Smithsonmusic
Smithsonmusic

Smithsonmusic

$160
Estimated price


Additional service

Responds in about 1 hour


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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 1125 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

734 reviews

5
97%
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2%
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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
John L.
2 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Alvin did a great job, very attentive to detail. He is very talented and my kids were inspired watching him play the newly tuned piano!! Highly recommend.

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

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Shawney C.
2 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Alvin is a master of his craft, helpful beyond measure, he exudes kindness and professionalism. He tuned our piano and was a fountain of knowledge and even took the time to show my son the inner-workings of our piano. As Alvin tunes he also expertly plays the piano. Don't hesitate to hire him, he is exceptional with humans, pianod

Details: Spinet • Not applicable • Piano played at least once a week • Unknown age • Fix sticky keys

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Maureen R.
Mar 9, 2025
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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
Linda R.
Feb 23, 2025
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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
Ming S.
Feb 22, 2025
·

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
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