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I want to play a lot in front of people - so I figured getting a "piano job" would be interesting. By this, I do not mean giving lessons - but playing in restaurants, and places like that, etc.

Anyone have any idea of how to go about finding these places?

I bet if you were to go to a local church and talked to the music director they would be more than happy to let you play at some point in the masses.

Unfortunately those days where we could just play places aren't really around anymore because a lot of it got taken over by the DJs. (I'm repeating this from an interview at my school with one of our teachers. I'm only 20.) But, I did learn that there used to be places like that. Where they could just get piad for performing and everything and have a weekly gig. The church idea is good, but it'd be best if you could find a church that needed a pianist and would pay you for it. (of course money is always good). So, hopefully that will happen and you'll at least have a weekly gig to just not only get the experience of being in front of people but also to earn some cash.

How about accompanying? Talk with the music teachers at local high schools, and see if you can get your name on some lists. You could be very busy around festivals.

I agree with ClassicalImproviser that DJs are taking over in restaurants and similar places so you would need to find a "niche" market such as weddings and special celebrations maybe; and this is also linked to the church. You can offer your services for the religious ceremony, and .. who knows maybe for the reception too. When I got married I hired a keyboard player for the party and everybody was very happy.

Churches will let you advertise on their weekly newsletter for a fee and you may land a couple of gigs per month.

Good luck!!

Major/upscale hotels will still occasionally hire pianists. Robin Goldsby wrote a book called "Piano Girl" about her adventures working as a lobby pianist. She actually posted here in PW not long ago and said she was dismayed to see how so many of those jobs have disappeared in NYC compared to when she was working there years ago.

Find a local "high class" hotel in your area. They usually have a grand somewhere in their lobby that almost never gets played. When I'm on the road for conferences I seek these pianos out and wind up playing for hours. People inevitably start crowding around you and are VERY appreciative.

Wow Monica, Talk about being on the same wavelength with a simultaneous response!!!

Von Maur -an upscale clothing store- in our neck of the woods hires pianists to play during working hours...all year long.

You could also pick up a copy of Piano Girl. Its a memoir of a pianist that does what you describe for a living...
Interesting read.

You also might look at private clubs. Think of those stereotypical men's clubs with the dark wood paneling, etc that are found in every city. Depending where your are these might not be "men's" clubs any more, but social clubs... I was in one recently in Australia where they had a nice grand in the lobby with a pianist from the local conservatory.

The hotel suggestions are also good ones.

The Dinner Theatre I work at is hiring pianists! Theatre jobs aren't as common as church or school jobs, but they are out there, and generally there is a desperate need!

On a related topic, is there a good place to post music related job listings? The standard want ad doesn't seem like it'd be reaching serious musicians.

Nordstrom's used to have lobby pianists up in WA state when we lived there. It's been awhile, but I wonder....are they still there? All previous posts have great advice. Some more ideas...

I agree with the accompanying angle. My son has a good friend (only 19 years old) who made so much money this last year, 'he doesn't know what to do with all of it'-- seriously, I would contact every voice, violin, cello, woodwind teacher, college, local theatre group, etc. etc. and also put my name in the luthier's shops around town, the piano shops, the universities. You'll have more 'piano related' job offers than you can handle before long. Churches are also a great resource, but, sadly, they are turning to electronic music as well.