ASTORIA, NY – Steinway & Sons congratulates Furman University on the institution’s recent acquisition of several new Steinway and Steinway-designed pianos. This substantial addition to the piano inventory significantly advances Furman’s progress toward becoming an All-Steinway Institution, a goal that has been discussed at the school since the 1990s.
Steinway pianos, built by hand using time-honored practices in the company’s historic New York factory, are the gold standard of musical instruments, representing more than 171 years of craftsmanship and experience. Becoming an All-Steinway Institution requires that the school meets rigorous standards. All-Steinway Institutions pledge that at least 90% of their piano collection be Steinway & Sons, and the schools must also demonstrate a shared commitment to excellence in creating the best educational experience with the best possible equipment for practice and performance. Upon the attainment of its All-Steinway Institution designation, Furman will join an elite roster of only about 240 colleges, universities, and conservatories worldwide that bear this designation, including leading conservatories like Oberlin, Yale School of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Curtis Institute of Music
The Furman University Department of Music is recognized as one of the best and most comprehensive in the nation among liberal arts and sciences colleges. Because the majority of the music department’s pianos are more than 50 years old, Furman is committed to replacing its campus-wide piano inventory to enhance its music education programs through the improved articulation, richness of tone, variety of color, control of nuance, and concert-level dynamics of today’s Steinway pianos. The designation will also help recruit more students and attract those with leading talent and ability, as well as recruit and retain renowned music faculty.
Juilliard-trained pianist and professor Ruby Morgan, who recently retired from Furman and has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame, was one of the earliest supporters of the All-Steinway Institution campaign. Before her retirement, she and her husband, retired Furman Professor of Philosophy Doug MacDonald, made the inaugural gift to the campaign, which is a $2.5 million fundraising effort to bring up to 50 new pianos to Furman. One recent delivery, which now resides in Furman’s Daniel Recital Hall, is a nine-foot Steinway Model D concert grand, made possible by Morgan’s protégé, Lisa Lee Rust ’87, and her husband Kenneth Rust of Lumberton, North Carolina, both devotees of the arts. In addition to the Model D, two seven-foot Steinway Model B grand pianos were recently installed in studios of faculty members Derek Parsons and David Gross.
Morgan believes the All-Steinway Institution campaign is about aligning Furman’s reputation for excellence in music with the instrument internationally accepted as the world’s best. “As Furman continues its rise in prominence, it is important our pianos, which are used by every music student, be of a quality that reflects that reputation,” she said.
Associate Professor of Piano David Gross agrees. “Any sensitive musician must develop a concept of subtlety, depth and range of sound,” he said. “Building the technical skills to carry out musical ideas is only possible on an instrument that is mechanically responsive and offers a wide palette.” Steinways, primarily hand-made using techniques that are over 171 years old, “have the characteristics that will imbue students with the freedom to let their imaginations soar,” Gross said.
“The Steinway piano is the industry standard. It is the name that just jumps out as one of the finest instruments in the world,” said Furman Professor of Piano Derek Parsons. “We are very excited to advance our journey toward All-Steinway status. We’re continuing on the quest.”
Dubbed “Pianos for Paladins,” the Furman campaign is a joint effort of Furman faculty, administrators, students, and supporters, with assistance and guidance from Kristina Sanders, Educator Liaison for Steinway Piano Gallery – Greenville. To learn more, visit Furman.edu/clearly-furman/pianos-for-paladins/
About Steinway & Sons
Since 1853, Steinway pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and value. Because of a dedication to continuous improvement, today’s Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and it is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world. For more information, visit www.steinway.com.
