Keith Freeburg – Founder and Owner. Music has been Keith’s passion since he learned to play piano, guitar and string bass as a child. He pursued bass and graduated from the University of Minnesota as a string major with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. After teaching orchestra for several years, Keith studied piano technology at McPhail School of the Arts in Minneapolis and began a full-time career in piano tuning, repair and rebuilding. For the past thirty-one years, he has been serving pianists primarily in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. Keith is a Registered Piano Technician with the prestigious Piano Technician’s Guild for which he has served several terms, including the present one, as the local chapter president. He is certified to install computerized PianoDisc Systems as well as locally manufactured Dampp-Chaser Systems. Keith has experience in nearly every aspect of the piano world, from tuning, repair, reconditioning and rebuilding to sales, educational seminars and training. He is a member of the Asheville Area Piano Forum and performs with the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra and the Brevard Philharmonic. He serves as an elder and musician at his church. He and Joann are blessed with two children and three grandchildren.
Dr. Joann Freeburg – Co-Owner. Keith’s wife has supported and worked with him in music for thirty-nine years. She learned to play piano, flute and cello before meeting him. Her zeal for learning has resulted in a Bachelor’s Degree in Education/Foreign Languages, a Master’s Degree in Christian Ministry, a Doctorate in Theology and a variety of certifications. She has used her love of music to work with all age groups as well as special needs communities. Joann has served on several non-profit boards and is an assistant pastor in their church. Her gift for teaching and inspirational speaking has opened the door for her to travel and help people around the world – France, Belize, El Salvador and Canada. Joann provides expertise and inspiration in long-range organizational planning, finance and communications. As our creative blog writer, Joann gives readers an “inside look” into the people and stories behind Freeburg Pianos and the exciting, wonderful world of music.
Levi Freeburg – Director of Sales and Marketing. Levi brings energy and leadership to Freeburg Pianos. As part of the musical Freeburg family, Levi learned to play piano and drums. He began playing drums in church as a child and has played in several local churches over the years. While attending Mars Hill College, Levi played snare drum in the marching band. After graduating from MHC with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Entrepreneurship, Levi directed and expanded youth and sports programs at the YMCA of WNC and Biltmore Baptist Church. Now working with Freeburg Pianos, Levi is excited to serve our customers, assisting them in finding the best piano for their needs and desires.
Christopher Tavernier – Performing Artist & Concert Pianist. Christopher made his orchestral debut with the Tar River Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of thirteen, performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 on the opening concert of the Orchestra’s Fall 2013 Season at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts in Rocky Mount, NC. Christopher began his piano studies at the age of six, and now fourteen, has won several honors and awards for both solo and concerto competitions, including placing second in the “National Elizabeth Harper Vaughn Concerto Competition” in Kingsport, Tennessee who excepts applicants through the age of 25 and was named the “First International Perzina Artist” in the company’s 144 year history. Christopher is a dedicated chamber player and is a member of the Rutherford Chamber Consort in WNC. He is scheduled to perform Schubert’s Trout Quintet and a Suite by Milhaud this May. His pianistic lineage extends from Liszt through his teacher, Dr. Cobb, who studied with Claudio Arrau, whose teacher was a pupil of Franz Liszt. Liszt, a student of Czerny, was a pupil of Beethoven. Hence, the musical lineage actually extends from Beethoven to Christopher Tavernier. Christopher was featured on ABC/WLOS, and has performed on Carolina Live, and NPR/WCQS in Asheville. He has published recordings in DVD and CD formats.