IPFW PREFERS YAMAHA LOAN PROGRAM

IPFW students at Yamaha Upright piano

BUENA PARK, CA (August 30, 2002)—In January, when eight new Yamaha P22 upright pianos arrived at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne IN, IPFW music instructors were so delighted they played them in the hallways, still cloaked in their delivery blankets. Other professors and staff held doors, carried benches, and directed delivery staff to the right studios. The Yamahas, selected over loaner pianos previously in use, arrived in time for the second semester, and no one was more pleased than Dr. Masson Robertson, who has taught at IPFW since 1969.

"I've purchased personal instruments for many years from Fred Myers Piano and Organ Company," says Robertson, IPFW associate professor of music. "I knew they'd take good care of us. Dave Myers closely supervised the pianos' preparation for delivery."

The University's decision to purchase Yamaha P22s was not based solely on personal experience, however. Numerous bids were accepted, but the P22s "were the best piano for the price. In fact, we purchased more pianos than we planned. Larry Fine's ‘The Piano Book' recommends the P22s for institutional use because they stand up to wear and tear," says Robertson. "We've given them a really good workout since January and we are very happy."

More than 100 music majors use six P22s for daily private lessons and practice sessions; the other two P22s are in teachers' voice studios. "It's really nice to have the option of using them in more than one area," adds Robertson. "They've created a real morale boost since our previous pianos weren't in great shape. I don't have people fussing at me now," he laughs. "It's a pleasure not to be putting out so many ‘fires'."

Other area colleges using Yamaha pianos from Fred Myers include Goshen College, Huntington College, Manchester College, and Taylor University.

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