Here’s my take on what you talking about. My experience is fairly limited but I try to analyze this sort of thing because I hope to play full time in the future and I think nursing homes will be at least half of my work.

First, instrumental music will not get you far unless you are some sort of virtuoso that is also entertaining and fun to watch.

Like it or not, you got to dress and look like an entertainer. I often wear my work cloths (business/causal) because I don’t have time to change but I at least try to look my best and maybe put on a hat or a tie with musical notes. Yeah, I know it’s chessy, but you got to look the part. I don’t want people to think I’m just a regular working stiff (even though I am) or assume I there as a volunteer.

It’s good to see what the other acts are doing too. I see mostly Karaoke; in fact I’ve never run into another arranger keyboard player. Although I HATE karaoke, I do realize that they have a great advantage over us keyboardists. They can get up, stroll around and work a room in a way we can’t. For that reason, I now play standing up. One day I’d to add some harmonica or guitar to give me more freedom of movement.

Another thing I’ve come to realize is that I’m not just playing for elderly people. You can also include some material that the staff and family of the residents are familiar with. All age groups seem enjoy some old time rock n roll/R&B and Mowtown. It fun for everyone to see some of the staff or visiting kids get up dance.

A great tip I read here on SZ that Beaky Bird wrote was after each performance it is a nice touch to go around a great each member of the audience. Don’t under estimate the importance of building relationships and connecting with people.