The Radio 3 Pianothon 2009

Last year's Radio 3 Pianothon was one of the most fascinating events I've ever been involved with. Since hosting the Manchester event last September, I've been trying to figure out what made it so special. I don't think it was to do with the scale of the event, although we had wall-to-wall piano playing for an entire day: a marathon indeed. And the human interest! Every pianist had a story to tell, a fascinating way in which music had threaded itself into their lives. It was a documentary-maker's paradise, a novelist's dream.

I think for me, the real fascination was to witness how the art of piano playing exists quite independently of the professional musical world (or any professional world!). No pay, no manager, no agent, no teacher-mentor, no recording deal, no audience adoration, no critical acclaim, no time to "practice till perfect", no Steinway-endowed studio... just the love of music. It almost felt a bit subversive - people doing things for no commercial reason whatsoever! And without the need for the approval of others! Whatever next?

I'm certainly impressed by the bucket-loads of self-motivation shown by these amateur pianists. And I hope that taking part in the event will bring some well-deserved encouragement and affirmation. Join the Pianothon community - sign up now!

• The Pianothon web site is here and the application form here. The closing date for applications is 5pm on this Friday 21st August 2009.
• Photographs of pianos used under licence. Credits here.