Now that I've been working on a lot more new and challenging music, I'm playing from paper scores (as opposed to iPad) a lot more and I'm realizing I need a lamp to illuminate the score. My piano room doesn't have a ceiling light, there are two floor lamps in opposite corners. When I play from the iPad, it's fine and I never feel like I need more light. But when I play from a paper score, I need a light on the music (not on the keyboard).

But my piano room is kind of cramped, and the corner where a lamp could go even more so. I don't want a lamp that sits on the piano, because I always keep my piano closed up when I'm not playing, and when I do play, I open the lid (as seen in the first photo). Although... I guess it wouldn't be impossible, I'd just be moving it all the time.

The shelf you see is where I put my iPad, glasses and other things while playing, but I supposed I could set a lamp there. The other option would be a floor lamp to go directly behind the piano bench (where that outlet it). I was originally planning to add more artwork to that wall, so if I put a floor lamp there, well, maybe an interesting one? But if would have to not take up a lot of space depth-wise because, again, it's kind of cramped there....

I would also rather not move around any of the artwork if I can avoid it.

Here are some photos for reference. Any suggestions would be appreciated.











ETA: I guess I'd like something interesting, since the idea was to put more art on that wall...

I've seen something minimal like this around client's pianos - put it by the bookshelf to shine from the left and a little behind you.

https://www.amazon.com/Floor-L...sr=8-8&ts_id=1063294

Do you close the music rack and lid all the way? Many clients have the sleek LED lamps that fit on the music rack.

Have you tried moving the lamp from the last photo into the corner over by the piano? You would have to move the shelf closer to the window.

Check this out.

https://instrumentio.com/best-piano-lamp/

I just bought one of these clip-on LEDs but haven't used it much so I can't give it much of a review. For instance, it has a recharageable battery and I don't have a good idea of how long it will last. I think there are some that can be plugged in.

But it's a clip-on, and I don't think that's what you're looking for.

edit: Ha. I see markj and I cross-posted.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I don't think I want a clip on....

But I will try moving the lamp... I think a smaller lamp would work better by the piano, but....

Also, Ron, I like that lamp except it would blind anyone who was sitting by the piano to listen or play with me...

Here's one:

https://www.amazon.com/Tenmate...d=1596380990&sr=8-59

And another, might have the same problem as the round one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

So, these super skinny lamps, I would put them on the bass side of the piano, sort of between shelf and window... would that look ok?

Are you dead set against a music light as opposed to a lamp on the floor?

I guess my real question is, what are you trying to illuminate?

I am a big fan of the bar-type music lights that clip directly onto your music stand, like this:



I've used those clip-on LEDs (clipped to the stand) during performances and they work fine. Mine weren't super-expensive, and they run with either a battery or plugged in (because you don't always have an outlet handy)... but they're not a substitute for a good light, IMO.

Nina, that's very pretty! Hmm, if it looks like that I might reconsider...

So it clips to the music stand? Was it super expensive? Do you know the brand?

Yes, they clip to the top of the stand - better if you don't close the piano flap lid everytime. Usually felt-lined with two thumbscrews to tighten.

The newer ones unplug from the back of the lamp, making them easier for techs to disconnect and move the music rack without having to unplug from the wall. They tend to be pricy - $100-$200.

I really like the one in Nina's pic, but I've been googling around and don't see any like that. The only ones I'm seeing are the ones with one clip and the bar goes out from the center, which I'm not particularly fond of. Also, I do close up whenever I'm not playing, so I don't think that style will work.

And I want to stay under $100, which is probably the biggest concern! :P

I am in a nasty mood and was about to post a picture of an LED headlamp.
Better now.

CHAS, sorry you were in a bad mood but that made me

We have two clip on LED lamps - you plug them into the wall to recharge them - we use them on both the music desk of the piano and also on our music stands. They are AWESOME. And not expensive.

This one. Steve also uses it when he plays bassoon with the symphony.

does not damage the piano (has rubber inside the clips - you could always line it with felt if you were worried) No cord to mess with.

https://kootek.com/household-light/

Has two brightness settings. Charge lasts a long time. Highly recommend. Amazon has it cheaper than that website. $15.99

And easy to unclip - so take it off your music desk and close up your piano - no problem. I won’t ever use a big lamp again.

quote:

Originally posted by jodi:
This one. Steve also uses it when he plays bassoon with the symphony.

does not damage the piano (has rubber inside the clips - you could always line it with felt if you were worried) No cord to mess with.

https://kootek.com/household-light/

Has two brightness settings. Charge lasts a long time. Highly recommend. Amazon has it cheaper than that website. $15.99

And easy to unclip - so take it off your music desk and close up your piano - no problem. I won’t ever use a big lamp again.

Thank you