Yamaha-and-TFL

Transport for London (TfL) and Yamaha Music have unveiled the first of three pianos which will be placed across the Tube network for passengers to play.

The pianos, each featuring a specially commissioned, eye-catching design, will be placed at various stations over two years, offering passengers the chance to show their musical talents.

The first instrument, placed at Tottenham Court Road, was inaugurated with a performance by multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Tokio Myers. Two more Yamaha pianos will be launched by two well-known recording artists in support before Christmas.

The two-year project, named #Platform88, will see the pianos ‘travel’ to various stations across the network, before being donated to charity.

One piano will be auctioned off to benefit the charity Railway Children, which supports children alone and at risk on the streets in the UK, Africa and India. The remaining two pianos will be given to the London Music Fund and Music for All to pass on to a worthy school or young individual to help encourage their musical journeys.

Charles Bozon of Yamaha Music UK said: ‘#Platform88 is the perfect opportunity to connect to huge numbers of music fans and players and to create a vibrant new community – and hopefully discover some new talent along the way.’

Mark Wild, managing director of London Underground, said: ‘Music has been a part of Tube travel for many years now, with busking and classical music featuring at many of our stations, and we are always looking for new ways to improve our customers’ journeys.

‘This project will bring music to some of our key stations, generate money for charity and also offer a platform for aspiring musicians to perform to some of the many thousands of customers who use our network every day.’