KINGSTON, R.I. -- February 24, 2003 -- Whether you’re a professional musician or simply like to tickle the ivories, if you’re in the market for a piano, circle March 13, 14, and 15 on your calendar. That’s when the University of Rhode Island’s Music Department, in a special agreement with M. Steinert & Sons of Boston, will host its first piano sale. Not only will purchasers get a discounted price, URI will a get percentage of the net proceeds, which can be applied to the music department’s next piano purchase.

Steinert is the exclusive dealer of Steinway pianos, considered by some to be the Rolls Royce of the 88 keys set. (There are no Steinway dealers in Rhode Island.)

Thirty to 40 new Steinway, Boston, and Essex pianos will be brought to URI’s Kingston campus for the sale and displayed in its Fine Arts Center. The cost of pianos will range from $3,000 to $100,000 and will be offered at prices that can not be duplicated. Parents or grandparents of budding Van Cliburns may also be interested in this sale.

Alumni donors and friends of the University who may not want to buy a piano for themselves can still take advantage of the sale by purchasing a piano for URI at an institutional discounted price.

As a special bonus, anyone who buys a piano will receive two complimentary $15 tickets to A Piano Extravaganza, a University Artist concert on April 12. The evening features URI faculty pianists playing classical and jazz selections.

The pianos will be shown by appointment only on Thursday, March 13 and on Friday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A public sale will be held on Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost of delivery will be included in the price. Checks and credit cards will be accepted. Since the sale is being held during the University’s Spring Break, parking in the nearby Fine Arts parking lot will be ample.

To make an appointment, please call 401-874-4890 anytime after March 1.