How do we raise the quality of our piano program? This is  a key question to many Collegiate teaching professionals across the country. One important answer is found in a unique and groundbreaking program developed by Florida State University in Tallahasee, Florida that should have implications for schools across the country: namely, to provide an accredited training opportunity for those who care for piano instrument parks at colleges and universities. And there is an even more exciting aspect: in an industry that is predominantly male, the driver behind this program is a woman, and mastertechnician: Anne Garee.

Mrs. Anne Garee grew up in a home where both arts and science were enmeshed. Her father was a physicist while her mother was a professional musician who had graduated from the famous Oberlin Music Conservatory. Anne followed the path of her mother and graduated in piano- however, she also intensified her studies and became a piano technician.  She was then offered a position with Florida State University. Being uniquely qualified to understand the needs of pianists and educators as well as relating the technical aspects of piano service she started to develop a formal degree granting program at FSU. Graduates of FSU Piano Technology program are superbly qualified to maintain and manage a large school’s piano park in all aspects.

 We, at Sauter, are deeply impressed with what Anne has accomplished. The embedded video provides furhter insight into the program.

Internet address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpBnlRMklPA