“Life is Grand” and it just keeps getting better! This past week, I had the privilege of attending “Mason and Hamlin University” at the factory in Haverhill, MA which is just north of Boston. Levi and I arrived Wednesday with great anticipation and left Saturday night filled with excitement about the pianos and the people.
Pianos and People . . . what a great combination.
For almost forty years, I’ve been helping Keith with piano work to one degree or another. I’ve learned the names of piano parts and how to install them, moved pianos and given much advice (asked for, of course). Now, here I am the co-owner of a full-fledged, absolutely beautiful piano store with a showroom, the Master Works Theatre and teaching studios. Mason and Hamlin, the only handcrafted piano made in America, is our newest high-end, performance line. After my visit to the factory, I know why wonderful husband and master piano technician, Keith, selected it. Wow!!! You can read more about the pianos on our website and in the following interesting article, complete with photos, from “The Boston Magazine.”
The other half of the winning combination is the people. As of 1996, brothers Gary and Kirk Burgett are the owners of Mason and Hamlin. Kirk was out of the country but Gary attended every session with us. His love for people, pianos and music was evident. He and all the staff were a wonderful example of “servant leadership.”
(Left to Right: Levi Freeburg, Gary Burgett, Jarrod Radnich, Joann Freeburg, Tom Lagomarsino)
We had the unique opportunity of spending time with Jarrod Radnich, Mason and Hamlin Artist and PianoDisc Recording Artist. What an amazing pianist and person. He is innovative and inspirational as well as a “real guy” with a big heart. He is also a composer and arranger. He made a very interesting statement when talking about the Mason and Hamlin. He said that “this piano will do things that no other piano can do.” Then, he sat down and proved his point as his fingers flew over the keys.
Jarrod Radnich, Concert Pianist & Composer
There is so much more I could tell you but blogs aren’t supposed to be novels so I will stop here. I feel very blessed by what is happening with Freeburg Pianos. Please stop in and visit us soon. You are an important part of our musical family.
Life is Grand
Joann