As a piano technician working in Nashville, I’ve had the privilege of tuning everything from grand pianos in concert halls to family heirlooms sitting quietly in living rooms. One thing I see far too often, though, is people struggling to justify the cost of keeping their piano in shape. What used to be a normal part of home or school life—regular piano tuning and upkeep—has started to feel like a luxury many people can no longer afford.
And it hurts, because I know what that piano could mean for them. I’ve stood in front of pianos that haven’t been played in years because they’ve fallen out of tune, or fallen into disrepair, and the family just can’t spend the money to fix it.
For a long time, I’ve wanted to be able to help—just show up and tune it, no charge. But the reality is, like most working musicians and technicians, I depend on my income. I couldn’t afford to do the work for free, even when my heart told me to. That tension stuck with me.
Eventually, I decided to stop sitting on the idea and start building something. I took the first step to formalize Resonate—a nonprofit with a mission to keep the music alive for people and communities who need it most.
Getting things off the ground wasn’t easy. There were confusing forms, long waiting periods, and more than a few back-and-forth emails that tested my patience. At one point, I thought the whole thing might fall apart. But I stayed persistent, leaned on the encouragement of others, and kept reminding myself why I started.
The moment I received official recognition for the organization felt like a turning point. It was more than a piece of paper—it was a sign that this idea mattered, and that I wasn’t crazy for believing something small could grow into something meaningful.
I’ve played piano since I was five. It’s not just my career—it’s my identity, my connection to the world. Today, I’m fortunate to tour internationally as a professional pianist, but my love for the instrument started at home, with simple melodies and a well-loved upright. Resonate is my way of giving that same spark to others.
At its core, this organization exists to relieve the financial burden that often stands in the way of music. Whether it’s helping a school keep its piano playable, providing live music to a nursing home, or placing a donated piano in the home of someone who’s always dreamed of playing—it’s all about sharing the gift that’s given me so much.
My hope is for Resonate to grow into a hub of generosity. A place where people can donate unused instruments, where music can be restored, and where lives can be lifted—one piano at a time.
We’re just getting started, but the mission is clear: help people keep the music alive. And if that resonates with you, I hope you’ll join us.
