Popplers Music Partners with Augustana University to Launch Comprehensive Piano Replacement Initiative
Generous donor support fuels a multi-phase investment in Yamaha pianos across campus.
Popplers Music is proud to support a major step forward in music education at Augustana University School of Music, where a long-term piano replacement initiative is underway. With the help of a generous donor, the university has begun transforming its piano inventory through a strategic, multi-phase plan designed to enhance performance, teaching, and practice environments.
The first phase of this initiative, completed in 2022, included the purchase of approximately 25 Yamaha pianos. Augustana made the intentional decision to invest exclusively in Yamaha instruments, incorporating a thoughtful mix of acoustic, digital, and hybrid models to best serve a wide range of musical applications across campus.
Among the highlights of this installation was the delivery of a Yamaha DCFX22 Disklavier—notably the first of its kind to be shipped and installed in North America. This state-of-the-art instrument represents a significant advancement in both performance capability and technological integration, aligning with the university’s forward-looking vision for music education.
This project was guided by strong leadership and collaboration from Augustana’s faculty and administration. Pete Folliard, who served as Dean of the School of Music during the initial phase, played a central role in shaping the vision for the program. He now serves as Director of Innovation at the university, continuing to lead initiatives focused on emerging technology, including artificial intelligence.
Additional support came from Matthew Erickson, who joined Augustana during the process and contributed to the project’s successful implementation. The university also collaborated closely with piano faculty member Shu Li, whose insight helped ensure the selected instruments would meet the evolving needs of students and performers.
This initial investment marks the beginning of a broader, long-term commitment to upgrading Augustana’s piano resources, with plans to continue replacing additional instruments in the coming years.
Popplers Music is honored to partner with Augustana University as they continue to invest in innovative, high-quality resources that support the next generation of musicians.
Popplers Music
Grand Forks, ND 1-800-437-1755
Sioux Falls, SD 1-800-568-2508
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