The People
Theresa Shykind has been in music all her life. She earned a Bachelors of Music degree, concentrating in education, and a Masters of Arts in Studio Composition. She began her career as a sales associate at Sam Ash Music in New York City, and went on to teach courses for primary, secondary and college music curriculum, as well as manage a Performing Arts Center, and a recording studio. Theresa has been teaching for the past 20 years, the current Vice President of Frederick County Music Teachers Association, and is the former head of the IB (International Baccalaureate) music program at Baltimore's famed City College High School. Additionally, she was in sales management for the largest Piano retailer in the United States. Theresa believes that the connection between instrument and artist is a personal one, and loves to match people with particular pianos.
Dan Shykind has extensive experience in the music business. He began his industry career as a manager for the largest Piano retailer in the United States. Dan was quickly promoted to Director of the E-Commerce division, and then to Vice President and Regional Manager. He earned numerous awards, and set sales records in each position.
After leaving the industry, Dan further honed his executive management skills as the Director of Retail Operations for a large chain of wilderness/outdoor outfitters, and finally as an Operations Executive for a Fortune 500 retail company before returning to the music industry and starting Downtown Piano Works with Theresa.
The Location
Downtown Piano Works occupies a noted 1800's era building on Frederick's historic Market Street. On October 4th, 1862, during the second year of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in front of the building.
(Downtown Piano Works building pictured on left, circa 1862 in Harper's Weekly)
The plaster walls and 15-foot high tray ceilings of our historic building produce excellent acoustics in the store. These acoustics coupled with the expert tuning, voicing and regulation of our technician, make for a world-class playing and listening experience.
Additionally, we are fanatics when it comes to the care and preparation of our instruments. We monitor and record the temperature and humidity levels of the store to provide the best possible conditions for our (and your) pianos!
At Downtown Piano Works we take pride in offering "exquisite instruments, expert advice." Come hear what people are talking about!
