Smithsonmusic
Smithsonmusic

Smithsonmusic

Top Pro

$40
starting price


It’s free, with no obligation to book

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

Current Top Pro

Hired 969 times

Serves Washington, DC

Background checked

1 employee

37 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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2021

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2018

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2017

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2016

Featured Projects

31 photos

Specialties
Musical style

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

663 reviews

5
97%
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3%
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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Christian F.
4 weeks ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Alvin did a fantastic job with our piano. He was professional, very kind, and had the best rate of all the tuners I could find that service our area. I will definitely give him a call when we need our next tuning!

Details: Spinet • Last piano tuning more than 2 years ago • Piano played at least once month • Unknown age • Fix sticky keys

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Lanxin C.
3 weeks ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

The best piano tuner in DMV area. Alvin is naturally skilled in musical instruments. His work is dedication and professional. After tuning, my Essex piano sounds like a Steinway. I highly recommend him to everyone who needs tuning.

Details: Upright • Last piano tuning 1-2 years ago • Piano played at least once a week • 6 - 10 years old • Regulation

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Nicole B.
1 month ago
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

We were extremely pleased with the time and care he spent on getting our piano tuned. Not only did he tune it, we got a few piano performances thrown on there too! He was pleasure and we will definitely use him again in the future.

Details: Upright • Not applicable • Not applicable - new piano • Unknown age

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Cheryl D.
3 weeks ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Good communication in setting up the appointment, and showing up when he said. Very personable, easy to work with, piano sounds and plays soooo much better! Would highly recommend Alvin!!

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
Doug W.
Jan 27, 2024
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Alvin was very personable. He shared his experience in the profession. He took his time with the tuning and gave our piano a fresh crisper sound.

Details: Baby grand • Last piano tuning more than 2 years ago • Piano played at least once a week • More than 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