In this engaging episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Janney welcomes the multifaceted pianist, educator, and piano purveyor Robert Estrin for a wide-ranging conversation that spans the history, craftsmanship, and future of the piano.
They dive into Robert’s journey from growing up in a profoundly musical family with his father, a concert pianist, Morton Estrin, to building a unique career that merges artistry, education, technology, and entrepreneurship. He shares the origin story of Living Pianos, the world’s first online piano store. He reflects on his passion for preserving, restoring, and celebrating vintage pianos from America's golden age of piano manufacturing.
The conversation touches on the need for skilled piano technicians in Cleveland and beyond, with Robert calling attention to a global shortage and the critical importance of high-level piano prep. He also offers insight into hybrid and alternative piano technologies, including carbon fiber soundboards, MIDI retrofits, and cutting-edge tuning tools like Pianoscope.
In a beautifully heartfelt moment, Robert performs Debussy’s “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum” from Children’s Corner, illustrating his enduring love for performance even amid a demanding career.
Website: LivingPianos.com
YouTube: @LivingPianosVideo
Robert Estrin is a classically trained pianist, educator, composer, and the founder of Living Pianos, the world's first online piano store. He studied piano and French horn at the Manhattan School of Music and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, earning a degree in piano performance from Indiana University.
A champion of music and innovation, Robert has composed for film and television, owned multiple recording studios, and produced numerous albums. His YouTube channel and LivingPianos.com are renowned resources for musicians worldwide, offering extensive educational content on piano performance, history, and technology.
Robert’s unique blend of artistry and technical expertise has positioned him as a leading voice in both the piano performance and restoration communities. Through his online store, he rescues and restores historic American pianos and shares their stories and sound with a global audience.