The Shipley School's Intention to Become "All Steinway" Is An Extraordinary Step for a K-12 School

With the delivery of an impressive 7-foot Steinway & Sons concert grand piano to the Shipley School campus in Bryn Mawr in January, 2013, Jacobs Music Company is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Shipley as they transition to the prestigious designation as an “All Steinway” school.  The “All Steinway” designation represents a recognized commitment to arts excellence, by providing students, faculty and visiting artists with legendary instruments that are the benchmark of quality world-wide. The Shipley School’s intention to achieve this elite musical status is noteworthy because it is an extraordinary step for a kindergarten-through-high school program.

Dr. Steven Piltch, Shipley’s Head of School, explained the school’s motivation. He said, “We are a school that is committed to excellence and preparation, with the understanding that success is achieved before it’s acclaimed. With that as our belief, I can’t imagine a better partnership than with Steinway & Sons and Jacobs Music Company.” Michael Smith, Director of Performing Arts at Shipley continued, “I am thrilled for the students at Shipley that we have made the investment in this musical resource – the first of many Steinway & Sons pianos we will purchase. Providing Steinway pianos to the students allows us to teach, and our students to learn, at a higher level. Since the curriculum in music is all about the process and the preparation, it is wonderful that we can continue to challenge our students in their quest for excellence by playing on the highest caliber piano – the Steinway.”

The pianos, designed and built in the United States by Steinway & Sons, are the instruments of choice for serious musicians worldwide. Only a select group of institutions around the world achieve the exclusive “All-Steinway” designation and it is rare for a school, kindergarten to 12th grade, to do this.

“If you make a commitment to excellence, excellence will repay you,” explains Mark Love, Senior Vice-President of Development for Jacobs Music Company. “This historic school is a legendary model of excellence.  By providing their music faculty and students with instruments that set the standard for the world’s most demanding performers, Shipley brings excitement to its music programs.  Jacobs is so proud to be able to participate in Shipley’s transition to ‘All Steinway’ status.”

Jacobs Music has remained a Greater Philadelphia cultural institution since it was founded in 1900 and serves as the exclusive dealer representative of Steinway & Sons for Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The company historically has taken a leading role in the Tri-State area music community, supporting internationally recognized artists and regional music organizations. Jacobs Music also works with and is the supplier of Steinway pianos for The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Academy of Music, The Pennsylvania Ballet, and The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.