Welcome to the long read! Here we give fuller information on all aspects of our business which we hope you will enjoy reading. There are three sections; about Peregrine's Pianos, about Schimmel pianos and about August Förster pianos. Pictured are proprietor Dawn Elizabeth Howells with assistants Barbara Toth (left) and Carina Udriste (right).

Stories about Peregrine's Pianos

"Perfect Pitch at Peregrine's Pianos" (21st Jan 2020)

Our administrator, Daniel Cummings, shares some thoughts on his interactions with musicians coming and going through the music rooms and in the process illustrates something of the diversity of our client-base.

"Keeping it Real" (03rd May 2019)

Article in International Piano Magazine written by Dawn Elizabeth Howells; discussing the uses of the digital keyboard but why a pianist still needs a piano.

"Have you considered Piano Rental?" (24th Oct 2017)

The aspect of piano rental is often overlooked. Peregrine's Pianos proprietor, Dawn Elizabeth Howells, explained the benefits to members of the European Piano Teachers Association and her article from Piano Professional Magazine (Autumn 2017) is reproduced here with permission.

"Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra – Welcome Back to Peregrine’s Pianos!" (17th Nov 2016)

Dawn Elizabeth Howells visits Hong Kong and shares some observations on why the orchestra appreciated the facilities offered by Peregrine's Pianos in London.

"Picking Keys" (02nd Nov 2015)

There are important financial considerations when choosing pianos for the school. This article, written by Rhian Morgan, draws extensively on an interview with Dawn Elizabeth Howells of Peregrine's Pianos. It is reproduced here as published in Music Teacher Magazine.

"Sounding Board" (26th Oct 2015)

Dawn Elizabeth Howells of Peregrine's Pianos considers the question "Can a digital keyboard ever hope to match the glories of the acoustic piano?" This article was published in International Piano Magazine.

"All in the Detail" (07th Jan 2015)

Newark College is the only place in the UK that offers college-based training in piano tuning and restoration. Dawn Elizabeth Howells writes about her visit for International Piano Magazine.

"Noises Off" (22nd Jan 2014)

Inge Kjemtrup from The Pianist Magazine came to Peregrine's Pianos for sound engineering and insulation advice.

"Room with a View" (26th Feb 2011)

Andrew Stewart, writing in Classical Music Magazine - reports on how a greasy spoon in Gray's Inn Road turned into a classy music studio - "it is a matter of extending a tried and tested formula for providing musicians with first-class practice space plus a range of instruments from Europe's independent manufacturers for sale and hire."

Getting to know Schimmel Pianos

"Schimmel Dealers in Kalisz 2023" (26th Jun 2023)

A summary of Schimmel Piano Dealers' Meetings in Poland and Germany, written by Barbara Toth.

"Speaking Volumes" (01st Oct 2019)

Claire Jackson, with the assistance of professional pianist Alberto Reyes, surveyed at Peregrine's Pianos the complete Schimmel range, from entry-level uprights to professional concert grands for International Piano Magazine.

"Schimmel Dealers' Meeting 2017" (06th Apr 2017)

Meeting by Schimmel Pianos attended by the Peregrine's Pianos team; introduction of new models and explanation of the new strategic alliance. Written by Dawn Elizabeth Howells

"How the Piano got its Shape" (28th Oct 2014)

Pianist Teresa-Joy Manese, administrator at Peregrine's Pianos, summarises her visit to the Schimmel Factory.

"Made in Germany" (09th Aug 2013)

Fiona Lau writing for Music Teacher Magazine gives a teacher's view on looking "behind the scenes" with Peregrine's Pianos.

"The Pursuit of Quality" (15th Jun 2013)

Louise Greener of International Piano Magazine came to the Schimmel factory with us and wrote this article about the new pianos.

"Shimmering Schimmel" (30th May 2013)

An article from The Pianist Magazine by writer Gez Kahan who joined our visit to the factory.

"Schimmel Dealers' Meeting 2013" (19th Apr 2013)

A diary of how Schimmel Pianos introduced their new product range to the dealership, written by Lucy Cronin.

"Arts and Crafts" (01st Jun 2012)

Claire Jackson joined the Peregrine's Pianos visit to the Schimmel piano factory in Braunschweig to find out what makes Schimmel Pianos stand out from the crowd. This is her article from International Piano Magazine (June 2012).

Getting to know August Förster Pianos

"Piano Buyers Guide 2024 - August Förster" (23rd Jan 2024)

The Pianist Magazine updates their Buyers Guide every year. This is the article about August Förster pianos - the antidote to modern factory-made pianos - from the 2024 publication.

"Piano Buyers Guide 2023 - August Förster" (19th Nov 2022)

Pianist Magazine published this article in their Buyers Guide 2023. The writer, Gez Kahan, explains that piano-making is rooted in the history of Saxony, and nowhere more so than the factory of August Förster, where they still do things traditionally.

"Personal Impressions" (14th Nov 2016)

On our recent visit to the August Förster factory, Sophie Kent, Administrator at Peregrine's Pianos, gathered the views of our guests.

"Love, Pride and Passion: A visit to the August Förster Factory" (04th Nov 2015)

Andrew Greenwood, Administrator at Peregrine's Pianos, outlines his experience in visiting the August Förster factory and reflects on the significance of this part of Germany on the development of the piano.

"Piano Round-up" (15th Aug 2015)

Gez Kahan 'cherry-picks' some of the noteworthy happenings from the London Piano Scene in his piano round-up in Pianist Magazine. This includes Annekatrin Förster as guest at Peregrine's Pianos.

"Behind the Soundboard; August Förster" (20th Jun 2014)

From International Piano Magazine; Dawn Elizabeth Howells talks with the people making the instruments.

"Notes from a Small Town (in Germany)" (19th Oct 2013)

Sylvia Schmidt, administrator at Peregrine's Pianos, describes Löbau and the August Förster Piano factory there.