Sterling's School of Pianology

01/11/2024

The word of the week.... VERSATILITY.
Here is the great Winifred Atwell, known mostly for her honkytonk ragtime recordings. She was also an incredible classical pianist.
She was also the first woman of colour to have her music hit #1 on the charts overseas.

From the album "Grieg's Piano Concerto and Piano Classics", Vocalion CDLK 4285. The album also features the 3rd movement of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No...

12/27/2023

Wishing all of my fellow musical souls a Happy Holidays, whatever you may celebrate! May the new year bring happiness, success, and rhythm to year life.

12/22/2023

Stay warm today my fellow musicians.
Professor James Hubert "Eubie" Blake , 1975, speaks (with his fingers) on what ragtime is.

In other recordings and film, he often states how he first heard ragtime come from the Church. What do you think?

12/19/2023

PIANO RENTAL:
Have a piece or song that you want to practice but no piano at home? Want to just sit and tinker around yourself without me pestering you? Inquire for a time slot, either of the pianos are yours to command. We have a Wing and Son that is a bit beat up internally but still a joy to play, especially with the orchestral attachments. Our main piano is our 1913 Shoninger player piano, meticulously cared for by myself and the piano Doctor, Lance Reed, of Piano Resurrection Services. Contact us today for a time slot!

12/19/2023

WHAT I OFFER:
I offer every musical and artistic aspect of my house, my mind, and my heart. Records through the decades displaying how music has evolved, the different cultures involved, and the basics behind the operation of record players. Piano rolls of various genres and decades. An upright player piano and an upright piano for practicing. Sheet music, sheet music booklets, and lesson booklets are all provided. Films as well to display history lessons. Lessons of the internals of pianos as well

Parents are obviously welcome to stay with their children: several seating options are available for rest and decompression as well as access to reading material, drinking water, refreshments, and snacks.

12/19/2023

A LITTLE ABOUT THE "SCHOOL"

The "school" is not a school, rather a residence filled with rich musical history. Prior to Sterling taking ownership, the house was owned by the Kliven family, a family of 1st gen Russian immigrants in the city. Their son, Leo Kliven, operated within the WGY Orchestra of Schenectady, as a violinist, viola player, cello player, and Conducter. This orchestra not only played for Schenectady but also in numerous other cities throughout the country. Mr. Kliven also repaired stringed instruments in the house. The Klivens did not live past 1968, however the essence of music is still rich in the house.

Currently, the School has 2 pianos, 1 being a player piano which is very useful for demonstrating different styles and techniques, especially on hand played rolls which typically directly emulate whoever performed. How spoiled we are to have the playing of the great James P. Johnson or Rachmaninoff in front of us! We also have a variety of records and record players , both acoustic and digital. Sheet music and beginner's books are provided during lessons.

On street parking and 1 off street parking spot are available. Washroom available to the public on the 1st floor. The house and pianos are sanitized between lessons. We do ask that if you have any symptoms of an illness that you wear a mask or reschedule/refrain from scheduling.

12/19/2023

After years of requests, music lessons are now available to humans of all ages! Get your child on track with musical mathematics early! Retiring and need a hobby? Day off from work and want a little musicology? Set up an appointment to come through and learn a thing or two!

Along with 1 on 1 basic piano lessons are history lessons on Ragtime, the first true American music, as well as tangents such as stride, boogie woogie, blues, salsa, and other forms of music. We are a proud minority-managed operation, and take pride in sharing the rich African American history that comes with this music.

Inquire for more details and to set up a time! Lessons are not mobile, all lessons will take place at the music house. Videochatting and webchatting is an option.