Tracing the roots of the piano to the very beginning of consciousness, when man first became aware of sound.
C.1880, Wurlitzer Piano
Wurlitzer began manufacturing pianos.
1881, Bartók

Béla Bartók (1881 – 1945): Hungarian Composer, Pianist, Ethnomusicologist – Late Romantic / Early 20th Century
Page Sources
1882, Schnabel

Artur Schnabel (1882 – 1951): Austrian Pianist, Composer, Teacher – Late Romantic / Early 20th Century Period
- Initially studied under Hans Schmitt of Vienna Conservatory (now University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna).
- Studied under Theodor Leschetizky who told him “You will never be a pianist; you are a musician.” “Schnabel’s recording of the complete Beethoven piano sonatas, the first to be made, is still the benchmark by which all others are compared, and for many it remains the first choice.” [ 2 ]
- Professor at Hochschule für Musik in Berlin.
- His writings include Reflections on Music (1933), Music and the Line of Most Resistance (1942), and My Life and Music (1961).
Page Sources
- "Artur Schnabel (1882-1951)." Schnabel Music Foundation. Schnabel Music Foundation, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
1882, Kimball Company
W.W. Kimball Piano Company officially became The Kimball Company, and opened a large factory.
1882, Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky (1882 – 1971): Russian Composer, Pianist, Conductor – 20th Century Period
Page Sources
1884, Bülow Liszt Masterclass
Hans von Bülow and Franz Liszt begin separate master classes: the former, teaching the works of 9 composers over a period of three years (1884-1887); the later, teaching the works of 59 composers in two years (1884-1886).
1885, Schimmel

Schimmel piano company established by Wilhelm Schimmel, Sr. (1854 – 1946) in Leipzig, Germany.
Page Sources
- Palmieri, Robert, ed. The Piano: An Encyclopedia. 2nd Edition. New York: Routledge, June 1, 2004. Google Books. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
- Cooper, Blake. "The History of Schimmel Pianos." Cooper Piano. Cooper Piano, 1 June 2013. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
1885, Scott

James Scott (1885 – 1938): American Composer, Teacher, Ragtime Pianist – 20th Century Period
Page Sources
1887, Yamaha

Yamaha piano company established by Torakusu Yamaha (1851 – 1916) in Japan.
Page Sources
- "Yamaha Torakusu." Hammamatsu Books. Hamanako Institute Corporation, 2012. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
- Palmieri, Robert, ed. The Piano: An Encyclopedia. 2nd Edition. New York: Routledge, June 1, 2004. Google Books. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
- "Biography of Yamaha Torakusu | Founder of Yamaha Corp." My Article. My Article, 2012. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
1887, Kimball Piano
The Kimball Company commenced building pianos.