History

"Appletons five generations of excellence"

Appleton Piano Workshop has its roots in Karori, but opened at 40 Onepu Road, Kilbirnie, in 2004. Peter Appleton's connection with pianos goes back much farther five generations and almost a world away.

The Appleton trade has been pianos since 1811 or thereabouts. The family was based in the north of England, where Peter's sisters still live.

Peter joined the firm immediately he left school. He completed his apprenticeship, became a member of the Piano Tuners Association, London, and eventually took over the running of the family workshop in Lancashire.

Beggs, one of New Zealand's biggest piano retailers, brought him here in 1979 to run their piano department. Later he joined Nimmos of Wellington, the Lower North Island Steinway agents. All new upright and grand pianos imported by Nimmos at that time were personally inspected and installed by Peter.

He set up alone as PIano Workshop in the 1990s. Highlights since then include being personal tuner to New Zealand composer Douglas Lillburn, tuning for Elton John, Vanessa Mae and Nigel Kennedy. 

He has supplied pianos for movies including Peter Jackson's King Kong, and for events such as the Wellington International Arts Festival. He also tunes for the Westpac St James Theatre, the Opera House, Massey University College of Education and Wellington Performing Arts School. 

Over the years he has built good working relationships with schools, music teachers and community groups. He has gained a reputation for matching people and pianos, keeping much-loved old pianos playing against the odds, and for his support of the arts.

Peter brings all that history and experience to Appleton Piano Workshop.

"We're big enough to meet all your piano needs,
but still small enough to provide personal knowledgeable service."