Steinway pianos – along with the Boston pianos brand, which is built by Steinway – represent an instrument that isn’t just better than any competitor, according to Skip Daynes, of Daynes Music in Murray, Utah. Steinways are so far beyond any other instrument in sound and construction that they’re the near-universal choice for serious pianists.

"Universities want to follow the pattern set by elite schools like Julliard with Steinways for two  reasons," said Daynes, who’s namesake store is the brand’s oldest dealer west of New York.

"First, they’re by far the best instrument for training young musicians and getting them ready for performance. Second, they outlast other pianos by 100 years or more."

Daynes himself helped raise $245,000 in funding for UVU’s 35 new pianos, with the $300,000 balance coming from a grant through the Nancy Peery Marriot Foundation.

"Being an All-Steinway School reflects UVU’s serious commitment to the arts and music education,” said UVU President Matthew Holland. “This is just another manifestation of UVU’s pledge to provide the best opportunities for our students."

The pianos are remarkable both for their distinct sound and tonal clarity as well as their construction. Daynes said that each instrument takes a year to build – the company only produces 1,800 pianos each year – and because of the intricate construction technique, can be rebuilt many times over the years to ensure incredible longevity.

"It's not an exaggeration to say that practicing and performing on a Steinway piano inspires better music making,” said Hilary Demske, world-class pianist and director of piano studies for the UVU School of the Arts. “When an instrument sounds different, you listen differently and ultimately play differently. Being an All-Steinway School means our students will be regularly exposed to instruments that will shape and expand their range of musical possibilities."