Piano Industry

[JStan40@AOL.COM]

> Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 09:12:52 EDT
> From: JIMRPT@AOL.COM
> Subject: Re:  Re: Was Sohmer now Piano Industry
> 
> Mitch;
> Darned!! I wish I had said this! :-) But not having said it, it is too good 
> not to repeat.
> Jim Bryant (FL)
> 
> 
> Mitch Ruth said:
> <<"Lamenting the piano's fall from primacy in family entertainment is all 
> right, but we've got to deal with what is and not be afraid of the new 
> technology. I am using new technology and new teaching techniques to endear 
> a 
> 300 year old instrument to kids that also love Gameboys and DVD players. 
> Why? 
> Because the educational value of playing the piano is great and if I want 
> to 
> do these children a little good by teaching them how to play, I've got to 
> be 
> willing to try instead of cry.">>
> 

Mitch, Jim and List,

Excellent points are made in the above copy.  As a professor in a music 
department with a very active Class Piano program (4 semesters offered, 
usually full each semester, including multiple sections) may I offer an 
observation?  We have 16 full-keyboard, weighted key electronic pianos 
networked to computers and the teacher's station at the front of the room.  
For most purposes, they are used with headphones, also connected to the 
teacher's station, so that the teacher can contact and discuss with one 
student, or any combination of students.  We require these classes of all 
music majors, but we offer them as "Leisure Keyboard" for non-majors as well. 
 What frequently happens is that students then come to us for advice 
concerning the purchase of pianos (apparently they like the whole idea!) and 
questions about pianotechs to care for them (we try hard to teach them 
well!).  They also realize that after 7 or 8 years of hard use in a lab 
situation, even the best of electronic keyboards begin to break down--we are 
currently replacing an eight year old lab for that reason.  Plus the fact 
that parts availability is not great for most electronic pianos after a few 
short years.  But students DO realize that when they are ready to buy, they 
are best advised to look for a real piano.

The future is here.........and it has MANY possibilities.

Stan Ryberg
Barrington IL