As December approaches and the holiday calendar fills up with performances, guests, and perhaps family making music, it’s the perfect time to give your piano a little attention. A well-tuned and well-maintained instrument means fewer distractions and more enjoyment.
Here are some expert-backed care tips:
Tune it now: Temperature and humidity begin shifting more dramatically as winter kicks in, so schedule a tuning in early December (or late November) so you’re not scrambling last minute.
Check the room environment: Make sure your piano is not directly next to a radiator, fireplace or large window with sun/wind exposure. Sudden changes in temperature or humidity can affect the soundboard and action.
Clean smartly: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth on the case and keys. Avoid sprays or polishes unless you know exactly what you’re doing. Dust can settle during busy months when doors open and guests come.
Encourage use, but protect the finish: If guests will be using the piano, place a bench cover or protective pad under drinks or decorations. The piano can become a gathering point—just a little safeguarding goes a long way.
When you give your instrument a little moment now, you’ll ensure that when the music fills the room in December—whether it’s carols, practice sessions, or family pieces—you’re ready.
Take-away: A few small steps in November can save you holiday headaches and let the piano shine when it matters.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
As the leaves settle and we move into November, many of us begin the transition from everyday routines into holiday-anticipation. For those of us with a piano in the home, the instrument isn’t just furniture—it becomes a part of the family narrative.
Every four years, Warsaw becomes the luminous heart of the classical piano world. The International Chopin Competition is more than a contest — it’s a global ritual of artistry and endurance. For pianists, it is the Mount Everest of performance; for listeners, it is two weeks of breathtaking musical devotion.
But while the audience follows the fate of each pianist, another drama unfolds behind the music — a quieter rivalry that has nothing to do with interpretation or emotion, and everything to do with sound.
Because in Warsaw, the pianists are not the only ones competing. The pianos themselves are.
For more than a century, Steinway & Sons has defined what it means to build a truly exceptional piano. But in 2025, the brand isn’t just honoring tradition — it’s evolving. At Northwest Pianos, we continue to see how Steinway’s balance of craftsmanship and technology keeps it ahead of the curve in a fast-changing industry.