcoming and encouraging to those public playing the piano.
      

    • Welcome our Piano Stewards: We actively recruit community members as Piano Stewards to perform minor tasks that keep the piano enjoyable.

    • If you see something, say something: We'll check your piano periodically, but please alert us promptly if something needs attention.
      

    • Keep the piano inviting and visually appealing: Support community Piano Stewards by designating an in-house caretaker, or rotating caretakers (learn Piano Steward dutieson our Volunteer page).
      

    • KEEP THE PIANO DRY!
      
      

13. What happens if the piano becomes unplayable?

    • If the piano reaches the end of its playable life but you’ve enjoyed hosting, we can work together to raise funds for a replacement.
      
      

14. What if I don't want the piano anymore?

    • We'll check with you annually about continuing to host. If at any time you wish to stop hosting, just let us know, and we’ll remove the piano.
      
      

15. Alright, how do I get started?

    • Click the "Host Sign Up" button at the top of this page and fill out the form. We'll be in touch soon!