Dueling piano services are excellent for corporate events, weddings, and many other occasions. You’re thinking about booking one, but there are still a few questions weighing on your mind before you commit. We totally get this – and we often get asked the same questions again and again regarding this service.
With that in mind, the ACME Event Company team is here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about dueling pianos. We’ll cover the five main queries people have about this topic, and you’ll find all the answers below:
Contrary to what the name suggests, a dueling piano show doesn’t involve any duels at all. It involves 2-4 musicians who play grand pianos on the stage at the same time. What songs do they play? It depends on what the audience requests! The musicians have to adapt to the audience and work together to create amazing music across all of the pianos at once.
The term “dueling pianos” comes from this concept’s inception back in 1993. Pianist Magazine explains that a bar in New Orleans became the first place where piano “dueling” took place. Two pianists were on stage taking it in turns to perform versions of the songs requested by audience members. Whoever did the best would get a tip.
As such, it was very much a duel between the performers! As dueling pianos grew and became more popular, the competitiveness came out and it developed into the fun collaborative show you see today.
Yes – but maybe not how you think!
Some people get anxious when they hear about dueling pianos as they think they’ll be called on stage to play the piano. That’s not what happens at all! Instead, audience participation comes through song requests. In many ways, it’s the most important part of a dueling piano show as it sets the tone for the night.
There may also be games played by the musicians that require audience participation, and the whole event revolves around ensuring the audience feels involved and has a fun time! Also, if you want to get on stage and join in with the fun, then you can. Audience members are free to sing or perform with the musicians – just make sure you ask permission before climbing on the stage.
Yes! While the dueling pianists are all fully paid, you can tip them if you want. Tipping was a rich part of dueling piano’s history and most of the early performers got by on tips alone. Nowadays, tipping is optional and you can do it to show your respect to the performers.
Alongside this, tipping pianists is encouraged if you want to get your song requests bumped up the order. It’s a fun way of ensuring your song gets played while also giving something extra to the performers for all their hard work. Don’t feel obliged to tip, but be aware that you can if you want to.
Pretty much every genre of music you can imagine! The premise of the show revolves around audience requests, so no two performances are the same. Most of our dueling piano performances will begin with a few well-known songs from different eras depending on the crowd. We throw in some 50s, a bit of 60s jazz, and even some modern dance music that everyone knows.
Then, it’s up to you to decide what comes next! Request songs via our request slips or use your phone to send a request. There are no limits on the song requests or restrictions on certain genres.
This rarely happens as most people request songs that everyone knows. Otherwise, the only person singing along would be the person who requested the song! With that in mind, there might be cases where the pianist hasn’t heard of a song or doesn’t know exactly how it goes.
In these situations, they’ll either do their best to create a rendition of the song, or politely decline and let you request another. Keep in mind that declining songs is incredibly rare; most of your requests will be approved and you’ll hear a version in no time!
Do you have anymore questions about dueling pianos? Or, are you looking for the best dueling piano events in Colorado? In either case, click here to contact ACME Event Company and we’ll help you out. We’re happy to answer additional queries or set you up with a booking for your special event!
Papi is effortless to work with. I've utilized his service for a couple events. My guest's loved the entertainment (Bands) . Great Company.
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