This past winter, I found myself thinking a lot about public pianos - or, more specifically, how surprisingly difficult it can be to find a piano you’re actually allowed to play.

I had recently learned Debussy’s Clair de Lune, the first piece I learned on piano, and whenever I came across a piano while traveling, I wanted to sit down and play it. On multiple occasions, though, I was told I couldn’t.

At two different airports, I found pianos sitting out in public spaces that, despite appearances, weren’t actually available for the public to play. Back home in Stowe, I ran into the same problem. There are pianos around town, but most aren’t open for people to use. The one truly public piano I know of is at The Mercantile, but unfortunately, it is in need of some serious maintenance - or perhaps replacement.

This isn’t unique to Stowe. Pianos can be found in hotels, airports, restaurants, schools, galleries, and other public spaces around the country, but many are effectively off-limits, even to experienced players. The reasons vary: concerns about noise, keeping the instrument clean, or simply having the piano there as a decorative object. I understand those concerns to a point. But people can play quietly. They can wash their hands. And to me, a piano is far more interesting when it is being played than when it is simply being looked at.

After a great month in February, I decided to start looking at pianos for the gallery. After about month I contacted Frank and Camille's out of Long Island, NY to inquire about a piano in their inventory. Camille was incredibly passionate and knowledgable, and was excited to help me bring a public piano to Stowe. Ultimately, she steered me toward a perfect little Kohler & Campbell upright piano and sight unseen, had it sent to the gallery.

We’ve had kids sit down and play their first notes, and I’ve taught a few of them the opening parts of Clair de Lune. One community member became inspired to start learning piano and now comes into the gallery semi-regularly to practice for half an hour or so every other week. We’ve also had a professional pianist stop in, sit down, and fill the gallery with music.

I’m excited about what the piano might allow us to do in the future. We hope to welcome more musicians into the gallery and explore small performances and other events that bring music and visual art together.

Most importantly, though, the piano is here to be played.

If you know how to play, come play. If you’re learning, come practice. If you haven’t touched a piano in twenty years and suddenly feel inspired to sit down again, you’re welcome too.

All we ask is that you check in with a gallery associate before playing

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