Auburn University Integrates High-Definition Steinway Spirio into Curriculum

The instrument was funded through a gift from the You Might Be For Auburn Foundation, alongside matching contributions from donors Mary Jean and Danny Sanspree and Carole and Charles Crabbe. During Monday’s unveiling, Associate Provost Chase Bringardner emphasized that the piano serves as more than an instructional tool; it functions as a bridge for remote master classes and global artistic collaboration, allowing students to engage with performances from renowned musicians in real time.

Dean Jeffrey T. Fairbrother noted that the integration of the Spirio | r into the curriculum prepares future educators to utilize evolving technology in their own classrooms. The system, introduced by Steinway & Sons in 2019, preserves the acoustic integrity of a handcrafted piano while enabling high-fidelity recording, editing, and broadcasting. By embedding this capability into the music education program, Auburn aims to expand the reach of its faculty and student research across Alabama and beyond. The initiative also formalizes a long-term partnership with Steinway & Sons, granting students access to the manufacturer’s global programming network and specialized faculty development resources.