Smithsonmusic
Smithsonmusic

Smithsonmusic

Top Pro

$150
estimated price

Plenty of availability

in the next 7 days


Additional service

Instant Book

Responds within a day

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 1070 times

Serves Washington, DC

Background checked

1 employee

37 years in business

Business hours

Sun1:00 pm - 8:00 pmMon10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Scheduling policy

You can reserve this pro up to 28 days in advance. They'll need at least Read more

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

Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

696 reviews

5
97%
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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Rachel A.
2 weeks ago
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Alvin is a more than an expert piano tuner. He is a musician with an appreciation for the instrument he is tuning. I highly recommend him for any piano. He is reasonably priced for above-and-beyond service!

Details: Baby grand • Last piano tuning more than 2 years ago • Piano played at least once month • More than 10 years old

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Monique B.
Aug 12, 2024
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Alvin was personable, but the tuning experience was very efficient and non-invasive. I am happy with the tuning results and would recommend this service to anyone maintaining a piano.

Details: Upright • Last piano tuning more than 2 years ago • Piano played at least once month • More than 10 years old

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Anna K.
Jul 15, 2024
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Alvin was timely, friendly, and more affordable than other tuners I have found. I honestly can't tell if the piano sounds better after he tuned it or not, but my father will let me know next time he visits!

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

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Mohamed L.
Jun 29, 2024
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Mr Smithson is a gentleman and a scholar. Mr Smithson cleaned and tuned the piano with care and made it sound great. The piano is a Baldwin Acrosonic, 36 years old.

Details: Upright • Last piano tuning more than 2 years ago • Piano played at least once a week • More than 10 years old • Fix sticky keys

Piano Tuning
pro avatar
Tyra E.
Jun 21, 2024
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

This man is a GEM! I'm so thankful that I found him. Thorough, excellent communication, prompt, extremely knowledgeable about pianos and music in general, and takes extreme pride in his craft and work. He is talented and took the time to educate me, which was much appreciated. I will be keeping my piano tuned with Alvin moving forward.

Details: Upright • Last piano tuning more than 2 years ago • Piano played at least once a week • More than 10 years old • Fix sticky keys

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

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