Wurlitzer began manufacturing pianos.

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

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).

W.W. Kimball Piano Company officially became The Kimball Company, and opened a large factory.

Igor Stravinsky (1882 – 1971): Russian Composer, Pianist, Conductor – 20th Century Period

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).

Schimmel piano company established by Wilhelm Schimmel, Sr. (1854 – 1946) in Leipzig, Germany.

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

Yamaha piano company established by Torakusu Yamaha (1851 – 1916) in Japan.

The Kimball Company commenced building pianos.