Old Time Player Piano Day

Old Time Player Piano Day is celebrated annually on May 27, honoring the self-playing pianos that brought music into homes during the early 20th century. These mechanical marvels, known as player pianos or pianolas, allowed people to enjoy music without a live performer, using perforated paper rolls to play tunes automatically.

History of Old Time Player Piano Day

The player piano was invented in 1895 by Edwin S. Votey, who developed a pneumatic mechanism that could be attached to a standard piano, enabling it to play music automatically. This invention was later marketed as the “Pianola” by the Aeolian Company in 1897. Player pianos gained immense popularity in the early 1900s, becoming a staple in many households and public venues. However, their popularity declined with the advent of the phonograph and radio, which offered more convenient ways to enjoy music.

Old Time Player Piano Day has been celebrated since at least 2011, coinciding with events like the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest held annually in Oxford, Mississippi. This contest celebrates ragtime and early jazz music, keeping the spirit of the player piano era alive.

Why is Old Time Player Piano Day important?

Old Time Player Piano Day serves as a tribute to a bygone era when music was a communal experience, and the player piano was at the heart of family gatherings and social events. These instruments democratized music, allowing people who couldn’t play the piano to enjoy and share music in their homes. They also played a significant role in preserving musical performances before the widespread availability of audio recordings.

Celebrating this day reminds us of the technological innovations of the past and their impact on culture and society. It encourages appreciation for mechanical ingenuity and the ways in which people have sought to make art and entertainment accessible to all.

• Honors a significant technological innovation in music history
• Recognizes the cultural impact of player pianos in early 20th-century society
• Encourages preservation of historical musical instruments
• Celebrates the communal aspect of music enjoyment
• Inspires interest in mechanical music and its role in entertainment

How to Celebrate Old Time Player Piano Day

Celebrating Old Time Player Piano Day can be a delightful journey into musical history. Visit a local museum or historical society that features player pianos to see these instruments in action. Some museums may offer demonstrations or even allow visitors to try playing a tune using the foot pedals.

Alternatively, explore online resources and videos showcasing player piano performances. Listening to the distinctive sound of a player piano can transport you back in time. If you’re musically inclined, consider learning a piece of ragtime or early jazz to play on a traditional piano, paying homage to the music that player pianos popularized.

• Visit a museum featuring player pianos
• Watch online videos of player piano performances
• Learn to play a ragtime piece on the piano
• Share information about player pianos on social media
• Host a themed gathering with music from the player piano era

Old Time Player Piano Day Dates Table