Smithsonmusic
Smithsonmusic

Smithsonmusic

$160
Estimated price


Additional service

Responds in about 3 hours


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Introduction
Alvin is a well known and highly sought after pianist, piano tuner, teacher and composer in the Washington area. Alvin performs on the piano for concerts, recitals, cabarets, theaters and at special events. . He accompanies choirs and soloists and directs musical theater plays. He loves playing all styles of music: classical, jazz, blues, rock, you name it. In addition to piano, he also plays Native American flute, oboe, and guitar. Alvin is an expert piano tuner. He studied with Baldwin Piano and apprenticed with Kennedy Center technician, Ormand Pratt. He has over 30 years of piano tuning experience. Alvin tunes for concert venues, homes, schools and churches. Kennedy Center and Blackrock. Alvin gives lessons in piano, guitar, voice and song writing. He provides vocal acting coaching and audition preparation. His students develop a firm musical foundation through mastering technique, training the ear, sight reading and exploring all aspects of musical creation. Alvin encourages creativity through improvisation, composition and lyric writing, recording and playing all styles of music best suited to individual need and inclination. Alvin holds a Masters of Music degree from Catholic University in piano performance with emphasis on performance physiology. Bachelors from Kansas U. He composes songs for piano and voice and arranges music for cabarets, choirs and instrumental groups. He is the composer of several musical plays for adult and children. Alvins recent album Toccata Mesa is available on all music sites. The album was recorded live at Peabody Conservatory in the concert hall. His music can also be heard on the albums by Forrest Smithson. Journey of the Outshining Source and Right Use Of Will we’re nominated for Best Album of the Year in Ambient music.
Overview

Hired 1115 times

Serves Washington, DC

Background checked

1 employee

38 years in business

Business hours

Sun1:00 pm - 8:00 pmMon10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.

Top Pro status

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2024

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2021

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2018

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2017

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2016

Projects and media

33 photos

Projects and media

33 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

725 reviews

5
97%
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2%
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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Linda R.
3 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Mr Smithson did a wonderful job of tuning the piano. We appreciated both his expertise and professionalism. We look forward to working with him again.

Details: Spinet • Last piano tuning more than 2 years ago • Piano played at least once a week • More than 10 years old

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Maureen R.
2 days ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

The visit from Mr Smithson not only resulted in a well-tuned piano but also filled the living room with music from the beautiful pieces he played during his visit.

Details: Upright • Last piano tuning less than 6 months ago • Piano played at least once month • More than 10 years old

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Ming S.
3 weeks ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Excellent piano tuning! Alvin was prompt, professional, and did a fantastic job. My piano sounds wonderful, clear, and balanced. Highly recommend!

Details: Upright • Last piano tuning 1-2 years ago • Piano played at least once a week • 6 - 10 years old

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Shelly B.
Jan 17, 2025
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Alvin was fantastic - great communication and arrived on time. We enjoyed listening to him play the piano as he tuned it. Definitely recommend him - A++++!!!

Details: Upright • Last piano tuning more than 2 years ago • Piano played at least once month • Unknown age

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Rick K.
Jan 8, 2025
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Best piano tuning experience I've ever had in the 25+ years I've owned the old upright, and as pleasant as having a good friend help with a household task that can't be done alone. Highly recommended.

Details: Upright • Last piano tuning more than 2 years ago • Piano played at least once month • More than 10 years old

Piano Tuning
Credentials
Background Check

Alvin Smithson

FAQs

  • How did you get started doing this type of work?

    My mother was a violinist, pianist and singer. When I was 16 I either wanted to be a concert pianist or a basketball player. I chose piano because I could do it forever. I'm still an athlete and consider music and sports to be equally challenging and requires the same amount of mental and physical preparation. I love being involved in musical creation