It's been said that a musician is only as good as his or her instrument. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's School of Music is working to provide its students with the finest pianos in the industry made by Steinway & Sons. The goal to raise more than $3.5 million to become an All-Steinway School was announced Monday during an on-campus event with university and Steinway representatives, along with donors and friends of the university.
"Becoming an All-Steinway School is an important goal for the university," said Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek. "Achieving this goal will transform our recruiting efforts for students and will enrich the music facilities throughout our campus. Access to these beautiful instruments will allow our students to fully realize their artistic talents."
To receive All-Steinway School status, at least 90 percent of an institution's pianos must be a Steinway or other brand owned by the parent company. The university must purchase a minimum of sixty-one pianos including upright pianos and concert grand pianos from six to nine feet in length.
To date, more than $840,000 has been raised which has funded one Steinway Hamburg nine-foot concert grand piano and three Steinway Hamburg seven-foot grand pianos.
The pianos will fill the new Natalie L. Haslam Music Center scheduled for completion in 2013. Two Steinways also will replace pianos in the Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center. Steinway & Sons will work with UT to manage instrument inventory and create a customized service plan for care of the pianos.

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