Pianist

John Goodall Smith

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(5.0)Read all 8 reviews
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About John

A passionate, expressive and sensitive classically-trained pianist based in the East Midlands area.
John Goodall Smith's profile picture
Pianist
Wolverhampton
Public liability insurance of £10 million
Verified profile

I am a professionally trained classical and jazz pianist. I am available for private events (parties, weddings, corporate functions and other social occasions) mainly in the East Midlands area, but am prepared to travel further afield as required. I have a varied repertoire that will create a great ambience for any occasion. I am skilled at improvisation, allowing me to present unique performances to suit my audience. Inspired with new ideas by the atmosphere of different venues, I always aim to provide a satisfying mood. I can provide a top quality digital piano if there is no tuned instrument at the venue. I also accompany, compose and teach.

John
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5 out of 5
7 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

John's Reviews

From Encore customers:

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Louise B
5 years ago
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5 out of 5

John was great and we wouldn't hesitate to book him again, glad we found another friendly talented artist through Encore!

From other customers:

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Alison S
4 years ago, for a Charity event in Springvale VIC 3171
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5 out of 5

Just wanted to thank you for a lovely evening of music at our fundraising Ball at Sandown Park in May. All our guests really loved your playing during the drinks reception. I realise that you had to put in a lot of extra work to learn all the new music required to keep within our James Bond themed event. Thank you for being so accommodating. We received lots of comments about how beautiful and expressive your playing was and it created a wonderful atmosphere. Thank you so much. I will certainly be recommending you for future events.

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Marianne T
5 years ago, for a Birthday party in High Wycombe
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5 out of 5

When we were faced with the dilemma of what entertainment would work best for my son’s 18 th birthday, where the ages of guests ranged from 3 to 85, John was the perfect solution. He went through music choices with our son and was able to offer a fantastic variety to suit everyone’s pallet. It made the day even more special than any of us could have imagined and we loved to have the house filled with such beautifully played pieces. We cannot thank John enough for making out son’s birthday so memorable and look forward to hiring him again for future celebrations.

Read all 7 reviews
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7th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 7 years

John's Song list

Moon River
Love Story
Bewitched
Mood Indigo
My Funny Valentine
Memory - from the musical "Cats"
Sleepy Shores
Cavatina - Theme from "The Deer Hunter"
As Time Goes By
Three Times A Lady - The Commodores
Send In The Clowns - Stephen Sondheim
Arabesque No.1 - Claude Debussy
Intermezzo in A Opus 118 No.2 - Johannes Brahms
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Your Song - Elton John
A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
White Cliffs Of Dover
We'll Meet Again
For The Good Times
If
Theme From "The Incredible Hulk" TV series
Unforgettable
Don't Cry For Me Argentina
When You Wish Upon A Star
Theme From "The Third Man"
Clair de Lune - Claude Debussy
Sonata No. 14 in C# minor - quasi una fantasia (Moonlight) - Beethoven
The Dream Of Olwen
Ballade Pour Adeline
Yesterday
Danny Boy
Georgia On My Mind
We'll Gather Lilacs - Ivor Novello
Ave Maria - Franz Schubert

John's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Customer questions

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

I aim to be as flexible as possible. Changes are often unavoidable and I am happy to discuss any you need to make to ensure your event is exactly as you want it.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

No. I have played at venues where they have their own equipment with which to do this. But, I find it destroys the live atmosphere of my sets and makes me wonder why they have a live pianist at all!

How much time do you need to set up?

If the venue has a suitable piano, then no more than a minute. If I have to use my own digital piano, then no more than five minutes, provided there is easy access to a plug-socket.

If I have a piano at my venue, are you happy to perform on that?

Of course, provided it is of good quality, tuned and regulated.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Yes. Any that I don't know can usually be obtained and practised in time for the event. It is possible for you to have all your own choices if you don't like my selection.

Are you able to bring your own piano or keyboard?

Yes. I have a good quality digital piano keyboard.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Yes. Any new song can only serve to increase my repertoire.

What do your clients love most about your performances?

The most common comment I receive is that my playing is highly expressive and that there is a huge variety in my sets. Where a venue has its own piano, I am told that they have never heard their piano sound the way I make it sound.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

The Landmark Hotel in London. Skew Restaurant in Bishops Stortford.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Daniel Barenboim. Sviatoslav Richter Martha Argerich. Elton John. Bill Evans. George Gershwin. Maurice Ravel.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Landmark Hotel in London - three hour set over Christmas.
Musicianship
Genres:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Christmas, Contemporary Christian, Traditional church music, Musical theatre, Film / TV music, Fanfare, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1960s era music, 1970s era music, 1980s era music, 1920s era music, Swing, Blues, Soul, Bossa nova, French music, Calypso, Covers
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Hotel / Restaurant event, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
See all event types
Other skills:
Arranger, Orchestrator, Composer, Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching, Composition teaching, Musicologist, Transcription, Accompanist
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