Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenn Kramer.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I moved to San Diego in 2000, my only job was playing piano for two hours at Nordstrom in Horton Plaza, and that was only twice per month. Shortly after, I began working at the San Diego Performing Arts League as a graphic designer. Our company’s mission was to bring awareness to music, dance, and theatre groups in San Diego, and I loved it. As a pianist, I was encouraged to help other performing artists, and I understood the challenges facing both the performer (getting exposure) as well as the general public (getting them to discover great talent).
One day as I was on my way to give a piano lesson, a sparkling thought occurred to me: why not create my own amateur piano group and provide performance opportunities for outstanding local amateur adult pianists? Learning to play piano takes an enormous amount of time, commitment, and patience. I knew that creating a recital series for anyone who wishes to perform would benefit the community in many ways: First, it would motivate and challenge the performer to reach new performance heights.
Secondly, it would allow fans of classical music to meet each other (new friendships can be created), and thirdly, it would fulfill a niche that wasn’t getting filled. There were no opportunities for the nonprofessional but aspiring pianist to display their talent in front of a supportive audience. In February 2011, I created a Meetup group called AmateurPianists. I booked the recital hall, designed fliers and marketing materials, and welcomed any adult amateur pianist to submit their piece for inclusion in the first program. This idea took off.
The following year, AmateurPianists became a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and has steadily risen to become the largest piano-themed amateur Meetup group in the world with over 1,500 members. In 2016, AmateurPianists proudly presented its first International Amateur Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs, and July 17, 2016, was recognized by San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer as “AmateurPianists Day.” A beautiful and signed Proclamation was bestowed for this honor.
AmateurPianists continues to engage audiences and performers with a monthly recital series that anyone can attend for free by visiting www.APSanDiego.org or www.AmateurPianists.org.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, there were many challenges along the way. Establishing a piano competition takes a lot of work as one might imagine. In addition to a board of directors handling the regular recital series that we have created, a new competition committee was established to devote its energies to turning this idea into a reality.
Please tell us about AmateurPianists.
Most of our free recitals are held at Greene Music in Miramar. Many of our recitals are “thematic,” meaning that we are celebrating the music of a certain style or composer.
Next month we honor “Women’s History Month” with a recital devoted to women composer. In the past, we also recognized the wonderful music of Latin America, France, Russia, Italy, and many others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.apsandiego.org
- Phone: 858.432.3004
- Email: info@amateurpianists.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmateurPianists/
- Other: www.amateurpianists.org
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