Proceeds to benefit customers and University

KINGSTON, R.I. –March 8, 2007 — Whether you’re a professional musician or simply like to tickle the ivories, if you’re in the market for a piano, circle March 22, 23, and 24 on your calendar. That’s when the University of Rhode Island’s Music Department, in a special agreement with M. Steinert & Sons of Boston, will host its third piano sale. Not only will purchasers get a discounted price, URI will a get percentage of the net proceeds, which can be applied to the music department’s next piano purchase.

Steinert is the exclusive dealer of Steinway pianos, considered by some to be the Rolls Royce of the 88 keys set.

Thirty to 40 new Steinway, Boston, and Kohler and Campbell pianos will be brought to URI’s Kingston campus for the sale and displayed in its Fine Arts Center. The cost of pianos will range from $3,000 to $100,000 and will be offered at prices that can not be duplicated. Parents or grandparents of budding Van Cliburns may also be interested in this sale.

URI held its first piano sale in 2003 and subsequently holds one every other year. The sale generally generates between $12,000 and $15,000 for the Music Department, which has been able to invest in four new pianos that are used by music majors and faculty. In addition, as a result of the partnership, Steinert has helped to sponsor one of the popular Kingston Chamber Music concerts.

Alumni, donors, and friends of the University who may not want to buy a piano for themselves can still take advantage of the sale by purchasing a piano for URI at an institutional discounted price.

Payments can be made by credit card or check. Financing arrangements will be available at the sale. While delivery is not included in the price, customers will be given a wholesale delivery cost.

The pianos will be shown by appointment only on Thursday, March 22 and Friday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A public sale will be held on Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Since the sale is being held during the University’s Spring Break, parking in the nearby Fine Arts parking lot will be ample.

To make an appointment, please call 401-874-7465 anytime after March 8.