There’s something special about a live performance, especially one where you are fully immersed in the music like you are during an intimate piano performance. These performances were once the bread and butter for previous generations and, no, they weren’t just reserved for the upper classes. Live piano performances have been bringing people together for generations, and now you can enjoy a live performance from top talent – for free.
Introducing Piano Sundays
The University of Iowa School of Music has partnered with the Old Capitol Museum and West Music to provide exceptional Piano Sunday events in 2025. This year they’re taking place right inside the Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City, to add to the ambiance and experience even further.
You’ll hear talented music students play a range of classical all the way to contemporary music on the 1878 Steinway concert grand piano. This piece of history, nicknamed “Rose” has been the go-to instrument for performances since Piano Sunday’s inception.
Who’s Playing?
The performers are students of the University of Iowa School of Music. In March, you can hear the talented Doreen Lee, as well as the UI collaborative pianists in action. In April, you can hear from Rene Lecuona and Studio.
When Do These Performances Take Place?
The performance in March takes place on the 9th, while the performance in April takes place on the 6th. Both of these performances fall on a Sunday, giving as many people as possible the chance to listen to live performances for free.
Inspired? Here’s How to Pick Up Piano for Yourself
One thing’s for sure – you’ll be moved by the performances you see. If you’re also inspired, use that opportunity to pick up piano playing for yourself. There are so many resources out there available to the public, so you don’t need to enroll in a full university degree just to learn.
Instead, you can use these steps:
Find a Piano or Keyboard for Yourself
The biggest barrier to learning the piano for yourself is the piano itself. The good news is there are a lot of options out there, from traditional acoustic pianos all the way to digital pianos or even keyboards. In general, a digital piano is the happy middle ground. They’re smaller, which means they can fit more easily into your home. They also don’t require tuning, and often have weighted keys, to make the experience more authentic.
Decide Where to Get Lessons
There are two main ways you can get lessons. The first is by finding a teacher. Alternatively, you can learn online. There are free tutorials (with full video) as well as apps that are designed to help you learn the ins and outs of playing the piano.
Keep it Fun with Your Favorite Songs
Who said you absolutely had to learn classical piano music if that’s not what you vibe with? While learning the classics is a great way to expand your skills, it’s not necessary. Instead, you can pick up piano sheet music that lets you play your favorite songs.
Learning how to play music that you like is beneficial for two reasons. For one, it’s so much more fun playing a song you love. It’s a great party trick, and an excellent way to keep up the momentum of practicing. Two, learning to play music you already know means you have an inner ear for it. You can then compare that ear to make sure your technique matches up with the song.