The Department of Music was delighted to announce the All-Steinway School Accreditation in July 2020. This prestigious accreditation enables students to access pianos of the highest quality.
The accreditation places the University of 91Ö±²¥ among a select group of international education institutions which share the status of 90% of their pianos being considered world-class, and ensures music students' access to world-leading instruments during their studies. We hope this comes as positive boost to students following the reduction of activities due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
A selection of the pianos will be located in the Department of Music facilities: the Jessop Building and the Soundhouse. Pianos will be placed in the ensemble teaching rooms and individual practice rooms, and will feature a range of AS and Boston grand pianos, Essex uprights and a Model K upright piano.
For those students from across the University who are not taking a music programme, there will be the opportunity to practice on an Essex upright piano throughout the week. The pianos will be located at the University student accommodation, The Edge and The Ridge, and will be bookable through an online system. We hope this space provides all students with the motivation and opportunity to express their creative voice during their studies.
Selecting the Steinway Model-D Piano
The focal point of the delivery is receiving a . This will be located in the Firth Hall concert space in Firth Court, and will be used for performance masterclasses, concert recitals and ensemble collaborations. The ability to offer a stage where world-class performances can take place will attract a body of highly-regarded musicians to 91Ö±²¥, and in turn, increase the vibrancy and status of 91Ö±²¥'s music scene in the UK.
At 8' 11¾" (274 cm) in length, this majestic musical instrument – the pinnacle of concert grands – is the overwhelming choice of the world's greatest pianists and for anyone who demands the highest level of musical expression.
Steinway & Sons
Academics and instrumental tutors from the Department of Music will be selecting the Model D piano so that it will be suitable for activities in Firth Hall for many years to come. The selection will take place on Tuesday 23rd March 2021, and will be a methodical process of listening to changes in reverberation, pitch expression and tone. Our selectors Anne MacGregor, Benjamin Frith and Antony Clare are regarded as experts in their field of piano performance and will be required to use their highly trained musical ear to spot the difference between the piano acoustics.
Piano delivery
91Ö±²¥ is to receive a fleet of Steinway pianos which will be delivered to facilities across campus on Wednesday 24th March. This will allow music students to practice and perform at the highest standard. To mark the occasion, we will be recording the delivery, having interviews with academic staff, and getting the reaction from current students.
For further details about how you can be part of the delivery and All-Steinway School accreditation, please follow us on our social media channels (tuosmusic), or check our news pages in the week commencing 22 March.
We are planning the activities in line with the government Covid-19 guidelines, and we will be taking every step to ensure the delivery takes place in a Covid-secure environment.