The new Steinways are an absolutely magnificent new addition to the Department of Music. They have already been fondly nicknamed Alice – the Model D, after musician Alice Coltrane – and Bruce – the Model B, after Bruce Wannell, late friend of the Department. In the short time they have been with us, they have completely transformed performance, education and research. I and the whole Department are deeply grateful to the University and the Faculty for their fifty-year investment in the future of Music at King’s.
Professor Katherine Butler Schofield, Head of the Department of Music
29 October 2025
King's Arts & Humanities acquires two new Steinway pianos for the Department of Music
The Steinway models B and D, considered the gold standard in piano making, are already in use by Music students at King’s.
The Faculty of Arts & Humanities at King’s has funded the purchase of two brand new Steinway grand pianos, and the full refurbishment of a third, for the Department of Music at King’s.
In an educational context, instruments act as teachers in themselves, says Dr Joseph Fort, Senior Lecturer and Director of Performance in the Department of Music at King’s.
These new pianos have had a transformative effect on the Performance education that we offer here at King’s. The instruments are teachers in themselves: our students learn from them what is needed to coax out the best sound, and they are an inspiration to attain the highest possible standards in performance. Whether as professional performers or in other roles, so many of our students have gone onto careers that involve playing the piano, and we are equipping the next generation of pianists to do the same.
Dr Joseph Fort, Senior Lecturer and Director of Performance, Admissions Tutor
Department of Music alumnus Rohan Godfrey (MMus, first class honours) played Intermezzo Op. 118 No. 2 by Johannes Brahms, on the new instrument. ‘A good piano makes a good pianist, and these Steinways provide students with a platform to grow their musicianship,’ Rohan says.
The magnificent 6' 11" (211 cm) Model B Classic Grand piano is often referred to by pianists as “the perfect piano.” It is a wonderfully balanced and versatile instrument.
Steinway & Sons © on Model B Classic Grand Piano
At 8' 11¾" (274 cm) in length, this majestic musical instrument — the pinnacle of concert grand pianos — is the overwhelming choice of the world's greatest pianists and for anyone who demands the highest level of musical expression.
Steinway & Sons © on Model D Concert Grand Piano
In this story
Professor of South Asian Music and History
Senior Lecturer and Director of Performance, Admissions Tutor