Pianotech

Earlier this week, George Winston passed away. I first became aware of George in the early 1980s when he was selling records through health food stores and other nonconventional avenues. With the growing popularity of New Age music, he gained a much wider audience. In the 1990s he used to give an annual concert at Lincoln center as a food drive for the homeless. I remember the first time I worked for him seeing him walk out on stage at Avery Fisher Hall in blue jeans, a plaid shirt, no shoes and red woolen socks. After moving to South Florida I was fortunate to continue working for him at his many appearances at our local venues. He would arrive with a bag of tuning mutes and a substantial list of requests for the piano technician. His approach to the piano was sometimes unconventional, but never damaging to the instrument. he was unfailingly kind and never missed the opportunity to thank the piano technician in person, and from the stage during performance. I'll miss him.

So sorry to hear. I tuned for him twice in the 1990's at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, a large old church with great acoustics. He was always a pleasure to work for and listen to in concert. As Karl noted he was demanding but always kind and appreciative to the piano tech. He would let the piano tech know that just before intermission he would arrange mutes near the tuning pins, pointing at the unisons that had drifted (!!). I watched him doing that while he talked to the audience. He was always correct and it made touchup during intermission fast and easy.  I love his music, so expressive! He always used the piano to get maximum color to the music. He will be missed.

-Dean

Earlier this week, George Winston passed away. I first became aware of George in the early 1980s when he was selling records through health food stores and other nonconventional avenues. With the growing popularity of New Age music, he gained a much wider audience. In the 1990s he used to give an annual concert at Lincoln center as a food drive for the homeless. I remember the first time I worked for him seeing him walk out on stage at Avery Fisher Hall in blue jeans, a plaid shirt, no shoes and red woolen socks. After moving to South Florida I was fortunate to continue working for him at his many appearances at our local venues. He would arrive with a bag of tuning mutes and a substantial list of requests for the piano technician. His approach to the piano was sometimes unconventional, but never damaging to the instrument. he was unfailingly kind and never missed the opportunity to thank the piano technician in person, and from the stage during performance. I'll miss him.