Fazioli Piano

Richard Davenport was the winner of the 2022 Golden Hammer Award, the highest honor bestowed on members of the Piano Technician's Guild. The award comes after a long and influential career that has included his own amazing career as a technician and his inspiring seminars and clinics that have aided the education of the next generation. Working in the Hollywood movie and recording studios, Richard gained a reputation for quality craftsmanship and the willingness to help out even at the last minute. As a result, he has worked on several high-profile projects for leading artists suc

David Ellis is the founder of Ellis Piano in Birmingham, Alabama. The store’s staff includes his sons who are proudly following in their father’s footsteps in providing high-quality pianos and top customer service. David’s own love for the piano all began when his mother purchased a piano at the county fair from Dick Reeves’ Piano Service. Some years later, in 1971, David was hired by that same store to deliver pianos and he fell in love with the business, especially the idea of helping each customer find the perfect instrument for their needs.

Paolo Fazioli heard a special piano sound in his head and yet was unable to find an instrument that was capable of producing the sound, so he built his own pianos. Beginning in 1978, he developed the techniques and use of special woods to craft one of the most revered sounds in the piano industry. The Fazioli piano has won several awards over the years and a strong and supportive customer base, proving his quest for his unique sound was worth the journey.  

Kayoko Forrest was born in Japan and always felt drawn to music and in particular the piano. After moving with her mother to the United States, Kayoko played in the school music program. Interestingly, Richard Davenport, who would later become a mentor to Kayoko, was her teacher. While earning her music degree at California State University Northridge, she worked every other Saturday at David Abell’s famous piano store in Beverly Hills. It was a wonderful learning opportunity and David became a great inspiration for Kayoko and her developing career.

Michael Spreeman is the creator of Ravenscroft Pianos and founder of Spreeman Piano Innovations, LLC. Experience includes: 35 years as a concert technician, rebuilder, service technician, and instructor.  He has also worked as a technical consultant for Renner, Fazioli, Yamaha, Steinway, and Baldwin.

Ryoichi Totsuka began his notable career in the music industry right after college as a salesman for Kawai Pianos in Japan. The experience inspired Ryoichi-san as he sought other opportunities to contribute to the piano side of the industry. In 1980 he helped establish the European office for Kawai and worked with several brands over the years including Panasonic and Technics as well as Fazioli and Estonia, the latter two which he imported to Japan for the first time. His long association with Bechstein Pianos began in the mid 1980s thanks to his friendship with Karl Schulze.