The Firstenburg Foundation awarded $36,411 to the School of Piano Technology for the Blind, which provides the final funding needed to implement the school’s two-year director of instruction succession plan.
The plan allows current Director of Instruction Don Mitchell to take former graduate Lori Amstutz under his wing to learn the school’s one-on-one curriculum and teaching methodology. Amstutz is a 2007 graduate of the school and owner of Amstutz Piano Tuning and Repair in Alberta, Canada. Mitchell has been with the school for 44 years and hasn’t set a retirement date.
“The director of instruction position is the lifeblood of the school and far too critical to be left vacant or filled by anyone but the most qualified person,” said Cheri Martin, executive director. “The succession plan will allow for the significant time and attention required to train a new instructor while ensuring the school’s institutional knowledge, history and legacy are preserved.”
During the Give More 24! event, the school received a $3,500 matching donation from Wells Fargo, which will go toward a roof repair, IT upgrade and other projects.
For more information about the school, visit www.pianotuningschool.org.
