Whether you’re a professional musician or simply enjoy “tickling the ivories” from time to time – if you’re in the market for a piano, you may find one at York this month.
Sharing a commitment to music education, Merriam Music and premium instrument supplier Kawai have worked with York’s Music Department over the past years to supply the department with pianos through an innovative “on loan” program.
The program provides the department with late-model, high-quality pianos that are used for instruction and rehearsal during the academic year. Last year, over $250,000 worth of new grand and baby grand pianos, upright acoustic pianos and digital pianos were installed in the Music Department by Merriam Music and Kawai. 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 other outstanding pianos, are made available to the public for purchase. The sale is conducted on site at York by Merriam Music, leading piano specialists and sole supplier of Kawai craftsmanship for the GTA.
The company owner, Alan Merriam, said: “The advantages to the University are significant, and the music students get to study on some of the best instruments in the world.”
“Quality instruments are essential for a proper and lasting musical education for our students,” said York Music Department Chair Barry Elmes. “We’ve been very pleased with the pianos supplied to us under this ‘on loan’ program.”
This year’s piano sale will offer a wide selection of instruments, including new as well as used, professionally refurbished grands, baby grands, uprights and digital pianos. Brands include Kawai and other renowned names. Most of the pianos are less than one year old and all come with a full warranty.
To give York faculty, staff and alumni first chance to audition these pianos before they are offered to the general public, a special advance preview and purchase opportunity for the York community has been added to the three-day sale on Aug. 16.
The sale dates and times are as follows:
- Thursday, Aug. 16, from 5 to 8pm - pre-selection for the York University community
- Friday, Aug. 17, from 10am to 8pm - by appointment only
- Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10am to 8pm - by appointment only
- Sunday, Aug. 19, from 11am to 5pm - open to the public; walk-ins welcome
The piano sale will take place in Rooms 231 and 235 in the Accolade East Building on the Keele campus. Financing, delivery and warranty services are available through Merriam Music.
For more information or to book an appointment, leave your name and contact details at the Piano Sale desk at 1-877-MUSIC38 (1-877-687-4238). Your call will be returned from Tuesday, Aug. 7, onwards to arrange your appointment.