Cunningham Piano Opening First NJ Location, In Cherry Hill

CHERRY HILL, NJ — In an effort to meet what it calls an increasing demand for pianos in the tri-state area, Cunningham Piano is opening a third location. Cunningham will open a 6,000 square foot space near Routes 70 and 295 in Cherry Hill on Nov. 16, the company announced. It will be the company’s first location in New Jersey.

“There has been a huge demand in the market place,” co-owner Rich said. “Many of our customers were coming to our King of Prussia location from New Jersey. They were frustrated with the lack of selection and variety in South Jersey. We knew there was a need. Given that I live in New Jersey, I know the market and when the space and opportunity became available – we took it.”

The Cherry Hill location will house a showroom, a dedicated concert hall, space for instrument and voice lessons, and mommy and me classes, Cunningham said.

“There has been a huge increase in piano sales because of technology,” Galassini said. “There is now so much more available for the beginner to the advanced player. Our most popular item we sell is a Clavinova, which revolutionized the way people learn to play. We have people of all ages that come in for a Clavinova, or a digital piano; technology has taken over the market. These instruments can be less expensive than a traditional piano - they start just under $1,000. We have kids that teach themselves how to play using YouTube and retirees who come in who have never played before but are taking up the keyboard because it helps with arthritis and stimulates the brain. I have been with Cunningham since 1987 and now I am getting the children of some of my original customers who are coming in to purchase and that is incredible. While their parents or grandparents may have come to Cunningham for a baby grand piano, this generation is coming in for what fits their needs and lifestyle.”

Cunningham Piano is the exclusive retailer for Yamaha piano, Hyrbids and Clavinovas in South Jersey, Galassini said. Yamaha is the most popular piano brand in the world because it provides technology, even to acoustic piano players.

“Our clients can now own an instrument that plays for them, interacts with them, and becomes an entertainment center for their home. Someone could be on their keyboard and because of the technology available, they can play along with Elton John while he is live performing a concert across the country,” Galassini said. “While many people start their experience by watching YouTube or by using an app, we offer lessons which will refine their skills and take them to the next level.”

Patrick J. Cunningham, an Irish immigrant with a craft and a dream, started Cunningham Piano Company in 1891. Through his leadership, commitment to quality, and a keen business sense Cunningham Piano Company quickly became one of Philadelphia's most respected makers of pianos.

Its business shifted in 1943 to restoring pianos — bringing back the original design, sound and luster of any high-quality piano.

“We did close our store front in Germantown, but we continue to restore and sell pianos at our historic factory in Germantown. We invite the public to come and tour the factor and see our craftsmen at work repairing and restoring pianos,” said Galassini, who has owned the company with Tim Oliver since 2008. “A well-crafted piano is meant to be rebuilt to live another life.”

Today, the pianos come into the shop from all over the world and highly skilled craftsmen can spend a year or more bringing each one back to life. In 2015 during the Pope’s visit Cunningham Piano provided the organ used during the Papal mass.

In 2016, Cunningham Piano opened a second location on Allendale Road in King of Prussia across from the mall. Like the King of Prussia location, the Cherry Hill location will offer free concerts and recitals that are open to the public.

Galassini’s daughter, Elizabeth Galassini, will oversee the Music School at Cunningham Piano’s new location as well as the school at the King of Prussia location. Students enrolled at the music school will have the opportunity to play and practice on an array of instruments including concert pianos, the renowned Cunningham Piano, vintage Steinway pianos, Bösendorfer and Yamaha pianos.

Both father and daughter, as well as Oliver, have music backgrounds and college educations. Elizabeth Galassini earned her degree at Temple University, where she studied music at the prestigious Esther Boyer School.

“One of the things that makes Cunningham Piano unique is that our staff is comprised of trained and performing musicians. Whether you are choosing an instrument or taking lessons, we have a tremendously experienced staff to help.” Rich Galassini said.

“This is an exciting time for Cunningham Piano filled with growth and expansion while holding on to the history of the company. We still have a presence in Germantown and our King of Prussia location and now the Cherry Hill location expands our accessibility to the region,” Rich Galassini said.