In early March, Steinway & Sons opened the doors of its historic piano factory in Queens, New York, to nearly sixty music teachers from K–12 schools in the New York area, the majority of which serve underrepresented districts. The special factory tour was made possible through Steinway’s partnership with Education Through Music (ETM), an organization that helps inner-city schools provide music as a core subject for all children. The tour included a workshop and meet-and-greet session with Steinway Artist Davell Crawford.

“What a great day,” said Ron Losby, CEO of Steinway Musical Instruments, “to see so many music educators enjoying the tour and working with Davell was very gratifying. Steinway has always been committed to music education, and this event helped us connect on a more intimate level with some of the teachers from our own region who are doing important work bringing music to children.”

‘This event helped us connect on a more intimate level with teachers from our own region who are doing important work bringing music to children.’

Ron Losby

CEO, Steinway Musical Instruments

Katherine Damkohler, executive director of Education Through Music, said that Steinway’s investment in teacher professional development with ETM, including opportunities to interact with world-class Steinway Artists, “is supporting the very best in music education for the children who need it most. ETM is thrilled to have such a great partnership with the Steinway organization.”

The teachers in attendance for the historic tour were also treated to a workshop with Davell Crawford, “The Piano Prince of New Orleans,” who spoke about the importance of music education in his own life. “It has been an honor to meet and spend time with these teachers today,” Crawford said. “These music educators have dedicated their lives to sharing the gift of music with the next generation and to making sure every child has the chance to experience the joy of making music. I’m very grateful to have been a part of this inspiring day.”

‘These music educators have dedicated their lives to sharing the gift of music with the next generation...’

Davell Crawford

Steinway Artist

Education Through Music was founded in 1991 to promote the integration of music into the curricula of disadvantaged schools in order to enhance students’ academic performance and general development. ETM forms long-term partnerships with inner-city elementary and middle schools to develop sustainable, long-term music programs, currently serving nearly 27,000 students in inner-city schools in New York City, and reaches another 10,000 children through the work of our licensed affiliate organization in Los Angeles.

Photos by Chris Lee