TDmonthly’s Charitable Kid Contest #1: Schoenhut Piano Co. Inc.

Will YOUR Customer Give Away 100 Schoenhut Pianos?

By Alison Marek
May 2009

^{The following is a paid advertorial}

With times being tough for so many families around the nation, TDmonthly Magazine is teaming up with manufacturers, kids and YOU to bring joy – and toys! – into the lives of needy children.

For the inaugural TDmonthly Charitable Kid Contest, Schoenhut Piano Co. Inc. has generously agreed to donate 100 My First Piano IIs, which are suited for children aged 3 and up.

Based on video and/or email submissions, a very special child will be chosen by TDmonthly staff to give away those 100 Schoenhut pianos to needy boys and girls. (Read how TDmonthly’s Baby Roundtable responded to the Schoenhut My First Piano II.)

If you have customers whose lives have been touched by music, and who already have enjoyed the benefits of sharing that passion with others, please encourage their parents to nominate them!

With the help of his or her family (and a nearby specialty toy-store owner), the winning child will give away five batches of 20 Schoenhut My First Piano IIs to approved charities and videotape the process so that kids everywhere can see the happiness that generosity and music can provide to dozens of other kids. With each batch of pianos that is donated, the winner will also receive either a piano or another Schoenhut toy to keep.

CLICK HERE FOR CONTEST DETAILS!
Entries open on MAY 15. Deadline extended to JULY 1, 2009.

RETAILERS: Click here to download a PDF press release with contest details that you can mail/email to your local media and client list and use as a handout in your store. If you hold a TDmonthly Charitable Kid event at your store to help your customers enter, please let us know ... and don't hesitate to contact us for help.

Here are some of Schoenhut’s musical toys and products:

My First Piano II by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Schoenhut's bright red, wooden, 25-key tabletop is the perfect choice for a toddler's first piano. Both fun and educational, it is an ideal instrument for developing eye-hand coordination and encouraging musical creativity. Chromatically tuned, the lovely chimelike notes are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods. The tone never changes nor will the piano ever need tuning. Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The chart also works on adult keyboards, since keys on Schoenhut toy pianos are of corresponding width. This teaches children proper finger placement from the very beginning. The accompanying Songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. This Learning System has been specially designed to build a child's confidence and develop basic playing skills. It comes in red and white. Launch date: 2005.
- This model was Schoenhut's best seller for 2010. It was also the model given away by TDmonthly's Charitable Kid, Kimberly (then 14) of South Carolina -- 100 times over! As a reward for her charity and careful selection of institutions to receive the toy pianos, Kimberly was given a number of other high-quality Schoenhut instruments, many of which she shared with her younger sisters. ( Watch Video) 6/29/2007 (MSRP: $59.95; Age: 3 and Up)

Schoenhut® 25-Key Piano Pals™ by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This versatile little piano grows with the child. The main unit, decorated with a whimsical animal's head, is perfect for toddlers because it sits safely and squarely on the floor within easy reach of little hands. Later on, the sides with the animal's body can be attached, conveniently raising the piano to a comfortable height for an older child seated at the bench. Included is Schoenhut's® Learning System, with a removable color-coordinated strip that fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The accompanying songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. Schoenhut toy pianos are famous for their lovely chime-like tones. The keys are spaced correctly for a full-sized piano, which teaches proper finger placement and affords an easy transition to a large piano.The piano is 19-3/4" H x 16" W x 10-3/4" D and the bench measures 8" H x 8" D x 11" W. This product weighs 17 lbs. Launch date: February 2008. 2/25/2008 (MSRP: $129.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Red Elite Spinet by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This high-quality musical instrument is chromatically tuned and features lovely chime-like notes that are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods (versus the conventional taut wires used in full-sized pianos). Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord, and is also suitable for use on adult-sized keyboards. The accompanying songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. Launch date: July 2007. ( Watch Video) 6/28/2007 (MSRP: $119.00; Age: 3 and Up)

44-Key Baby Grand Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This dynamic, new line of 44-key baby grand and upright pianos, launched to coincide with Schoenhut’s 135th anniversary, features true piano sound … without the use of electronics. The mid-sized piano is less intimidating for small children who want to learn to play the piano. This line is not intended to replace Schoenhut’s vintage models that feature chime-like tones, such as those originally developed by Albert Schoenhut in 1872. Rather, the introduction is in response to requests from customers for a “new” sound. It’s available in black, white or red. Launch date: January 2007.
— If parents wish to start their kids on the piano before they’re ready for the real baby grand, this stunningly beautiful instrument with authentic piano sound is the way to go. It received a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award for innovation in mechanics and design within the category of musical instruments for children, as well as its ability to grace any space while furthering a young child’s music education.

Past Videos:
Toy Fair 2007 ( Watch Video) 2/26/2007 (Age: 5 and Up)

Six-String Student Guitar - Pink by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Kids can celebrate the magic of music with this handcrafted guitar that can be used for guitar classes, private lessons and study, or for play in a child's first “amateur band.” A quality instrument is always beneficial when beginning the study of music, especially when the student is young. "This guitar is easy to play, tunable, and will help to keep a child pursuing one of the most rewarding pastimes in history: making music," Manager Kristy Schaffer of Schoenhut told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2008. 10/31/2008 (MSRP: $39.95; Age: 7 to 10)

Schoenhut® Thumb Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

The thumb piano or marimba is easy to play and has a quiet soothing sound. By gently striking the ends of the keys with your thumbs, you can play familiar melodies and rhythms or improvise your own. It is a fun instrument to play since anything you play on it sounds good. "The Schoenhut Thumb Piano has twelve metal tongues or keys," explained Kristy Schaffer, manager of Schoenhut. "It is primarily a percussion rhythm instrument. Simple songs are easily tapped out using only your thumbs. It is tuned to the C key. Each instrument is handcrafted." It won a 2005 Dr. Toy Best Children's Vacation Products. Launch date: 2005 ( Watch Video) 8/25/2008 (MSRP: $44.95; Age: 6 to Adult)

Schoenhut® Wooden Recorder by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Kids can play simple tunes on this durable, wooden instrument by just covering different holes to play various notes. It's an excellent instrument to add to a child's band. Launch date: October 2008. 8/21/2008 (MSRP: $9.95; Age: 3 to Adult)

Schoenhut® 15-String Harp by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

At 27 inches high, this wooden, lightweight instrument is designed with curved sides with a spacious box, along with a range of 15 notes (from C to C), permitting a wide variety of music in melodic tones. Fully tunable by using the wrench to adjust zither pins. 8/29/2007 (MSRP: $144.60; Age: 6 and Up)

5 PIECE DRUM SET by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

The perfect instrument for a JUNIOR ROCK STAR. Delivers great sound and incorporates many of the same features as a full-sized professional drum set. Built to last, constructed of high-quality hardwood shells and sturdy chrome-plated steel hardware. 8” Mounted Tom Drum & 10" Mounted Snare Drum, tunable w/ precision, adjustable, double-braced mounting arm 16” Bass Drum, tunable w/ two stabilizers for adjustable angle 10" Crash/Ride Cymbal, tunable, adjustable, Bass Drum Pedal, adjustable spring action Assembly required. Includes: Easy set-up instructions w/ illustrations, adjustable padded foam seat, tuning key, drum sticks. 8/28/2007 (Age: 6 to 12)

Tunable Drum — Model C1005 by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Its compact size makes this drum just right for little drummers. Discover just how rewarding and exciting making music with your own instrument can be. The drum is tunable for more versatility. It helps develop listening skills. 9/19/2006 (Age: 3 and Up)

Guitar — Model 605 by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This Schoenhut 30-inch Acoustic Guitar is a unique introduction to playing for the aspiring young musician. It offers not only great sound and playability, but an affordable price which is attractive to many first-time players seeking a "better-than-average" beginner guitar. 9/19/2006 (MSRP: $28.95; Age: 4 and Up)

Schoenhut® 18-Key Mini Baby Grand by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Schoenhut's new Mini-Grand is the perfect choice for a toddler's first piano. It is just the right size for a child's favorite doll, too. Both fun and educational, it is an ideal instrument to encourage musical creativity.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.
— As of 7/21/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. 7/14/2006 (MSRP: $59.95; Age: 3 and Up)

Elite Spinet Toy Piano and Bench — Model 2505 by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

The Elite Spinet is a musical instrument of the highest quality. Chromatically tuned, the lovely chime-like notes are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods (versus the conventional taut wires used in full-sized pianos). Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The chart also works on adult keyboards, since keys on Schoenhut toy pianos are of corresponding width. The accompanying Songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. 1/5/2006 (MSRP: $135.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Schoenhut® Traditional Deluxe Spinet Toy Piano — Model 6625 by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

With a keyboard almost half the size of that on an adult piano, this piano is designed for the three-to-nine-year-old. Not "just a toy," but a fine musical instrument, and lovely addition to your home. Hand tuned, the lovely chime-like notes are produced by small hammers striking steel music rods.

The play-by-color teaching method makes playing simple and fun. A color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The Songbook and Learning System have been specially designed to build a child’s confidence and develop basic playing skills. No assembly required. 32 Lbs. 9/29/2005 (Age: 3 and Up)

Thumb Toy Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Primarily a percussion rhythm instrument, the Schoenhut Thumb Piano has 12 metal tongues or keys. Simple songs are easily tapped out using only one´s thumbs. It is tuned to the C key, and each handcrafted instrument is serialized and signed by the artist. 8/23/2005 (MSRP: $25.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Schoenhut® 30-Key Fancy Baby Grand by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Schoenhut's Fancy Baby Grand is beautifully designed with curved legs and an elegant style, yet extremely durable and sturdy. This piano is a great way to introduce a child to basic keyboard skills and musical concepts. Lovely chime-like tones are created by small hammers striking metal rods, the sound that makes Schoenhut toy pianos unique. The two and one-half octave span of full-width keys provides a good foundation for the transition to a larger model. Includes: Schoenhut's Learning System and bench. 12/6/2004 (MSRP: $116.85; Age: 3 and Up)

My First Toy Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Model 1822

Schoenhut ® Piano Company: "Leader in the World of Toy Pianos since 1872" Schoenhut’s® bright red, 18-key tabletop is the perfect choice for a toddlers first piano. Both fun and educational, it is an ideal instrument to use for developing eye-hand coordination and encouraging musical creativity.

Chromatically tuned, the lovely chime-like notes are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods (versus the conventional taut wires used in full-sized models).

Schoenhut’s® patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The chart also works on adult keyboards, since keys on Schoenhut® toy pianos are of corresponding width. This teaches children proper "finger stretch" from the very beginning. The accompanying Songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. This Learning System has been specially designed to build a child’s confidence and develop basic playing skills.

Imported / Materials: hardwood and hardboard / Recommended age: Three and up

Piano: 11-1/4" high x 9-3/8" wide x 12-3/8" deep 12/6/2004

Traditional Spinet Toy Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Model 6625

Played at Carnegie Hall by internationally acclaimed concert pianist Margaret Leng Tan, Schoenhut’s Traditional Spinet is a musical instrument of highest quality. Publicized in the New York Times, this is the only toy piano ever played at Carnegie Hall. This piano is certain to enhance your child’s love of music with its endearing melodic tones.

Chromatically tuned, the lovely chime-like notes are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods (versus the conventional taut wires used in full-sized models). Schoenhut’s® patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The chart also works on adult keyboards, since keys on Schoenhut® toy pianos are of corresponding width. This teaches children proper "finger stretch" from the very beginning. This Learning System has been specially designed to build a child’s confidence and develop basic playing skills.

Imported / Materials: hardwood and hardboard / Recommended age: Three and up

Piano: 19-3/4" high x 17" wide x 10-1/4" deep
Matching bench: 9-1/4" high x 10" wide x 6" deep 12/6/2004