ToyDirectory
April 18, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

September 2009 | Vol. VIII - No. 9


TDmonthly’s Charitable Kid Picks Her Charities

Hospitals and a School are First on Kimberly’s List

By Alison Marek
September 2009

TDmonthly Magazine’s Charitable Kid Contest winner, 13-year-old Kimberly of South Carolina, has consulted with her mother and pastor to come up with the first few charities that will accept the prize of Schoenhut My First Piano IIs:

Washington Center — 10 pianos
Connie Maxwell Center – 5 pianos
Shriner’s Hospital of Greenville – 2 pianos
Children’s Hospital of Greenville – 7 pianos
Homeschool loop – 2 pianos

Both charitable giving and Schoenhut pianos have precedents in Kimberly’s family. She’s been involved in charitable works through her church and has always had a generous heart, her mother Michelle told TDmonthly.  Though Kimberly just started piano lessons in the last year, she first practiced her chops on a Schoenhut piano that her paternal grandmother had found at a yard sale years ago.

Kimberly is excited about the first giveaways, which are scheduled to take place in the middle of September. She will continue scheduling giveaways until all 100 pianos have found homes with needy children and deserving programs. Check back in the October issue for another update!

Here are some of the Schoenhut toys Kimberly will give away, plus other Schoenhut music toys that can help nurture musicianship at a young age:

My First Piano II by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

My First Piano II by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANYSchoenhut'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.
- This model was Schoenhut's best seller for 2010. It was also the model given away by TDmonthly's Charitable Kid, Kimberly (then 14) of South Carolina -- 100 times over! As a reward for her charity and careful selection of institutions to receive the toy pianos, Kimberly was given a number of other high-quality Schoenhut instruments, many of which she shared with her younger sisters. (Watch the My First Piano II Video Watch Video) 6/29/2007 (MSRP: $59.95; Age: 3 and Up)


Schoenhut® 25-Key Piano Pals™ by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Schoenhut® 25-Key Piano Pals™ by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANYThis 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 (MSRP: $129.99; Age: 3 and Up)


44-Key Baby Grand Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

44-Key Baby Grand Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANYThis 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.

Past Videos:
Toy Fair 2007 (Watch the 44-Key Baby Grand Piano Video Watch Video) 2/26/2007 (Age: 5 and Up)


Schoenhut® 15-String Harp by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Schoenhut® 15-String Harp by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANYAt 27 inches high, this wooden, lightweight instrument is designed with curved sides with a spacious box, along with a range of 15 notes (from C to C), permitting a wide variety of music in melodic tones. Fully tunable by using the wrench to adjust zither pins. 8/29/2007 (MSRP: $144.60; Age: 6 and Up)


5 PIECE DRUM SET by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

5 PIECE DRUM SET by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANYThe perfect instrument for a JUNIOR ROCK STAR. Delivers great sound and incorporates many of the same features as a full-sized professional drum set. Built to last, constructed of high-quality hardwood shells and sturdy chrome-plated steel hardware.  8” Mounted Tom Drum & 10" Mounted Snare Drum, tunable w/ precision, adjustable, double-braced mounting arm 16” Bass Drum, tunable w/ two stabilizers for adjustable angle 10" Crash/Ride Cymbal, tunable, adjustable, Bass Drum Pedal, adjustable spring action Assembly required. Includes: Easy set-up instructions w/ illustrations, adjustable padded foam seat, tuning key, drum sticks. 8/28/2007 (Age: 6 to 12)


Tunable Drum — Model C1005 by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Tunable Drum — Model C1005 by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANYIts 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)


Guitar — Model 605 by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Guitar — Model 605 by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANYThis 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 (MSRP: $28.95; Age: 4 and Up)








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