About the group

Being an amateur pianist can sometimes be a lonely existence. Our founder, Liz, set up this group as an informal meeting for adult amateur pianists of mixed abilities and ages to play and socialize. The purpose of the group is to socialize with other pianists and to practice performing in a non-judgmental environment.
  • All levels and all styles of piano are welcome.  There is no required minimum level of ability to participate.
  • We normally meet the third Sunday of every month though more than one session per month may be held if numbers warrant.  
  • Some members volunteer to host which means our sessions take place all over the city.  Since the pandemic we have generally been alternating between piano store venues, such as Steinway Gallery and Ottawa Pianos, and member homes.
  • Newcomers are welcome to come to one session and just observe.  However, since the spirit of the group is to have a supportive audience of pianists "in the same boat", new members are expected to play at any subsequent session they attend.  But once established in the group, there is no compulsion on anyone to play if they are having an "off day".
  • We do not normally have non-playing guests of members present at sessions.
  • Members are free to attend as often or as infrequently as they desire.
  • There is no fee to join.  On rare occasions a special session may incur a cost which will be divided among the attendees.
If you are interested in joining our group, please send an email to




Our administrator can answer any of your questions and add you to the email distribution list.

History of the group

The idea of a piano group is to give adult amateurs the opportunity to play in front of small groups of people in an informal, non-judgemental setting; also to socialize with like-minded people.

Liz initiated the Ottawa Piano Group in autumn 2010 after moving to Ottawa from the UK. She had returned to the piano in 2007/8 after a break of about five years and had started attending groups for amateur pianists in and around her previous home of Cardiff, Wales. On arrival in Canada, Liz and her partner knew nobody and they were looking for friends! Liz had enjoyed meeting other pianists in the Cardiff piano groups so she started looking for something similar.

After a bit of judicious googling Liz found the website for Ottawa-Gatineau CAMMAC and contact details for Diana, who was running their Musical Chairs match-making service at the time. An email conversation ensued and subsequently Liz and Diana publicized information about the as-yet prototype group to local associations and teachers.

Liz hosted the first meeting of six people in mid-November 2010. From small beginnings the group has grown to about forty members and cemented new friendships. Meetings evolved to include venues such as the Carleton University Art Gallery, Ottawa Pianos, churches, and events such as a masterclass featuring Jenny Regehr.

Liz returned to the UK in February 2013. She continues to attend sessions via Skype when possible as well as starting a new group in Durham, north-east England!

(Written by Liz with small additions by Diana)