Patty Boyer Earns Steinway University Degree
Business Editors
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 2003
Patty Boyer, retail sales consultant at Steinway Hall in Dallas, is one of only five sales professionals nationwide who graduated in the first class of William Steinway University, a training program Steinway & Sons in New York created to ensure those who represent the line of fine pianos know every aspect of their rich heritage and craftsmanship.
Considered the gold standard of pianos, Steinway & Sons celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, and Boyer, who has sold pianos at Steinway Hall in Dallas and Tarrant County for nearly six years, is celebrating the end of a tough, three-year course of study and practical exercises to earn the WSU Retail Sales Professional master's degree. About 50 representatives from Steinway dealers nationwide enrolled, but its intense demands and tough deadlines meant most could complete only portions of the program.
"I've been associated with Steinway for 21 years, but it was a real test to experience three years of immersing myself in this company's history, culture, marketing and technical knowledge. To be among the first graduates and to do so in our sesquicentennial year makes me all the more proud," Boyer said.
William Steinway University was created in January 2000 and is named for the family firm's first president, who served from 1853 until 1896. The program is based on formal courses of study that focus on product knowledge and history of Steinway, Boston and Essex pianos; sales and marketing programs; the manufacturing process; concert and artist activities; and presentation skills.
Fine craftsmanship is never rushed, which is why it can take up to an entire year to create a Steinway grand piano. Knowledge is savored at the company as well. The Steinway University master's program takes a minimum of three years to complete and includes activities and assignments at the Steinway student's dealership as well as on-site work at the company's New York facilities and elsewhere.
"Our goal is to consistently improve the knowledge and skills of those who represent the piano by which all others are judged. Assignments at WSU apply to Steinway sales professionals' careers and should enhance their daily performance in selling and marketing our products. The program gives each participant a chance to share and interact with their peers from around the country while they are under the watchful eyes of our management team and as we help them develop as true sales professionals," said Jim Hoover, director of sales training and promotions for Steinway & Sons.
"Those of us who represent Steinway tend to be totally dedicated to the art form and to a company that is an American institution," said Danny Saliba, owner of Steinway Hall, one of only 70 dealerships in the Americas. "Being the first to graduate from William Steinway University is a real accomplishment that demonstrates Patty's commitment to help her customers fully appreciate the finest pianos in the world."
In celebration of Steinway's 150th anniversary, the piano-maker is conducting a search for the oldest Steinway instrument and having a contest for a chance to attend a Carnegie Hall concert. Owners have until May 1 to visit Steinway Hall showrooms in Dallas and Hurst to register in the search for the oldest piano, which will net the winner the instrument's factory refurbishment or a new piano.
Also, anyone may visit Steinway Hall until April 15 to enter the "Musical Experience of a Lifetime" sweepstakes for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to the Carnegie Hall concerts, June 5-7. No purchase is necessary. Information is available by calling 214-526-1853.
About Steinway Hall
Steinway Hall Dallas/Tarrant is the exclusive Steinway & Sons dealer in North Texas and it is a multiple-year winner of the prestigious "Partners in Performance" award from Steinway & Sons. Steinway Hall ranks among the top five Steinway dealers in the country and is owned by Danny Saliba, a Steinway veteran whose background includes working in the piano-maker's factory and on the road with concert artists.