YAMAHA MAKES 'RYAN'S HOPE' A REALITY

BUENA PARK, CA (April 25, 2002)—When Ryan Thomas became fast friends with fellow keyboard players via the SynthZone, an Internet resource for synthesizer and electronic music production aficionados, little did he know that his heartwarming story and wish for a professional keyboard would be heard by Yamaha Corporation of America. The 16-year old is now the proud owner of a Yamaha PSR-740 Portable Keyboard and Survival Kit.

Ryan Thomas (left) with his new Yamaha PSR 740 Portable Keyboard, twin brother and Yamaha sales manager James Hatcher.

Ryan, who lives in Indiana with his mother and brothers, is a frequent web poster on SynthZone and often wrote of his love of music and composing, yet a lack of financial resources kept him and his family from purchasing a keyboard. With an offer from Synthzone member Dave Boyd, a.k.a. "Uncle Dave," to help find an affordable keyboard, Ryan told the bulletin board of his less than ideal family situation, including the illnesses of both his mother and twin brother, contributing to financial difficulties.

SynthZone members took up a collection and offered to purchase a keyboard for Ryan, at which point Yamaha stepped in. "I think the thing that really caused me to involve Yamaha was the fact that members of Synthzone were contributing anonymously to help Ryan realize his dream," states Mark Anderson, Yamaha portable keyboard product manager. "I started reading the threads between the members and Ryan, and what impressed me was how he never once complained about his lot in life. His positive attitude definitely rubbed off on the members of the forum – and on me." It was then that Anderson approached marketing manager Jim Presley, and it was decided that Yamaha would provide Ryan a PSR-740 Keyboard and Survival Kit. The keyboard was presented to Ryan and family by local Yamaha sales manager James Hatcher. The money that had been previously raised by SynthZone members was used towards accessories including a Vocal Kit and stand, all of which were provided by George Kaye at Kaye's Music Scene in Reseda, California.

"Yamaha has given my family an amazing gift," says Ryan. "With the PSR-740, I can now express my music in new and more creative ways. Yamaha is a company with a big heart. I will never forget what they did for me and my family."

The PSR-740 is a 61-note portable keyboard with a variety of instrumental 'voices,' including brass, woodwind, percussion, strings, guitars, organ and, of course, piano. It features a microphone input for vocals, which links to an internal vocal harmonizer, enabling users to literally sing harmony in real time. The Yamaha Survival Kits contain everything you need to get up and play right away, including power adaptor, headphones, extended warranty and a CD-ROM with educational software on it.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Portable Keyboards, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; call (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com or visit www.yamaha.com.