Book Joseph to Play

Performing has always been my passion, especially when playing original music. I have performed with many musical groups but for the past dozen years or so, I have mostly performed as a solo pianist (the concerts page shows current and recent bookings).

For 2008 and beyond, I am looking for opportunities to perform the solo piano music from Masterpeace and other upcoming CDs (but I am also open to performing other music and with other people). You can listen to music examples of Masterpeace on this site. Please email or call me at (615) 473-7127 if you are interested in booking me (or just sharing ideas) for any of the following types of events:

1) A Piano Concert

This is a concert for a captive audience and is most likely a ticketed event. It may include just me for about a 60 to 90 minute concert, or it may also include other pianists and last longer. A good example of the latter is a Whisperings concert, a concert that includes three or four pianists from the popular Whisperings radio station.

A piano concert is typically held at a performing arts center, piano store recital hall, school, outdoor festival or anywhere there is a piano, a stage and ample seating. This type of concert may be sponsored by businesses interested in promoting peaceful piano music to their community, or it may be a fundraiser for charity. A concert could also be in a house!

2) House Concert

House concerts are growing in popularity across the United States. With a house concert, you host a concert in your home for a small audience (about 30 people) that lasts for about 90 minutes. Would you like for me to play a concert in your home? Don't worry if you don't have a piano. A state of the art digital piano might be provided in the abscence of a piano. You can learn more about house concerts at concertsinyourhome.com

3) Church Events

I perform often at churches, typically playing a song or two during a church service, and I occasionally play the role as the accompanist too (the concerts page shows churches I have recent played). Another option for a church organization is to host a piano concert similar to number one above.

"Our Fellowship is always moved and delighted by Joseph Akins wonderful, soul-filling music; he never fails to illicit rave reviews from our group. Moreover, Joseph is a consummate professional, an artist and performer at the peak of his considerable skills. His music is mysterious in its power to deeply touch the heart and warm the senses -- Joseph Akins is a musical shaman!"
- Dr. Bob Pondillo, Chair/Chaplain, Unitarian Fellowship of Mufreesboro

"Just want to thank you for sharing your talents, your time and your presence with our congregation this past Sunday. We were truly blessed by you and your gift of music." - Rev. Felicia Searcy, Unity Church of Life

4) Bookstore, Coffee House, Spa

This includes businesses that sell music CDs (among other products or services) and have my CDs in stock. A good example is Borders, Books and Music in the Nashville area. This typically involves a one or two hour music performance for a relaxed, socializing audience.

5) Special Occasions (Background Music)

Unlike the previous types, this event type is usually a private function in need of background music. It may be a wedding, anniversary or holiday party, corporate/university gathering, etc. For weddings, I will work with you to provide the right music to accompany your ceremony and/or reception. I often include music from other artists/composers for this type of event, since it is typical to receive this request.

Cost and Location Information for Booking

The cost to book me for an event varies greatly depending on many factors, such as location, date and event type. Please email or call me at (615) 473-7127 for a quote or to just discuss any ideas you have. Regarding location, most of my bookings are currently in and around Tennessee but I will perform any where! If you are a long distance from Tennessee, contact me as early as possible. Cost may be reduced if I am able to book more than one event in your area.

Basic Requirements - A Piano?

Some event types, such as a ticketed event for a concert (see number 1 above) requires a good working acoustic grand piano. For other events, an acoustic piano is preferred but may be substituted with a digital piano keyboard. I will also be able to incorporate visuals if a screen and projection system can be furnished. For an example of visuals, watch the music video for Masterpeace.

Current Plans

For 2008, I have just booked two piano concerts in Tennesee! One of them is a Whisperings concert in Nashville. I am working on more concerts (house concerts, churches, etc.) in Georgia, the Pacific NorthWest (May perhaps), Colorodo (late June) Southern Alabama and Louisiana, North Carolina, Missouri and Florida. If you have any ideas or questions, please contact me. I will frequently make changes here and to my concert calendar. You can sign up for my mailing list to automatically receive announcements (your address will never be given out and you can unsubscribe at any time).

I also do educational workshops.