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Student Enrichment
A group of students around a table chat enthusiastically about what they have been up to

All-Steinway School

Spring 2022 saw the arrival of the much-anticipated All-Steinway School status for Durham University. Working in partnership with the globally-recognised piano makers, we welcomed a number of the world class instruments - the largest investment of any University in the UK.

The beautifully crafted pianos are accessible to all students across the university both within the Music Department and in all 17 Colleges. Cementing our commitment to music as one of the UK’s top-ranked universities for the academic study of music, the pianos further strengthen formal music education at Durham, whilst students from all academic disciplines will have the opportunity to enjoy them.
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Hands playing Steinway piano

 

 

University student
This marriage with Steinway is the perfect combination…I can guarantee to all our students that they will have the best available to them.
Sir Thomas Allen
Former Chancellor, 2011-2022
4 years in the making The instruments take 3 years for the specially selected timber to dry out, another year to produce.
Specially selected Students visited the Steinway factory in Hamburg to select a piano for their College.
61 pianos The largest investment of any University in the UK.
Community donations 18 of our replaced pianos have been donated to local community groups.
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Masterclass at Steinway Hall, London

A number of our musically talented students had the rare opportunity to travel to Steinway Hall in London to take part in a prestigious masterclass. After auditioning to attend the event, the students were delighted at having the once in a lifetime opportunity to play a piece in the wonderful setting of Steinway Hall under the expert guidance of Steinway artist, Charles Owen.

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University student
The exceptionally high level of expertise, skill and attention to detail that goes into the making of Steinway pianos was mesmerizing; I very much look forward to welcoming such wonderful Steinway pianos in Durham.
Risako Takamura
Law student
Staff and students outside

Early Spring saw a group of students and staff take a trip to the Steinway factory in Hamburg, Germany.

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A piano

Students that attended the trip to the factory were in the enviable position to try them out and select a piano for their college.

A person playing a piano

This was an amazing experience for a variety of reasons - staff and students marvelled at the skill in the manufacturing and the distinctive sound from the Steinways.

The Steinway brand on a piano

Students were able to see the manufacture of these wonderful hand-made instruments that are four years in the making.

 

 

Hear what our students think

Durham & Steinway: A match made in heaven

By Liberal Arts student Mary-Anne Grego

Steinway Masterclass

Selecting a piano

By Music student Benjamin Southwick

A piano
Music notes

Interested in studying Music at Durham?

Durham is one of the UK’s top-ranked universities for the academic study of music, with a range of courses available.

Find out more about studying Music at Durham