Popplers Music Partners with Regional Universities to Advance Music Education Through Yamaha Piano Initiatives
Across the Midwest, colleges and universities continue to invest in high-quality music education through upgraded facilities, expanded performance spaces, and long-term piano replacement initiatives. Popplers Music is proud to partner with institutions throughout the region as they enhance teaching, practice, and performance environments with Yamaha pianos.
From recital halls and faculty studios to practice rooms and performance venues, these collaborative projects reflect a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of musicians.
Augustana University Launches Comprehensive Piano Replacement Initiative
As universities continue to modernize their music facilities, Augustana University School of Music has taken a major step forward with a long-term piano replacement initiative designed to elevate instruction and performance opportunities 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.
Dordt University Expands Music Facilities with New Yamaha Upright Pianos
Popplers Music is proud to support the continued growth of the music program at Dordt University as they invest in newly expanded and updated facilities. With the addition of a brand-new recital hall and refreshed faculty studios and classrooms, the university is creating enhanced spaces for both performance and instruction.
As part of this expansion, Dordt has introduced two Yamaha U3 Upright pianos. Known for their depth of tone and responsive touch, these instruments serve as the first step in a broader initiative to upgrade practice room pianos across campus.
This transition has been a thoughtful and long-term effort led by Dordt’s piano faculty, including Carrie Groenewold, head of the keyboard area, and John McInnis. Both professors have been strong supporters of the Yamaha brand and played an important role in bringing these instruments to campus.
Popplers Music is honored to partner with Dordt University as they continue to build on their vision for high-quality music education.
A special thank-you is also due to piano technician Miles Alleven, who prepared and tuned each instrument before it left Popplers’ storage facility, ensuring a smooth transition into its new home at Dordt University.
We also extend appreciation to Advanced Moving for their professional handling and delivery of the instruments, helping complete the first phase of Dordt’s expanded piano installation with efficiency and care.
Popplers Music partners with schools, universities, and organizations across the region to support long-term instrument planning, facility upgrades, and performance needs. From practice rooms to performance spaces, our team works closely with institutions to ensure the right instruments are selected, prepared, and maintained for lasting impact.
University of South Dakota Enhances Practice and Teaching Spaces with Yamaha Pianos
Institutional investments in music education extend beyond performance spaces and into the daily environments where students learn, rehearse, and refine their craft. At the University of South Dakota, recent piano upgrades reflect that continued commitment.
Popplers Music is proud to support ongoing investments in music education at the University of South Dakota. With the help of a generous gift from donors De and Dave Knudson, the university has strengthened its performing arts facilities through a thoughtful upgrade of its piano inventory.
As part of this initiative, USD refreshed its practice rooms with six Yamaha P22 Upright pianos—an industry standard known for durability and consistency in academic settings. Two Yamaha U1 Upright pianos were also placed in faculty studios, providing enhanced tonal quality and responsiveness for teaching and performance.
These upgrades reflect USD’s commitment to equipping students and faculty with reliable, high-quality instruments that support both daily practice and artistic growth. The university continues to explore opportunities to further enhance its studios, including the potential addition of grand pianos in the future.
Popplers Music has developed a strong relationship with USD’s music faculty and ensembles over the years, including the Rawlins Piano Trio. Faculty members such as Sonja Krauss and Eun-Hee Park have been valued collaborators and frequent performers in Popplers’ guest artist series, contributing to a vibrant musical community across the region. The addition of Evie Chen further strengthens USD’s dynamic and growing faculty.
We partner with schools, universities, and organizations across the region to support long-term instrument planning, facility upgrades, and performance needs. From practice rooms to performance spaces, our team works closely with institutions to ensure the right instruments are selected, prepared, and maintained for lasting impact.
Popplers Music
Grand Forks, ND 1-800-437-1755
Sioux Falls, SD 1-800-568-2508
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