More about William Young Pianos

William (Bill) Young is a classically trained pianist who began his studies aged 6. His fascination with pianos was sparked at a young age when his late father took him to a piano workshop.

Bill learned his trade as an apprentice to traditional piano restorers in Winchester, before setting up his own business in 1994. He now has over 30 years’ experience within the piano trade and has developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of pianos, through painstakingly detailed restoration work on a vast range of instruments.

Our brilliant technician and restorer Henry is also a concert pianist, so there’s no-one more discerning when it comes to quality control in the workshop! He holds a Master's degree in piano performance and was named Steinway Fellow of the Year at the London College of Music during his time there.

Henry's patience, high standards and meticulous regulation work are in great demand by numerous musicians whose pianos pass through our workshop. Henry is highly skilled in all areas of piano restoration, from action rebuilds and restringing to casework. As the most organised member of the team by far, Henry also manages the workshop schedule.

Tom is our head piano tuner as well as a qualified and experienced technician. His is the face you’re most likely to see out and about.

Tom graduated from Newark Piano School in 2019 with a qualification in Piano Tuning, Restoration and Repair. He takes care of most of our tunings and undertakes repairs that can be done in clients’ homes, as well as advising on larger repairs. He also books tuning appointments for both himself and Barnaby, who has joined Tom part-time to assist with his workload.

Our tuning and maintenance service covers a huge area which continues to grow every year. When not on the road, Tom spends as many days as possible in the workshop. He enjoys undertaking all aspects of piano restoration alongside Bill and Henry.

Tom and Barnaby have tuned for numerous famous faces at festivals, public concerts and private events, including Alexander Armstrong, Alfie Boe, Benjamin Clementine, Will Dutta, Jack Johnson, Keane, Des O'Connor and the Ronnie Scott Jazz 5.

Pixie is often in the workshop and poses the moment she sees a camera! Her skills include squirrel surveillance and making friends with clients and delivery people. Pixie loves to go out on the van when she's allowed to and is the undisputed queen of our social media feeds! She even has her own Instagram account - follow her @pixieyoung2015

Pixie is a firm favourite with the lovely ladies at Kentisbeare shop and Post Office in the village, where she inevitably runs behind the counter to find her treats!

Barnaby Carter has joined the William Young Pianos team part time to help with Tom's tuning and minor repair workload as our tuning business expands.

Barnaby completed a traditional 4 year apprenticeship at a piano workshop in Bristol, before gaining a first class degree in piano tuning and restoration at Newark College, the well respected and last remaining training facility for aural piano tuning in England.

Barnaby and Tom have tuned for numerous famous faces at festivals, public concerts and private events, including Alexander Armstrong, Alfie Boe, Benjamin Clementine, Will Dutta, Jack Johnson, Keane, Des O'Connor and the Ronnie Scott Jazz 5.

Sarah Roberts deals with most of the administrative and office work, so she’s often the first point of contact with William Young Pianos. Sarah works part time for us and also teaches piano, both privately and at a primary school. She specialises in teaching beginners and intermediate students of all ages.

Sarah has been with William Young Pianos for over 20 years and has amassed a great deal of knowledge, so is well placed to handle restoration and sales enquiries. She is, however, less keen than the rest of the team on technical chat comparing the merits of different sets of chisels!