The Curtis Family Piano!

I grew up in a family of nine children. All of us were given the opportunity to learn to play the piano. I was surrounded by music and music was a part of my life everyday. My children were also taught to play the piano and some excelled in piano and some in other forms of music. My grandchildren ages 3-14 are now learning piano and all play at different levels. We don’t have any concert pianist yet, but have many competent pianist who can play for congregations and accompany vocalists. Just over two years ago I fell and fractured my skull causing a traumatic brain injury that required brain surgery. The doctors told me to do normal things as much as possible to get my brain to reconnect and help in my recovery. I try to play my piano everyday but I still struggle, get discouraged and wonder if having it tuned would help make it more enjoyable. I dont think I’ll ever be the pianist in church again but I still enjoy playing and I especially enjoy sharing and playing with my grandchildren.

My mother always wanted a player piano and in my youth she purchased this Standard (New York) Player Piano. From a young age I took lessons and practiced on this piano. The memory of 36 grandchildren pumping out tune after tune on this piano will always be cherished. The grandkids of all ages would line up with their chosen scroll for their turn to play and as they waited would sing along to whatever song was playing. We had some pretty ruckus sing-a-longs around this piano. I have inherited this piano and would love to see my grandchildren enjoy it too. Unfortunately it no longer holds air when pumped and is almost impossible to get the scrolls rolling. I do still play it as a regular piano but it is so out of tune I often think I’m hitting the wrong key and when my grandchildren visit they are eager to play their recital pieces and it is used to show off their skills as they also develop there love for music.

• YEAR 1920-1930
• MAKE Standard
• SERIAL NUMBER 91897
• FINISH Oak
• CATEGORY CONTESTANT