Although I grew up playing the piano and being exposed to the likes of Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart, I don’t feel a a passion for that type of music. I’ll stay home and watch The Gilmore Girls, Project Runway, or my new favorite show, Heroes, before attending the symphony. But this weekend I had an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

A friend of mine had the chance to perform at Tanglewood this summer, and during her stay made connections with many up-and-coming singers and musicians. Saturday night they congregated at the Manhattan School of Music for a free performance of the pieces they had perfected in Lenox.

Each singer was paired with a pianist. I couldn’t tell you what they were singing about or even sometimes in what language, and I have to admit I daydreamed through one or two songs. But I felt good afterwards, sort of like how I feel after eating brown rice and steamed vegetables.

There are lots of free performances at the Manhattan School of Music, located on 122nd Street between Claremont Ave and Broadway, just a stone’s throw from Barnard College. For instance, tonight there’s a student composers concert, tomorrow night a jazz band is playing, and Thursday night there’s “jazz by candlelight”.

This is actually ideal for someone like me, who has a passing interest in classical and jazz but who doesn’t want to fork over $60 and up for tickets at Lincoln Center.

Related posts:

1. A little candlelight music please
2. Jazz in the Park
3. Music in the Park
4. Mo Music, Mo Pitkins
5. Chai, Toys & Music