Hidden Treasures

Many pianos in the area were, at one point, used as official instruments in the St. Louis Municipal Opera. This one was also dedicated in memory of Betty Clinton.

One of the most shocking, and unbelievable, critters I have found in a piano. We hear about mice all the time, but how about birds?
This was a first (and probably a last).
The owner and I deduced it to be a chimney swift that had somehow made it into the backside of the piano, and was never able to get out.



I found vintage playing cards find inside a piano that had been in the same family since the 50’s.

Christine Guthrie, RPT

“Three of my favorite things in regards to piano work : the music, learning how things work, and restoring old and neglected things to their former glory.”

— Christine

Piano Technician and Chamber Vocalist

Christine grew up in Ellisville where she began playing piano at the age of seven years old. She developed her musicianship studying piano from several well-respected piano instructors in the Saint Louis area. Christine studied at the University of Missouri Kansas City where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance. She went on to earn her Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Webster University. She is currently performing as a 2nd Soprano with the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus under the direction of Philip Barnes. Christine’s music career has allowed her to perform in over a dozen countries in North America and Europe including several performances at Carnegie Hall. As an accomplished musician, Christine knows that a well-cared for piano is a powerful tool for musicians at all levels. Her passion for helping each piano along to its fullest potential brought her study to the piano technology. She brought seven years of experience in the field working as a local piano technician before joining the team at Vanguard Piano Service in 2023. Christine completed the Piano Technician Guild’s certification exams, earning the designation of Registered Piano Technician (RPT) in 2024.

Continued Education

Christine has been active with the local Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) for several years growing her piano knowledge and helping organize trainings and meetings for other professional technicians in the Saint Louis area for the organization. She attends National and Regional Training Conventions and actively engages other industry professionals through educational and social media forums. Christine will continue to elevate her service working alongside the team at Vanguard Piano Service.

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Piano Tuning; What Goes Into a 1 Hour Service Call?

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Understanding Piano Dampers: The Unsung Heroes of Sound