With times being tough for so many families around the nation, TDmonthly Magazine is teaming up with manufacturers, kids and YOU to bring joy – and toys! – into the lives of needy children.
For the inaugural TDmonthly Charitable Kid Contest, Schoenhut Piano Co. Inc. has generously agreed to donate 100 My First Piano IIs, which are suited for children aged 3 and up.
Based on video and/or email submissions, a very special child will be chosen by TDmonthly staff to give away those 100 Schoenhut pianos to needy boys and girls. (Read how TDmonthly’s Baby Roundtable responded to the Schoenhut My First Piano II.)
If you have customers whose lives have been touched by music, and who already have enjoyed the benefits of sharing that passion with others, please encourage their parents to nominate them!
With the help of his or her family (and a nearby specialty toy-store owner), the winning child will give away five batches of 20 Schoenhut My First Piano IIs to approved charities and videotape the process so that kids everywhere can see the happiness that generosity and music can provide to dozens of other kids. With each batch of pianos that is donated, the winner will also receive either a piano or another Schoenhut toy to keep.
RETAILERS: Click here to download a PDF press release with contest details that you can mail/email to your local media and client list and use as a handout in your store. If you hold a TDmonthly Charitable Kid event at your store to help your customers enter, please let us know ... and don't hesitate to contact us for help.
Here are some of Schoenhut’s musical toys and products:
Schoenhut's bright red, wooden, 25-key tabletop is the perfect choice for a toddler's first piano. Both fun and educational, it is an ideal instrument for developing eye-hand coordination and encouraging musical creativity. Chromatically tuned, the lovely chimelike notes are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods. The tone never changes nor will the piano ever need tuning. Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The chart also works on adult keyboards, since keys on Schoenhut toy pianos are of corresponding width. This teaches children proper finger placement from the very beginning. The accompanying Songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. This Learning System has been specially designed to build a child's confidence and develop basic playing skills. It comes in red and white. Launch date: 2005. 6/29/2007 (Price: $59.95; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This versatile little piano grows with the child. The main unit, decorated with a whimsical animal's head, is perfect for toddlers because it sits safely and squarely on the floor within easy reach of little hands. Later on, the sides with the animal's body can be attached, conveniently raising the piano to a comfortable height for an older child seated at the bench. Included is Schoenhut's® Learning System, with a removable color-coordinated strip that fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The accompanying songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. Schoenhut toy pianos are famous for their lovely chime-like tones. The keys are spaced correctly for a full-sized piano, which teaches proper finger placement and affords an easy transition to a large piano.The piano is 19-3/4" H x 16" W x 10-3/4" D and the bench measures 8" H x 8" D x 11" W. This product weighs 17 lbs. Launch date: February 2008. 2/25/2008 (Price: $129.99; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This high-quality musical instrument is chromatically tuned and features lovely chime-like notes that are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods (versus the conventional taut wires used in full-sized pianos). Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord, and is also suitable for use on adult-sized keyboards. The accompanying songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. Launch date: July 2007. 6/28/2007 (Price: $119.00; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This dynamic, new line of 44-key baby grand and upright pianos, launched to coincide with Schoenhut’s 135th anniversary, features true piano sound … without the use of electronics. The mid-sized piano is less intimidating for small children who want to learn to play the piano. This line is not intended to replace Schoenhut’s vintage models that feature chime-like tones, such as those originally developed by Albert Schoenhut in 1872. Rather, the introduction is in response to requests from customers for a “new” sound. It’s available in black, white or red. Launch date: January 2007. — If parents wish to start their kids on the piano before they’re ready for the real baby grand, this stunningly beautiful instrument with authentic piano sound is the way to go. It received a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award for innovation in mechanics and design within the category of musical instruments for children, as well as its ability to grace any space while furthering a young child’s music education.
This sturdy designer spinet will have your child playing like a professional in no time at all. Studies show that learning a musical instrument at an early age enhance motor skills and promote social interaction and self esteem. This piano is perfect for the beginner who has had no previous instruction. Available in the following colors: mahogany with black inserts, oak with white inserts. THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. 9/21/2005 (Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Kids can celebrate the magic of music with this handcrafted guitar that can be used for guitar classes, private lessons and study, or for play in a child's first “amateur band.” A quality instrument is always beneficial when beginning the study of music, especially when the student is young. "This guitar is easy to play, tunable, and will help to keep a child pursuing one of the most rewarding pastimes in history: making music," Manager Kristy Schaffer of Schoenhut told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2008. 10/31/2008 (Price: $39.95; Age: 7 to 10) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
The thumb piano or marimba is easy to play and has a quiet soothing sound. By gently striking the ends of the keys with your thumbs, you can play familiar melodies and rhythms or improvise your own. It is a fun instrument to play since anything you play on it sounds good. "The Schoenhut Thumb Piano has twelve metal tongues or keys," explained Kristy Schaffer, manager of Schoenhut. "It is primarily a percussion rhythm instrument. Simple songs are easily tapped out using only your thumbs. It is tuned to the C key. Each instrument is handcrafted." It won a 2005 Dr. Toy Best Children's Vacation Products. Launch date: 2005 8/25/2008 (Price: $44.95; Age: 6 to Adult) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Kids can play simple tunes on this durable, wooden instrument by just covering different holes to play various notes. It's an excellent instrument to add to a child's band. Launch date: October 2008.
8/21/2008 (Price: $9.95; Age: 3 to Adult) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
At 25 inches high, this beautifully constructed, lightweight instrument is an excellent choice for a child's first harp. The design of its curved sides and spacious box, along with a range of 15 notes (from C to C), permits playing a wide variety of music in haunting, melodic tones. Fully tunable by way of zither pins and a zither pin wrench (included). 8/29/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
The perfect instrument for a Junior Rock Star who is not quite ready for a full-sized drum set. It delivers great sound and incorporates the same features as a professional drum set. The Tom, Snare, and Bass Drums have adjustable height, angle, and tilt, allowing the set to "grow" with your child. Made of rugged hardwood shells and sturdy chrome-plated steel hardware, this exceptional product is from Schoenhut, celebrating over 135 years of producing high quality musical instruments. 8/28/2007 (Price: $149.00; Age: 6 to 12) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Its compact size makes this drum just right for little drummers. Discover just how rewarding and exciting making music with your own instrument can be. The drum is tunable for more versatility. It helps develop listening skills. 9/19/2006 (Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This Schoenhut 30-inch Acoustic Guitar is a unique introduction to playing for the aspiring young musician. It offers not only great sound and playability, but an affordable price which is attractive to many first-time players seeking a "better-than-average" beginner guitar. 9/19/2006 (Price: $28.95; Age: 4 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This sturdy, custom-made 12-key pipe xylophone is ideal for your child's first introduction into the world of music. Schoenhut Piano Company has been a leader in the toy musical instrument world since 1872. This xylophone — or glockenspiel — is one of five classic learning instruments re-introduced from Schoenhut's archive collection of original designs. It is intended for the enjoyment of adults as well as children. Magical-sounding tones of perfect pitch are produced through twelve 5/8"-diameter aluminum pipes. Built of solid black walnut and pure maple hardwood (with an oil finish to reveal the fine wood grains), it can withstand active play. Included are two large mallets, the renowned Schoenhut tri-color learning system, and a music book with a collection of familiar tunes guaranteed to make playing simple and fun. The accompanying Songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. This product received a Best Vacation Children's Products award from Dr. Toy in 2004. Dimensions: 12.5 in. x 21 in. x 16.5 in. Launch date: 2004. THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. 9/19/2006 (Price: $59.95; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Schoenhut's new Mini-Grand is the perfect choice for a toddler's first piano. It is just the right size for a child's favorite doll, too. Both fun and educational, it is an ideal instrument to encourage musical creativity. 7/14/2006 (Price: $59.95; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
The Elite Spinet is a musical instrument of the highest quality. Chromatically tuned, the lovely chime-like notes are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods (versus the conventional taut wires used in full-sized pianos). Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The chart also works on adult keyboards, since keys on Schoenhut toy pianos are of corresponding width. The accompanying Songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. 1/5/2006 (Price: $135.00; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
With a keyboard almost half the size of that on an adult piano, this piano is designed for the three-to-nine-year-old. Not "just a toy," but a fine musical instrument, and lovely addition to your home. Hand tuned, the lovely chime-like notes are produced by small hammers striking steel music rods.
The play-by-color teaching method makes playing simple and fun. A color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The Songbook and Learning System have been specially designed to build a child’s confidence and develop basic playing skills. No assembly required. 32 Lbs. 9/29/2005 (Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Primarily a percussion rhythm instrument, the Schoenhut Thumb Piano has 12 metal tongues or keys. Simple songs are easily tapped out using only one´s thumbs. It is tuned to the C key, and each handcrafted instrument is serialized and signed by the artist. 8/23/2005 (Price: $25.00; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
How many children have their "very own" Baby Grand Piano? Encourage your child to be creative at the piano and he will be composing and playing ballads just like Schroeder in the comic strip "Peanuts". This unique miniature version is designed to encourage the very young to play and develop a love of music. 12/6/2004 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Played at Carnegie Hall by internationally acclaimed concert pianist Margaret Leng Tan, Schoenhut’s Traditional Spinet is a musical instrument of highest quality. Publicized in the New York Times, this is the only toy piano ever played at Carnegie Hall. This piano is certain to enhance your child’s love of music with its endearing melodic tones.
Chromatically tuned, the lovely chime-like notes are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods (versus the conventional taut wires used in full-sized models). Schoenhut’s® patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The chart also works on adult keyboards, since keys on Schoenhut® toy pianos are of corresponding width. This teaches children proper "finger stretch" from the very beginning. This Learning System has been specially designed to build a child’s confidence and develop basic playing skills.
Imported / Materials: hardwood and hardboard / Recommended age: Three and up
Piano: 19-3/4" high x 17" wide x 10-1/4" deep Matching bench: 9-1/4" high x 10" wide x 6" deep 12/6/2004 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is a writer/artist/filmmaker whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), among others. Her short films have played in festivals around the world and have been broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks. She recently completed a short comedy sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, titled "The Three-Body Solution." For the past four years, Alison has been documenting the specialty toy industry with a series of articles and videos for TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
the lives of needy children.
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is a writer/artist/filmmaker whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), among others. Her short films have played in festivals around the world and have been broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks. She recently completed a short comedy sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, titled "The Three-Body Solution." For the past four years, Alison has been documenting the specialty toy industry with a series of articles and videos for TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
