Recently a piano lab at the University of North Alabama took a giant leap forward thanks to the help of Ryan Piano in Florence, AL. With only two days before the first day of school, Robert Beck of Ryan Piano and four students from the University unloaded and arranged the Clavinova lab in time for the students' arrival.

Noel Beck moves around the new Clavinova lab to work individually with each student.

"We installed 16 new Clavinova CLP411 digital pianos and made quite a transformation from the antiquated piano lab they previously had," explained Robert. "The old lab consisted of 12 acoustic studio pianos, which lacked the features such as headphones that make the Clavinova so good for teaching. The students now have a state-of-the-art lab."

"In addition to each student hearing others playing away on the old acoustic pianos, we used to have two students to each piano," added James Simpson, Music Department Director at the University of North Alabama. "This is such a great improvement."

Dr. James K Simpson, Robert W. Beck and Noel M. Beck in the new Clavinova lab at the University of North Alabama.

"The reaction from the students has been absolutely marvelous," said Robert. The Clavinova, with its excellent sound and sensitive touch, helps students enjoy playing the piano from the very beginning. Whether joining each other for an improvised blues jam or working individually, the students find the Yamaha technology to be highly advantageous. "The piano lab made it possible for me to work at my own pace in the class," said student Patrick Harper. Another student, Lori Tays replied, "When I need special attention, it's easy to get personalized help."

"This is a wonderful thing that Yamaha does for the community," explained James.