What is your favorite part about being a pianist?

I wouldn’t describe myself as a pianist, I’m revisiting piano having stopped aged 15, I’m now 77! However I despite frustration with my ability, I find it relaxing to play from easy music I can try to play melodically, to sometimes attempting a piece beyond my current ability, to stimulate those aging brain cells. Fortunately no arthritis but an annoying essential tremor, but I love my Music Friends, and piano is now one of my favourite things to do to unwind. 

Being able to compose music -  being able to express myself in that way.

I find my inner self at the piano. I love how centred I feel when deeply involved in the sound.

I see the piano as a tool for communication, a tool for expression.  As such, it offers  challenges (counterpoint, brilliancy, speed, legato, pedal, etc…) which give us a great amount of aspects to work and conquer daily.  On the other hand, the works we have at our hands are some of the most beautiful works of the greatest composers, and that places us close to the most amazing creative minds the world has seen.  Also, and not less important, we have a large array of impressive musicians that use the piano as their means of expression.  Piano is a true blessing, and playing it a great honour.

I think it’s the fingers.

Since the piano is ' the worlds' favorite instrument' and is its own orchestra, I love that I have the opportunity to learn anything that's to my liking. Also I think there is something magical in the piano. Whatever is actually happening in terms of energy and resonance I don't really need to understand but I sure can feel it:) Merry Christmas everyone:)

The focus, solitude and feeling of accomplishment that comes with playing are some  one of the best things about it. Because I'm just at an intermediate level, l feel like not much comes easy but when it does, its like proof I can do it!

Playing the piano has always been relaxing for me. I stopped playing when i went away to college and picked it up again in my late 50s. It was my go-to stress reliever during my tumultuous teens. It continues to give me joy. I cannot imagine not playing my piano. 

Being able to play multiple parts.  Creating multiple harmonies, moods.

I think it's the accessibility. My other instruments need setting up before I can play - clarinet needs putting together, wetting the reed; double bass needs strings tuning, rosin on bow. Piano is just there, set out before me, ready to play whenever  the moment takes my fancy, no faff! Also, it's a solo instrument so it sounds lovely & complete all by itself. Double bass, by contrast, can sound v dull without the rest of the orchestra!

I’d have to echo Steve’s and Charmaine’s reasons above. And also add a quote from Seymour Bernstein’s book “With Your Own Two Hands”:

“… the practice and performance of music can promote self-integration.”

My favourite part about being a pianist is the daily opportunity to work towards being my best and most complete self when I'm playing. 

Only an amateur, but my favorite part is being able to actually play the amazing pieces that I love. Most others can only be awestruck when they hear an amazing, maybe virtuosic piece. I am just as awestruck as a listener, but the fact that with time and practice I can actually produce that music myself is just such an incredible blessing that I'll always be so thankful for.

I am mesmerized with the extent and variety of classical piano compositions available 

from the last two centuries.  I shall never be capable of playing them all, but what a wonderful sandbox to play in.

My favourite part is just sitting down and playing. Wait no. My favourite part is the feeling after getting back from a good performance. The sigh of relief when it feels like the hours dedicated to single passages or months working on a single section are all worth it. The feeling where all the accumulated stress over the past few months all disappears. That is the best part

I love to be introduced to a piece of music, learn it and wonder what was in the mind of the composer when it was written. What was happening in the composers life that inspired the music. I get to explore the music and using the notation that I am given to make it my own and express what I am feeling. I am only a intermediate performer and only play/select works that speak to me; pieces that have lovely melodies, harmonies, and musical development that expand my musical abilities. As some else has said: the piano is there waiting for me to sit and immerse myself in music.

I like that playing piano requires both hands, both feet, both eyes, both ears, and both hemispheres of the brain to actively work together, rhythmically, to create meaningful sound--how many other activities combine mind and body is such a full way?

I like the time travel that occurs when I am thinking about (or sighting-reading ahead to) the sounds I am about to make while my entire body is making sound in the present and contextualizing future moments based on the recent soundscape past.

I love knowing there's a completely different world I can inhabit when I want to leave this one, and it's accessible whenever I want.