Key Appointment for Newark College’s School of Musical Instrument Crafts

By Newark College
World class craftmanship at Newark
Steve Droy

Newark College is delighted to announce a new appointment at the Piano School to teach the next generation of piano tuners and restorers. 

Steve Droy, who joined the College’s School of Musical Instrument Crafts in May, brings a wealth of expertise and experience, having worked as a professional concert piano tuner for over 30 years alongside running a successful business in the piano trade. 

As well as supporting families, choirs and schools, Steve has worked in recording studios for professional musicians, large live concert venues and West End theatres.  

His expansive career has seen him work for Steinway London as a freelance concert tuner, as well as training at the Steinway factory in Hamburg. 

He attended Newark College himself as a student, before moving to Mumbai, India, where he worked for Furtados Music. There he set up and ran The Furtados Institute of Piano Technology; training aspiring piano technicians in India - as well as tuning across the city and beyond. 

On his return to the UK, he founded The Piano Technology School, where he has been teaching the “integrated method” of tuning. 

On taking up this new role at Newark, Steve is returning to the College to lead the tuning aspect on the three-year BA (Hons) Piano Tuning and Restoration degree programme and foundation course.  

Steve said: “I am excited to be joining the team at Newark. They have great facilities and a wonderful Musical Instrument Craft department. 

“I am looking forward to being back at the College and sharing both my teaching and business experience, and contacts with the students.  

“It is an excellent time to be thinking about a career in the piano trade, both here in the UK and overseas. With so few places to train available in the world, I would encourage anyone considering their options to seriously consider coming to Newark for training - we have a lot to offer!” 

The appointment comes as the School of Music Instrument Craft celebrates their 50-year anniversary, having been established in 1972 by Principal Eric Ashton. 

Jill Maynard, Head of Creative Arts at Newark College, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Steve to our Musical Instrument Crafts team, which also includes pathways in Violin, Guitar, and Woodwind. 

“He has a great deal of knowledge and industry experience to share with our Piano School students - the piano tuners and technicians of the future.” 

To learn more about the School of Musical Instrument Crafts, including the BA (Hons) Piano Tuning and Restoration degree, visit the course page here.

(from left to right): Andrew Wheeldon, Vic Solomon, Steve Droy, and Jill Maynard
(from left to right): Andrew Wheeldon, Vic Solomon, Steve Droy, and Jill Maynard
World class craftmanship at Newark

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