The player piano is both a musical instrument and a machine. Musical performances are created by the performer by operating the player which reads the musical score from perforated paper rolls. Performance tempo and dynamics are created by the performer in the same manner as any instrumentalist. It is a true musical instrument. Produced from around 1900 until the 1930s a great many of these fascinating devices are still in existence. The variety is enormous and the spectrum of instruments range from the push-up cabinet piano players to player grand and upright pianos.

The Player Piano Group was founded in 1959 by Frank Holland to bring together all those interested in these instruments. In 2009 the society celebrates its Golden Jubilee 50th anniversary and continues as strongly as ever. We welcome new members from all over the world. Playing the instrument remains as unique a way of interactive music-making as it did a century ago – there is yet no modern equivalent.

We actively encourage exploration of the vast musical repertoires available via piano roll and the personal musical expression possible by means of the player piano. Additionally we encourage the creation of new music for this fascinating genre. We welcome musicians professional and amateur, music programmers, artists, students and teachers – anybody interested in technology and interactive music-making. We also welcome owners of modern instruments such as disklaviers and keyboards.

You may have inherited or purchased a pianola and wish to know more. You may have a large collection or not have any instrument at all, but simply an interest in music. The group welcomes all equally. Our members come from all walks-of-life with our love of music-making the common ground between us.

The musical and functional aspects of the instrument are reflected in the society's interests. Most members combine musical and technical interests to some degree. We also help bring together all who are interested in specialist topics such as the creation of new musical composition and arranging, roll copying and manufacture, player organs, reproducing pianos and historical preservation aspects.

Regular social meetings, where instruments are played and admired, give opportunities for meeting others of similar interests, enjoying music, hospitality and even the occasional old fashioned sing-a-long! Additional activities encourage live performance, explore playing techniques, instrument restoration and repair. The group publishes a printed bulletin four times a year and encourages contact between members. This features a variety of interesting and varied musical, historical and technical articles.

We periodically arrange public concerts covering music from classical to modern, and run a regular postal music roll auction service in addition to providing information about sources of music rolls both new and old, suppliers of restoration materials, professional restorers, museums and other topics.Join us to participate and share our rich and exciting musical heritage. You'll find we have much in common.