About The Piano Connection

Founder Dr. Esther Warkov, member of the Seattle and Oregon Music Teachers’ Associations, is an independent music instructor with over 30 years' experience with pianos and pianists. She earned three degrees in music: a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, a Master’s Degree from the University of Wales as a Fulbright scholar, and a doctorate in ethnomusicology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, specializing in Arabic music. She has received numerous awards and fellowships, including a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to study the Near Eastern lute (ud). She has interviewed composers, performers, and performers of folk musics, encompassing Welsh, Irish, and Middle Eastern musical styles. Her publications include scholarly articles, newspaper columns, recordings and over 100 CD reviews. Her research skills, along with her ability to work well with people from many cultures and walks of life, her strong desire to see pianists connected with the best possible instrument within their budget, and her passion for fine instruments contribute to the success of The Piano Connection.

As a parent of an adopted child, Esther has a special appreciation for the joys associated with adopting a fine musical instrument. "I love helping people find each other, and piano buyers and sellers are enormously appreciative of a match," she says. In her spare time, Esther enjoys playing piano, listening to music, reading philosophy, and nurturing her parrots and plants.