City Sounds DSM

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United States
Des Moines, IA
City Sounds DSM

Transforming community through music, animating spaces & making artistic creation accessible to all.

Inspired by Iowa City’s “Tickle My Keys” project, MIDWESTIX and a motley band of fellow music lovers endeavored to bring together partners in Des Moines to place public pianos throughout the Des Moines metro from May-October as “CITY SOUNDS: Des Moines Public Piano Project.”

Since our first season in 2015 City Sounds has become a leader in activating public and accessible private space with mu

sic to connect humans, build community and revitalize land. Our project also realized the following benefits-

Increased traffic to a specific location:
Facilitators in other communities have indicated these pianos are a magnet for traffic and often times help sponsoring businesses draw people into their businesses or bring people into parts of the city that need more pedestrian traffic. They also can provide ongoing marketing benefit to sponsoring businesses as they act as a completely unique “billboard” of sorts. Continuing to build on our reputation as a city with the highest quality of life and support for the arts:
These pianos not only speak with music but their mere presence lets natives and visitors alike know that they are in a place that values the power and beauty of the arts. This project is a perfect complement to the commitment our city has already made to public visual art. Filling our environment with the beauty of music:
Music is a source of happiness and serenity for most people. This power is magnified amongst the hustle and bustle of an urban core. Encouraging interactive relationships with citizens and visitors:
The pianos offer an instant and accessible way for music lovers to engage within the community. Whether you are playing the instrument or listening to it being played, both actions allow for our community to come together spontaneously around music. Partners:

https://citysoundsdsm.org/partners

To get involved or find out more about our project visit our website at:

https://citysoundsdsm.org

03/31/2026

We’re taking it back to the 80’s!! 🤘🛼📻
Come sing with this Friday, April 3rd. Select a song from our themed list and perform with a live piano accompanist.

In conjunction with First Friday events in studio LL14 on April 3rd. Signup opens at 6 📋with live music from 7-9pm 🎹. Free to attend!! Donations accepted. 🙏

03/06/2026

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations to our selected artists of 2026!!
We already know your piano transformations will be a huge hit! 🎶🎨

tant

Give them a follow and be sure to stay tuned with us at City Sounds!

02/27/2026

It’s almost time for Spring Break!! 🌺🗓️🍹
Come sing with on Friday, March 6th. Select a song from our themed list and perform with a live piano accompanist.

In conjunction with First Friday events in studio LL14 on March 6th. Signup opens at 6 📋with live music from 7-9pm 🎹. Free to attend!! Donations accepted. 🙏

02/16/2026

CALL FOR ARTISTS
We’re ready for your 2026 piano art submissions!! 🎹🎨

Folks of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience are encouraged to apply.

DEADLINE: Sunday, March 1, 2026 @ 11:59pm

🔗 Link in comments.

Please direct all questions to Monica at [email protected].

01/15/2026

Applications to host a piano are now open for the 2026 season! Wanna see a piano in your neighborhood? Comment below and tag your suggested location. Free to apply! 🔗 in bio

11/21/2025

Join for our Christmas Karaoke event. Come sing your favorite holiday tunes with live piano accompaniment by then stick around for special performances by and !!

In conjunction with First Friday events in studio LL14 on December 5th from 7-9pm.

11/06/2025

😎 merch

Available tomorrow in studio LL14 while supplies last!

10/15/2025

Join us for the 4th Annual City Sounds Piano Smash. This event closes our 2025 season and helps us raise money for the 2026 season. Join us at our studio at Mainframe Studios in conjunction with their First Friday event, from 5-8. Bid on piano art, enjoy our cozy studio and take a whack at a retired piano for $5 a shot. Its a great way to burn off some energy for a great cause.

06/18/2025

06/12/2025

Outdoor piano is back on 24th street next to the old firehouse. You’re invited to stop by and play a tune.

+ This is a summer project of City Sounds DSM. Host of this piano is xBk Live.

Address

Des Moines, IA

Website

http://www.citysoundsdsm.org/, https://www.givedsm.org/givedsm/needs/public-piano-project-2024-0811/

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