Where do you perform, formally or informally?

[SonOfErkki]

I think it would be wonderful to listen and see amateur guitarists (or players of other instruments) performances but I never come accross to anything like that. Of course there are "official" concerts arranged by local guitar society and I go to listen them whenever possible. But I would like to see more unofficial informal performances like at the workplace, in schools, at neighbours, or anywhere. Knowing that there are huge amount of very good amateur players it is amazing that there are so little live music available.

I think that there are allways those that are shy with their playing and think that they are not yet good enough to perform. For a non-player their performance could still easily be good enough and even memorable.

Do you go and give unofficial performances and if so, where?

I don't promise anything but currently I have a feeling that I'm going to perform to everybody (neighbours be warned...) as I get my playing to a satisfactory level...

[WilliamSchart]

I have played a couple of times at various churches I attended. One time I arranged to play the prelude, offertory, and postlude for a service; another church I went to had talent nights for Sunday evening service every so often. Many churches also have "special music" during service where members play, doesn't have to be religious music. So if you are a member, or regularly attend a church, you might contact the music director about playing. One good thing about this is you only need to have one piece down at a given time.

I also have been asked a time or two by house guests to play.

[herb]

I think it would be wonderful to listen and see amateur guitarists (or players of other instruments) performances but I never come accross to anything like that. Of course there are "official" concerts arranged by local guitar society and I go to listen them whenever possible. But I would like to see more unofficial informal performances like at the workplace, in schools, at neighbours, or anywhere. Knowing that there are huge amount of very good amateur players it is amazing that there are so little live music available.

When we moved to our new town six years ago, I was fortunate enough to quickly become a member of a wonderful group called Ladies' Musical Improvement (LMI). It's not nearly as stuffy as it sounds! We meet twice a month, eat lunch, and share our talents in a musicale. There is a small chorus for those who want a group-singing experience, and most of us regularly play or sing solos on our instruments of choice. I'm a pianist by training but now play CG solos more than piano solos. Other than recitals, I don't play CG in public, so this is a wonderful, low-stress outlet that gives me a chance to share my playing. (BTW, we have had a man in the group, but he is no longer able to participate.)

Maybe there is something like this or a guitar society in your community that you could tap into......or put out feelers and start your own group to play for just the enjoyment of sharing music
Herb

[BeumontSuite]

I've lucked out somewhat, as i live in a small prairie town with a strong musical community. However that community is made up almost entirely of piano players and singers, with a band or two thrown in. I am the only classical guitarist in town. I called up the musical director one day and expressed an interest in performing locally. Within a few short months i was on stage at the local theatre playing CG in front of 200 people. My guitar is amplified through a huge Bose sound system that projects every nuance right to the back of the theatre, i have a spotlight on me, everyone is dressed up, etc. I have the opportunity to play about 3-4 times a year in front of the same sized audience. It's great because i get to bring the beauty of the CG to people who really aren't familiar with the instrument or its repetoire. So every little thing i play seems magical and amazing, even if my playing isn't. It's music they've never heard. I've never received a dime from it, and don't care if i ever do. The experience of getting up there, conquering my fear of the stage, and communicating the wonderful sound of the CG is all the reward i'll ever need.

[lagartija]

I've been trying to overcome performance anxiety so I take every opportunity to play were people can hear me. I play for friends when I can, too.
Last week, I went to the village green at noon while people were picnicking and played my entire recital program (50 minutes) while people played boccie ball, children screamed, etc.
[I don't believe that the children screaming had anything to do with my playing! ] My playing seemed to be well received and added to the festive atmosphere.
I plan on playing for the Hospice facility down the street, but haven't done that yet.

[llebron]

I play with our church choir. About once a month the music director will ask me to play some solo pieces. I still get very nervous but it is getting better. Last Sunday I played a set that consisted of some beginner pieces.

Opus 59 No 1 by Matteo Carcassi
Españoletas by Gaspar Sanz
Opus 35 No 2 by Fernando Sor
Opus 50 No 1 by Mauro Giuliani

After I played a few persons actually thanked me for playing and mentioned that they had enjoyed the music.

Luis

[Alan Green]

I don't do a lot of informal work, the occasional show with a local guitar orchestra but that's about it.

I do the occasional charity gig; the last being for the Kyangala Trust back in November.

The rest of my work is all formal. Weddings, parties, corporate events, churches (a couple for the local District Arts Association last year) and other places as a soloist, and other gigs with a local Big Band that need to me get the Les Paul out.

[SonOfErkki]

So it seems that quite many perform in churches. There are certainly national differencies; I would say that here in Finland church-concerts are given by professional musicians.
A little surprise that nobody mention hospital or retirement home. I would think that these kind of quiet places would be most suitable for informal guitar playing. And well suited to advanced amateurs for practicing the art of performing and simultaneously enlightening to the listeners.
I'm not yet at the level that I could give any, even short and small, concert but maybe there are also some practical problems of going e.g. to a hospital for performing purposes.

[lagartija]

A little surprise that nobody mention hospital or retirement home.

Errrr.... I did mention playing at a hospice. That is a nursing home environment for terminally ill people.

I plan on playing for the hospice facility down the street, but haven't done that yet.