It is impossible to imagine the career of George Gershwin (1898–1937) without his spectacular piano playing. His family wasn’t particularly musical and he had no access to a piano at home until he was about twelve. Before that he recalled being captivated by hearing Rubinstein’s Melody in F on a player-piano in the street. But once he discovered the piano for himself, it focused his entire musical orientation. He started by having some lessons with a classical teacher but in 1914 he moved over to Tin Pan Alley, working for Jerome H Remick and Co as a song plugger. Here he learnt his repertoire, saw the direct relationship between composer and consumer, and began to find his own bearings. He didn’t have long to wait before he could get all the opportunities he needed—at the frenetic pace which dominated his activities for the rest of his life.