NAPLES, Fla (Top40 Charts/ QRS
Music Technologies) - QRS
Music Technologies, Inc. a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of pianos, piano-based audio and multimedia products, music and piano accessories, today announced it has signed a contract with Bob Jones to consult in the evolution of the Story & Clark piano line.
'QRS has always been a technology leader and innovator; our intention is to lead through innovation in the value segment of the piano market as well,' said Tom Dolan, president and chief executive officer of QRS Music Technologies, Inc. 'Bob Jones has the wealth of experience, knowledge and success in the piano market that can help guide us in this endeavor.' The new Story & Clark line that will be introduced at the winter NAMM show offers unique scale designs, specifications, styles, finishes and technology at reasonable prices that will enable dealers to maintain a healthy profit margin and move away from the self-defeating price wars that too many dealers have been forced to resort to in recent years due to parity product offerings.
'The piano market has been in decline for years due to increasing saturation and decreasing relevance. In today's marketplace the successful dealers are embracing both technology and best-practices in terms of retailing concepts,' said Bob Jones. 'It is Tom's fresh vision and approach to the piano market that motivated me to come out of retirement.' The new Story & Clark line will debut with two collections, The Signature Series with pianos that coordinate with current home furnishing trends, and the Heritage Series, a more traditional collection in basic styles. Both offer unique scales, specifications and technology.
Jones has over 48 years of experience in the music industry, having held senior management positions at Steinway & Sons, Baldwin Piano Company, and most recently as president of Samick Music Corporation where he lead the company to a 23 percent market share and $65 million in revenues. Jones' vast experience and knowledge will be invaluable in giving guidance to QRS management in the areas of strategic planning and new product development. Jones will also provide leadership and training to the QRS sales force while assisting them in reaching their goals with the new line.
About QRS Music Technologies, Inc.
QRS Music Technologies, Inc. manufactures and distributes pianos and piano accessories, Pianomation� musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) systems for acoustic pianos, and compact discs and music rolls for player pianos. QRS is the creator of Pianomation�, the first MIDI system to combine analog and digital technology to turn any piano into a reproducing player piano. QRS Music was founded in 1900 and is based in Naples, Florida. Additional information about QRS is available at www.qrsmusic.com.
