Tackling inequality through music
MUSIC HAS UNIQUE POWER TO
Change lives
Music education is hugely important to us all but has sadly been in decline for over a decade. We want to create sustainable musical opportunities for a whole new generation.
APPLY TO RECEIVE A PIANO> Learn More
What does Pianos Equals aim to achieve?
"Our vision at Millers Music is to inspire and unleash musical creativity by making high quality instruments accessible and sustainable for all". Simon Pollard, Managing Director
We passionately believe in business being a force for good but through our work in local communities we uncovered huge problems in music education and provision. We created Piano Equals as a first-of-its-kind, unique piano reuse and recycling scheme to help tackle some of these and contribute to some of the biggest challenges we face: namely widening inequality and our transition to a low carbon economy, also known as Net Zero.
We believe sustainability is an opportunity for the Music Industry to lead the way to a more circular and equitable future. Instruments have been sustainable for centuries, especially pianos. If made to a high quality and with careful maintenance they can last for decades It is only recently that many products have become less repairable and less sustainable. This is something we're committed to changing.
You can find out more about how Piano Equals aims to achieve this below.
COULD YOUR SCHOOL OR ORGANIATION CHANGE LIVES WITH A PIANO?
APPLY TO RECEIVE A PIANOORGANISATIONS WE AIM TO SUPPORT
Through our work with local schools and organisations we have found a variety of different requirements depending on the type of organisation and their particular requirement. However most fall into a number of broad categories and types. We've listed some below but are happy to discuss the specifics of your application.
Secondary Schools continues the journey of helping students, opening opportunities to develop and progress. We've visited schools with inspiring teachers who do incredible things with and for their students. We believe music departments should be a source of inspiration for students, a place to express themselves and be creative either on their own or together in groups or ensembles.
Many schools have very old or dilapidated pianos in their practice rooms that are unplayable or untuneable. The aethetics of instruments in practice rooms is generally less of a concern, the main requirement is to be "at pitch" and play well. There are thousands of instruments in the UK that fit these requirements and could be reused.
Schools also often have digital pianos in classrooms that are more than 20 years old. These have served them well but are in dire need of replacement.
Typical Requirements
| Area | Typical Instrument Type | General Use |
|---|---|---|
| Stage/Hall | Grand Piano | Centrepiece for concerts and performances. As a result needs to be a visually appealing instrument. |
| Classrooms | Digital Pianos Keyboards / MIDI Controllers Upright Pianos | Classroom teaching usually requires more versatile instruments allowing a variety of teaching and musical styles. Digital pianos can often fulfil this but having a upright piano can add to the options. |
| Practice/Rehearsal Rooms | Upright Pianos | For piano or instrumental practice and peripatetic teaching as well as breaktime practice by students. Most often upright pianos. |
Primary Schools are the foundation of a quality music education. Music is a compulsory subject with a minimum of one hour's teaching a work but as many as 20% of primary schools provide no music lessons at all.
Singing is described as the "golden thread" through these crucial years and a piano can add colour and dynamics to teaching but many schools have old, dilapidated instruments if they have an instrument at all. These can be easily replaced with more modern instruments that provide a better playing and listening experience.
| Area | Typical Instrument Type | General Use |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly Hall | Upright Piano Digital Piano | Used for assemblies, performances, etc. Needs school casters so it can be easily moved around. |
| Classroom | Digital Pianos Upright Piano | Used for peripatetic teaching and small classes. |
There are a number of other organisations who have already approached us and who we have helped already including care homes, hospitals, and community groups. Though we believe that schools have a particularly acute problem with musical instrument provision we invite applications from other groups or organisations.
COULD YOUR SCHOOL OR ORGANIATION CHANGE LIVES WITH A PIANO?
APPLY TO RECEIVE A PIANOThe huge opportunity FOR US ALL in reusing old pianos
Pianos, and musical instruments generally, hold a special place in our hearts. They are unlike many other possessions in our homes, often having poured our heart and soul into learning with them as trusty partners . Quality acoustic pianos can last for decades, even centuries with careful maintenance but many are no longer desirable for customers to buy as tastes change.
The most sustainable pianos are the ones we already have!
Lots of acoustic pianos were actually made in the UK or Europe and so their carbon cost has already been incurred. There is only a small, incremental carbon cost to assess and move the instrument to a new home where is can give years or decades more service. Better still, we use skills in the UK to move and maintain these instruments which will build a more sustainable future for us all.
Can't schools just buy digital pianos instead?
They can and digital pianos can be a great option for many organisations, they are lighter, more flexible, and verstatile but they also come with their own challenges. They have a much shorter lifespan than an acoustic piano, some new electronic instruments only last 1-3 years then they can be difficult, if not impossible, to repair because of a lack of spare parts, schematics, or repairers. We are advocates for reusing quality electronic instruments and have provided these to schools as part of our scheme. We believe a mix of acoustic and digital instruments is often the best solution.
Do you wish to donate your piano?
We have a dedicated page for the public which covers all the information about donating your instrument to our scheme.