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I N S I D E
................

Yamaha Continues
to Exceed Expectations

Yamaha Unveils
the Future of 
Pianos at NAMM Show

Clavinova Part of
Year-end Festivities

Music Knows
No Boundaries

Talented Musicians
Help Those Less
Fortunate

Middle School Breaks 
New Ground with 
Clavinova Lab

Music Teachers'
Association of Calif.
Celebrates Milestone
with Yamaha

Columbia University
Expands its Use of
Clavinovas

Music Composer
Beats the Clock
with Clavinova

he year started out on a high note for Yamaha with the 1998 Winter NAMM session in January. Throughout the week-long event, we experienced continuous enthusiasm for our new developments. We sincerely thank our dealers and the press for their ongoing support of Yamaha. Musical Merchandise Review honored the new CVP series as "1997 Product of the Year." We are proud of these accomplishments and are pleased to know that Yamaha is meeting--and in some cases even exceeding--expectations.

Gearing up for another exciting year, we will again span the country finding new ways that Clavinova digital pianos are exciting musicians--both non-players and experienced players alike. Clavinovas are major players in festivals and conventions. Dealer participation in Clavinova Festivals is on the upswing. In this issue we give you an insider look at the Festivals, and of participants at Keith Jorgensen's in Boise, ID and Southeastern Music Gallery in Tuscaloosa, AL. We also take you to the 100th annual Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) in San Francisco, CA. Yamaha provided a dozen Clavinova digital pianos for master classes, practice sessions, performances and competitions, all of which contributed to the Centennial Convention's enormous success.

We are particularly proud of two inspirational stories that share the joy of music that Clavinovas provide to children and adults facing obstacles. Pianofest in the Hamptons, an intensive music festival summer school, and Southampton Fresh Air Home, a nearly 100-year-old summer camp for physically challenged kids, have collaborated on a new program that provides campers with an introduction to music and basic keyboard instruction from Pianofest students.

We are proud to report on a story in which younger students are being exposed to school music programs. When New Augusta Middle School in Indianapolis, IN, planned its music and technology lab, the lab instructor chose Clavinova digital pianos to teach real piano technique as opposed to computer composition. As a result, response to the Clavinova lab has been overwhelming. With help from Meridian Music, the school recently completed a successful semester-end Clavinova sale for parents and school administrators, making room for new Clavinovas in the school's piano lab.

Professional performers are increasingly interested in Clavinova digital pianos. We introduce you to independent musician Mike Garson of Los Angeles, CA who used the CVP98 to compose musical pieces for radio, TV and the movie industry.

We are proud of what we have accomplished together. However, we must remain focused on the future. Yamaha is committed to continue leading the way with cutting-edge products while meeting the traditional needs of musicians at all levels. We say "thank you" to everyone who has helped make Yamaha a leader by reaffirming our commitment to quality, especially our dealers and their employees.