Where can I practice piano in DC/NoVA?

August 21, 2009 7:01 PM

Is there anywhere in the DC area I, being relatively broke, could practice on a real piano?

I'm about equidistant from East and West Falls church metro, and I don't drive.

posted by phrontist to education (7 comments total)

Well, the University of Maryland's Music school has lots of rooms with pianos in them. I am not a music student, and I go in there and play all the time. I have never been asked to produce my university ID. Although, if the rooms are full, and someone needs a room, I always surrender mine. It's at the College Park metro station which is kind of far for you. I think after hours (late at night), you probably have to show ID to get in the building. I've never tried that; I mainly play during lunch time.

If that's too far, you could try a school closer to you.
posted by bluefly at 7:11 PM on August 21

I have done the same thing bluefly has at several universities. Only a few of which I actually attended.
posted by munchingzombie at 7:16 PM on August 21

Does anyone know if the Alexandria campus of NVCC has pianos? I can't find any indication on their website.
posted by phrontist at 8:09 PM on August 21

Just FYI, I've been in several dive bars in the past with pianos in the daylight hours. Real dive bars, not the hipster version. They are generally populated by older folks drinking and reading a book or looking into their drinks. If you ask the bartender you can play. They are rarely in tune, but the patrons generally appreciate it and you will get free drinks. This assumes you are playing to your audience, Mozart doesn't really fly in a dive bar.
posted by sanka at 8:52 PM on August 21

The Tyler Recital Hall at NOVA in Alexandria does have pianos, based on this calendar. I don't know how you'd get access to use them, however.
posted by cerebus19 at 9:03 PM on August 21

You might ask Temple Rodef Shalom on Westmoreland St., or one of the churches around there. Also, there's a retirement home on Westmoreland - Chesterbrook Residences - I'm pretty sure I remember a piano there (I'm in the Falls Church Concert Band, and we've played there and at Temple Rodef Shalom a few times.) Check with the volunteer coordinator - they would probably enjoy having someone play for the residents.
posted by candyland at 8:00 AM on August 22

Another possibility - the City of Falls Church Community Center.
posted by candyland at 5:09 AM on August 23