Why Schoenhut® Piano Company Teamed Up With Raggs

Rockin' Pooch Fetches New Songs for Little Pianists

By Alison Marek
May 2014

At the most recent annual American International Toy Fair in New York City, Schoenhut Piano Company announced that a recent partnership with Raggs had resulted in the creation of a unique new product line, Twinkle Tunes Pianos with Songbooks. The pairing of these companies encompasses the best of two worlds: Schoenhut, owned by Renee and Len Trinca, with its long history (since 1872) of manufacturing toy instruments of exceptional quality paired with Toni Steedman's lovable canine character who stars in an Emmy-award-winning children's TV series. Raggs is the "front pup" for a canine rock'n'roll band that teaches kids about life skills.

Exclusively by Schoenhut, the special edition carry-along table-top piano for beginners features a one-octave keyboard and a full-color detachable hardbound Raggs songbook. Included are activities, a color-coded musical playing system, and a full length CD by the Raggs Band singing each of the included songs.

Based on instant popularity and high demand for these easy-to-learn music books, three additional Raggs original songbooks have already been added to the line by Schoenhut. Book titles are Playtime Songs, Celebration Songs, Sing-A-Long Songs, and Learning Songs.

A Star Is Born

Originating in 2001, Raggs now stars on public TV and in Spanish on Telemundo. In September, Raggs will appear in the U.S. on QUBO's cable network in addition to iTunes, YouTube, Ameba TV, Raggs.com, and other online sites. Popular in multiple countries, Raggs is especially loved by Spanish kids in Latin America.

Rocking With Schoenhut

Upon first meeting Toni at Toy Fair 2013, Renee was impressed with her marketing skills, including the creation of the popular Raggs characters, which consist of five music-loving companions who live in their own cool club house, playing music together as the Raggs Band.

"Music is the heart and soul of Raggs," explained Toni. "Aligning with Len and Renee's goal of providing affordable musical instruments to enrich the lives of all children made the partnership perfect for us."

Renee is delighted with the results of this fledgling puppy partnership, especially since the new music books fill a void that the industry has been lacking for years.

"The combination of simple, one-octave choruses with color-coded keys, illustrations, and a music CD, creates a multi-layered learning system for kids and parents," Renee explained. "Raggs' performance at Toy Fair thoroughly delighted visitors to the Schoenhut booth, adding greatly to the sense of fun, while generating enthusiastic interest in Twinkle Tunes products."

In addition to Raggs, there are a number of other animals in Schoenhut's line of instruments. Along with Piano Pals (toy pianos, decorated with whimsical animals, that "grow with the child"), the company debuted several models of Electric Pianos at Toy Fair this year, with characters ranging from Alligators to Zebras. Raggs may even become a Piano Pal or electric piano himself one day.

The Future

"Raggs and Toni are envisioned as long-term partners," Renee assured TDmonthly. "We will be finding other ways to further integrate Raggs into Schoenhut's award-winning line of musical toys and instruments."

The complete listing of Schoenhut products is available at www.toypiano.com.
A sampler follows, including the new Raggs Twinkle Tunes pianos:

Twinkle Tunes Piano Book - Limited Edition Raggs Model by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Schoenhut’s popular Twinkle Tunes Piano book enhanced with a limited edition song book and CD featuring the music loving characters from the award winning children’s television show Raggs. Twinkle Tunes is a 1-octave (8-note) keyboard that electronically produces lovely piano sounds. This instrument, designed for the child who has no previous piano study, is paired with Schoenhut’s patented Tri-Play Learning System. Easily portable for young children, this unique toy provides hours of musical fun. Battery included. Additional hardbound books featuring 12 simple songs are sold separately.

1/27/2014

3 Pack of Raggs Songbooks by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Three 24-page full color, hardbound books featuring 12 simple songs that are ideal for all Schoenhut toy pianos but are specifically created to correspond with Twinkle Tunes Piano Book snap-in, snap-out interchangeable design. These delightful Raggs song books utilize the Schoenhut patented Tri-Play Learning System for the child who has no previous piano study. Each book features activities to accompany the songs and a corresponding Raggs CD to assist the child while learning the tune. Titles include: Sing-A-Long Songs, Celebration Songs (holidays) and Learning Songs (ABC’s, numbers).

1/27/2014

Schoenhut® Piano Pals Dog Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This versatile new little piano grows with your 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 upright height for an older child seated at the bench. Schoenhut toy pianos are noted for their excellent quality and unique chime-like tones. The width of the keys promotes proper finger placement, enabling an easy transition to a larger piano.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 ( Watch Video) 10/11/2010 (MSRP: $105.00; Age: 3 to 9)

Alligator Electronic Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Schoenhut recently added versatility to their product line by introducing a collection of electric toy pianos painted with adorable characters. Rave reviews from visitors at Toy Fair 2014 proved the popularity of these instruments.

Whimsical and appealing for children, these unique and fun instruments will provide hours of musical enjoyment. Included in the selection are a Dog, Elephant, Bird, Alligator, Lady Bug, Zebra and Princess. The 25-key piano sits safely and squarely on the floor within easy reach of little hands...a great choice for beginners. 4/30/2014

Princess Electronic Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Schoenhut recently added versatility to their product line by introducing a collection of electric toy pianos painted with adorable characters. Rave reviews from visitors at Toy Fair 2014 proved the popularity of these instruments.

Whimsical and appealing for children, these unique and fun instruments will provide hours of musical enjoyment. Included in the selection are a Dog, Elephant, Bird, Alligator, Lady Bug, Zebra and Princess. The 25-key piano sits safely and squarely on the floor within easy reach of little hands...a great choice for beginners. 4/30/2014

Zebra Electronic Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Schoenhut recently added versatility to their product line by introducing a collection of electric toy pianos painted with adorable characters. Rave reviews from visitors at Toy Fair 2014 proved the popularity of these instruments.

Whimsical and appealing for children, these unique and fun instruments will provide hours of musical enjoyment. Included in the selection are a Dog, Elephant, Bird, Alligator, Lady Bug, Zebra and Princess. The 25-key piano sits safely and squarely on the floor within easy reach of little hands...a great choice for beginners. 4/30/2014