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Steinway and Sons piano keyboard

At least 58 new Steinway & Sons pianos are be to be installed across our campus as we join the All-Steinway Initiative, with an intention to become an All-Steinway University in 2022. Joining the initiative makes a significant statement about our commitment to excellence in music, with the new pianos set to join our existing collection of nine Steinway instruments.

The new partnership with the globally-recognised, world-leading piano makers will significantly upgrade current equipment, not just within the Music Department, but also within our Colleges – meaning that all students, regardless of their level or experience, will be able to make use of the beautifully crafted instruments.

We’re already top-ranked in the UK for the academic study of music and the pianos will further strengthen formal music education at Durham.

Professor Julian Horton, Head of the Music Department, said: “This is an exciting development, from which both the Music Department and the University as a whole will benefit. It acknowledges music's central educational contribution at Durham, and the wider role it plays in the University's vibrant student culture.”

The new pianos are set to arrive on Wednesday 27 April 2022 – on what will be a momentous day for all keen musicians across the University.

Steinway & Sons

Steinway & Sons is a recognised brand of excellence and the world leader in the manufacture of pianos. They create some of the finest pianos in the world and collaborate with major concert halls and artists globally.

Opportunities for students

As an All Steinway School, we are uniquely placed through our Colleges to ensure that all students are able to access the instruments. Instruments will be distributed across all of our 17 Colleges.

The partnership will also open opportunities for students to perform in the recital room at the Steinway Hall in London. Steinway will also provide masterclasses with world-leading artists, in both their Halls and here in Durham. 

Steinway have performance halls worldwide – including New York and Hong Kong – which will provide exceptional audition spaces for prospective international students.

Find out more

Study Music at Durham

Steinway & Sons

Colleges at Durham University

Hear from music student and pianist Mary-Anne about what becoming an All-Steinway University will mean to her (link to student blog)