Only 66 colleges, universities, and conservatories around the world have been recognized to date.
“This means we provide highest quality instruments available for our students, faculty, and guest artist,” says David Fienen, chair of Gustavus’ Department of Music.
For a school to be considered for the Steinway designation, at least 90 percent of its pianos must be Steinways or of Steinway design. Gustavus now has 35 Steinway and Boston (a subsidiary of Steinway) pianos in its performance, teaching, and practice spaces.
Fienen emphasizes that this is not a new initiative, but the result of a long process of providing excellent facilities for our students to use in their study and performing of music. A major step toward the All-Steinway designation was taken in replacing the pianos damaged by the 1998 tornado that hit the Gustavus campus.
A new Steinway was delivered to campus recently and placed in the President’s House. This additional piano is a gift to Gustavus from Linda Keefe (’69), a member of the College’s board of trustees, who has a strong connection to the College’s music program.
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