Carlsbad music museum honors Henry Steinway

By: SHANNON WINGARD - For the North County Times | Tuesday, January 16, 2007 11:18 PM PST ∞

CARLSBAD -- Henry Steinway, the great-grandson of the internationally renowned piano maker who founded Steinway & Sons, was honored Tuesday at the dedication of a new gallery that bares his name at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad.

Approximately 225 piano dealers, instrument-makers and enthusiasts were on hand to recognize Steinway, 91, for his contributions to the music industry. The Steinway Gallery at the museum reflects musical instruments and innovations tied to the Baby Boom era.

Steinway, who served as the museum's first president, said he believes it serves as an invaluable resource for people who want to learn about the history of music. ÝÝÝ

"I think these niche museums are very important, because there is something for everyone," Steinway said.

Steinway is the great-grandson of Henry Engelhard Steinweg, who emigrated to America in 1851 from Germany, and started his piano-making business two years later with an Americanized last name. By the 1860s Steinway was the leading piano manufacturer in America and by 1880 the company established a factory overseas in Hamburg, Germany.

In 1942, the young Henry Steinway, who had graduated from Harvard, became a factory manager at his family's company. After briefly serving in World War II, he rejoined the family business and eventually became president of Steinway & Sons in 1955. He served in that role for more than 20 years.

Carolyn Grant, executive director of the Carlsbad museum, said it is an honor to name the Baby Boom gallery after a person whose family has been involved in the music-making industry for four generations.

"Henry Steinway is certainly one of the most revered icons in the world of music makers," she said.

Grant said the museum, which opened in 2000, focuses on the history of music and recognizes those who have contributed to the industry, including instrument designers, makers and composers.

B.J. Morgan, who handles marketing for the museum, said he estimates that approximately 20,000 people visit the museum each year.

The museum is divided into five period galleries -- from one that focuses on turn-of-the-century instruments to another that includes the musical history from the years 1970 to 1989. More than 500 instruments, which are mostly loaned to the museum, are on display, Morgan said.

In each gallery, he said, people can learn about popular instruments and innovations of that period, as well as gain an understanding of the retail and business practices.

At Tuesday's dedication, Paul Murphy of M. Steinert & Sons told attendees that he recommended Steinway to become the museum's first president when he was chairman of the board from 2000-01. Murphy said M. Steinert & Sons is the second oldest Steinway piano dealer in the world.

He said Steinway's celebrity status and integrity made him a fitting choice.

Murphy said he believes the museum is important to the future of music making, especially because "you need to know where you have been in order to know where you want to go."

The Museum of Making Music is at 5790 Armada Drive and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. General admission is $5, and it is $3 for seniors, students and active military.

On the Net:

For more information, go to http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org.

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