Since I’m not a human jukebox, I avoid asking for requests during a performance. I know people who can play over 500 songs from memory, but I’m not in that league.
What I do instead: during the show, I ask the audience to think about what songs or artists they’d like me to learn for next time. I go around the room afterwards and shake hands, introduce myself and we chat about music.
This way they feel heard, I’m off the hook - and I’m learning what to bring to the show next time. Win Win Win. Often I can hum a few bars of whatever they request, and we discuss the different versions we’re familiar with.
Since the real beauty is the connection to the person, them feeling heard, and the memory of the song - this is often as satisfying for them as if I did play it in the set. The next time, in all likelihood they will not remember the request. And I can’t learn every song for the next time anyway - but I can get enough of a sense of “the market” to keep bringing material online that fits with the demographic and their favorite artists.
Plus, activities directors love seeing you interact with the residents after your show.
The other day, I did just that for the residents at the Norwegian Christian Home in Bay Ridge, NY. I asked for their suggestions.
See this list above? A lady in the audience wrote down a whole page of requests! I love it! Of course I sing songs by Sinatra, Elvis, etc. but she wanted more.
Can there be any better homework than this?
It’s the best job in the world!
Absolutely the right way to go with this challenge!
You’re amazing Bibi!🤩