In April, the Augustana University School of Music (SoM) received its first 7-figure gift — an anonymous $1 million designated for the purchase of new pianos.

In partnership with Yamaha and Popplers Music, Augustana will receive the pianos in two phases. As part of phase one, the first shipment of 17 pianos arrived on May 3, and 14 more will arrive this summer. Hamre Recital Hall, faculty studios and the Pederson-Homan Center keyboard lab were the first to receive new pianos. The second phase, which will begin in 2026, will include the large-ensemble rehearsal rooms, recording studio and practice rooms in the lower level of the Fryxell Humanities Center. 

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