Does anybody have a programme of music that they use for playing at parties/events where background music is needed? I will he playing for about an hour and have been asked for jazz/easy listening.

If anyone uses a set that they wouldn't mind sharing I'd much appreciate it! Any levels

Thanks

The only such thing I've done was play at a wedding for the hour before the ceremony started- it had to be easy listening mostly stuff, but no jazz. Here is what I played

Arabesque no. 1 - Debussy
Clair de lune - Debussy
Prelude no. 1 in C from the Well-Tempered Clavier book 1 - Bach
Forrest Gump Suite - Alan Silvestri
Sarabande and Gavotte from the Holberg Suite - Grieg
Intermezzo Op. 118 no. 2 - Brahms (this is not really easy listening but the bride requested I play it anyway..)

It was supposed to be half an hour of playing but they were late, so I had to repeat everything.

Had it not been a wedding I'd have thrown in some Chopin Waltzes or Scott Joplin rags but neither were appropriate for that.

I also did the wedding thing. It was so long ago I can't remember exactly what I played, but there was

Beethoven- 1st mvt of Moonlight, 2nd mvt of Appassionata.
Chopin- Etude op.10/3 (merging of first and last section).
Liszt- Liebestraum nr 3
Debussy- La fille aux cheveux de lin, Bruyeres
Ravel- Pavane pour une infante defunte, Minuet (both Sonatine and Tombeau ones)

I quietened down any dynamics above mf so as not to be so intrusive.

How about some Billy Mayerl? Marigold

I would recommend a book called "Jazz tunes you've always wanted to play" published by Chester Music. They are very nice arrangements and there are also chord symbols if you wish to improvise.

What level are you ?

My husband does quite a lot of this but there's a big demand for ragtime/Elton John/jazz/whatever - he throws in a bit of classical (as per above), especailly at wedding events, but for regular background music at drinks parties, more 'easy-listening' is often in order.

Can make more suggestions depending on your level . . .

Thanks for all the replies, lots of great ideas! I didn't want to go too classical...going to have a look at that jazz book!

I am diploma level, however the party is on Saturday so don't want to be spending too long on each piece.

I would love to hear suggestions from party set lists!

I do like noodling around knowing that no-one is really listening... I tend to do songs which people will know if they do happen to tune in, such as:

Smoke gets in your eyes
Over the rainbow
Everybody loves somebody
Moonlight serenade
Elmer's tune
A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square
Ain't misbehavin'
Stormy weather
Somewhere my love
Moon river
Forgotten dreams

The 100 Years of Popular Music series, 30s and 40s, have lots of well-known songs.
and you can guarantee that, whatever else you have prepared, someone will ask you to play something you've never heard of

The "Jazz tunes you've always wanted to play" book is about grade 4 to 6 level and has about 50 pieces in it including most of the favourites: Fly me to the Moon, Georgia on my Mind, Fascinating Rhythm, Lullaby of Birdland, Satin Doll, Take the A train, Blues in the night, The girl from Ipanema. My piano teacher plays piano in a cafe and uses pieces from that book.

I'll have to look for that book sounds like fun

I went to local music shop today and gutted they didn't have the jazz book the party is on sat so needed music today to run through...ended up getting pam wedgewoods after hours books which I'm going to supplement with a few well known ones from your suggestions!

Feeling much better now about it - quick play tomorrow and it'll be grand!

Still may have to get that book for future though