Schools, churches, community halls and music studios often have several instruments, tricky access and very little room for disruption. Moving them takes a slightly different kind of planning to a family home.
Several pianos, one plan
A music school once asked us to move three of its pianos to new premises, where they needed to go up to the first floor. We moved all three and used a crane to lift them safely into place. The school wrote afterwards that we went above and beyond, at very fair prices. A job like that works because every instrument, every route and every lift is planned before the day.
Stages, ramps and side doors
Halls and churches often keep a piano on a stage, reached by steps, a ramp or a side door. We ask about the stage height and how the piano gets on and off it, and whether there is a ramp, a lift or a loading door. A grand on a stage is moved on a skid board with the legs removed, exactly as it would be in a home. See grand piano moving.
Organs
Churches and halls also have organs, from electronic organs with pedal boards to cabinet organs. Electronics are protected, pedal units and cables are packed separately, and the cabinet is moved upright. Pipe organs are a job for a specialist organ builder, and we will tell you honestly if a request is outside what we do. Our organ and digital piano page has more.
Working around classes and services
Timing matters as much as access. We plan around term dates, lessons, rehearsals and services, so instruments move when the rooms are free. For schools, let us know about any site rules for contractors.
Teachers and home studios
Music teachers moving studio, or upgrading to a grand, need the piano back in action quickly. Book a tuner for two or three weeks after the move so it is ready for students. Our guide to tuning frequency and costs helps you plan.
What we need to quote
- A list of the instruments and their types
- Both addresses, and a contact on site at each
- The access at each end: stages, steps, lifts, ramps and doors
- Your preferred dates, and any times to avoid
Send those through when you request a quote and we will put a plan together.
Questions
Schools and churches: FAQs
Can you move several pianos in one day?
Yes, with planning. Tell us how many instruments there are and the access for each.
Do you move church organs?
We move electronic and cabinet organs. Pipe organs need a specialist organ builder.
Can you work around school terms or services?
Yes. Tell us the times to avoid and we will plan the move around them.
Ready when you are