Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Cassel.
Hi Jason, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I told people I was getting a degree in Music at BYU, they would often ask, “What do you what to do with that?” My response was always the same: “Support a family.” They’d chuckle, but I was serious.
One day, I learned that the BYU School of Music had a piano shop and that they were looking for student apprentices. It wasn’t long before I was working in the shop and preparing to take the exams required to become a Registered Piano Technician. I called it my “double major” because I seemed to be spending just as much time and energy on those exams as I did my actual schooling.
After I graduated, I was immediately offered full-time employment working for the Steinway/Yamaha Dealer in Philadelphia. By then, I was married and so my wife and I moved to the Northeast. We soon feel in love with the history and the fall leaves. While there, I was able to train at the Steinway Factory.
After our first son was born, we decided to move to Florida to attend the Masters in Piano Technology program at Florida State University. After receiving my Masters degree and spending a summer tuning for the prestigious Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, my mentor retired from BYU and I was offered his position. Now, I am honored to teach the next generation of student apprentices here at BYU.
After moving to the new Music Building here on campus, my colleague Rick Baldassin and I were able to start a class on how the piano works. Music 220 is offered through BYU’s Evening School, so community members are able to participate as well!
As we built the class, we realized that there wasn’t really a textbook for the subject. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a go-to guide for piano owners to learn about their instrument? Well, I am pleased to announce that earlier this early “The Piano Owner’s Guide” was published by Bloomsbury Publishing (Fun Fact: They are the original publisher of Harry Potter!). The book answers 20 questions I receive from piano owners all the time.
Things like:
“How do I clean the keys?”
“How do I get the pencil I dropped out of the piano?”
“What should I look for when purchasing a used piano?”
“What does the middle pedal do?”
The book is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/06Y7b7jo
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In general, the road has been fairly smooth. That said, it was also entirely unexpected.
As a BYU student, the best dream I could cook up was to tune pianos in Utah homes and maybe work for a local rebuilding shop. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would move my family thousands of miles every couple of years to live in the Northeast, the South, and even amidst the peaks the Rocky Mountains.
It took courage to step into the unknown. To repeatedly uproot our lives and move to a new place. But the result was more incredible than what I ever imagined for my life and career. Needless to say, being a published author was not on my bingo card!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
There is so much I am proud of in my work, but this new book definitely feels like a milestone. “The Piano Owner’s Guide” is truly one of a kind. It includes videos and full-color images available on the publisher’s website. It is written in a causal approachable tone that avoids the use of jargon. It has been well received by pianists and piano technicians alike. Here are some of the reviews it has received since its publication:
“Whether you’re a teacher, parent, student, or simply a curious pianist, this book is your essential, go-to guide. With clarity, humor, and deep expertise, Jason Cassel answers all your important questions. From removing a pencil stuck inside the case to understanding the difference between acoustic and digital models, this book belongs on every piano owner’s shelf.”
—Carmen Hall, President, Utah Music Teachers Association
“At last, a guide to the piano by someone who actually knows the instrument inside and out! Cassel writes clearly and directly, conveying information in a very engaging and approachable style that any reader can understand.”
—Fred Sturm, pianist and piano technician;
former piano technician, University of New Mexico, USA
“World renowned piano technician Jason Cassel leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to provide readers with an understanding of how these amazing instruments do what they do and more. This is a multimedia experience that is both informative and enjoyable. Highly recommend!”
—Chip Meyer, Renner USA
How do you think about happiness?
As much as I love what I do, I love who I do it for. Spending time with my family makes me happy; my wife and our two boys. I feel particularly renewed after spending time in nature. I am a National Parks enthusiast. This summer, we hiked at the base of Mount Rainier, marking my 40th National Park, leaving only 13 Parks left in the Lower 48 (23 left if you include Alaska and US territories). Each one is so unique and we are blessed to have five here in Utah. Be sure to check them out if you haven’t already. People travel from around the world to see them. Too many of us don’t appreciate what we have in our own state!
Pricing:
- Paperback sells for $29.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jcpianoservices.com
