Seminar Reveals Secrets of Steinway

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AIKEN, SC (03/23/2018) The University of South Carolina Aiken teamed up with Turner's Keyboards to present "The Secrets of Steinway."

On the USC Aiken campus, Jim Hoover of Steinway & Sons in New York shared just how these acclaimed pianos achieve their unique sound.

"I'm not a piano junkie, but I found the speaker to be interesting, informative, and eager to take questions. I was impressed with the amount of work that goes into building a Steinway grand piano," said attendee Charles Reeve.

He and other guests were able to see inside a Steinway, learning how it is constructed from the inside out. A unique, one-piece cut-a-way allowed this insightful glimpse at each major component of a Steinway once it's completely assembled.

"Though many companies have tried to copy Steinway's manufacturing techniques - from the most important patents to the smallest nuances of craftsmanship - Jim Hoover explained how none have succeeded in duplicating the Steinway sound," said Judith Goodwin of the USC Aiken Advancement Office.

Late last year, the University of South Carolina Aiken added a brand new Steinway 9' concert grand piano to the Etherredge Center Main Stage.

"The arrival of the Main Stage Steinway is the first step in USC Aiken becoming an All-Steinway School.

"Currently, only two institutions in the state hold that distinction: Converse and North Greenville University," Goodwin said.

"We will be the only state university to be classified as All-Steinway."

She credits many generous donors - including Winter Nocturne benefactor, Ben Cox - for making the Steinway effort possible.

"This beautiful instrument will benefit students of music, our community and all who enjoy live music through groups such as Masterworks Chorale, Joye in Aiken, Aiken Symphony Orchestra and Aiken Civic Orchestra, among others," Goodwin said.

The Etherredge Center Main Stage grand piano made its premiere during the 2018 Winter Nocturne, featuring South African pianist Petronel Malan.