Got rhythm but need the keyboard? Whether you’re a professional musician or simply enjoy tickling the ivories from time to time, look no further if you’re in the market for a piano.
York University’s Department of Music is renewing its stock of pianos and will host its 14th Annual Piano Sale from Thursday, Aug. 24, to Sunday, Aug. 27. Members of the York community will get first choice.
Since 1992, the Music Department has been resourced with new pianos through an innovative “on loan” program in cooperation with Kawai Music Canada. The program provides the department with late model, high-quality pianos that are used for instruction, practice and performance during the academic year. Regular maintenance and tuning are also provided to meet the high-use needs of the department. Then, every summer, the stock of pianos is turned over as new instruments are installed and the previous year’s “on loan” instruments, plus a host of other outstanding pianos, are made available to the public for purchase.
This partnership program is managed by piano specialists Merriam Music Inc. of Oakville. “The advantages to the University are significant,” says company owner Alan Merriam, “and the music students get to study on some of the best instruments in the world.”
This year’s piano sale features a wide selection of instruments, including new and used grands, baby grands, uprights and digital pianos. All new instruments are world-renowned brands. Some professionally rebuilt models by Yamaha and Kawai are also available. Most pianos are less than one year old and come with a full manufacturer’s warranty. All instruments are offered at a fraction of the retail value.
An advance sale date has been added on Thursday, Aug. 24 to give the York University community the chance to view and purchase these pianos before they are offered to the general public. For best choice, faculty and staff are invited to book an appointment for Thursday.
The sale dates and times are as follows:
- Thursday, Aug. 24 – 5 to 8pm, preview/advance sale for York faculty and staff, by appointment;
- Friday, Aug. 25 – 10am to 8pm, by appointment;
- Saturday, Aug. 26 – 10am to 8pm, by appointment;
- Sunday, Aug. 27 – 11am to 5pm, general sale open to the public, no appointment required.
Special arrangements have been made for financing, delivery and warranty service through Merriam Music Inc.
“Quality instruments are essential for a proper and lasting musical education for our students, and we’ve been very pleased with the instruments supplied to us under this creative ‘loan’ program,” says Music Department Chair Catherine Robbin. “With this in mind, you may wish to consider whether this opportunity to purchase one of these fine pianos matches your plans at this time.”
The piano sale takes place in Rooms 231 and 235 in the Accolade East Building on the Keele campus. For more information or to book an appointment, leave a message on the hotline at 1-877-MUSIC38 (1-877-687-4238). Your call will be returned, beginning Monday, Aug. 21, to arrange your appointment.