MINNEAPOLIS, February 6, 2003 Schmitt Music has won the coveted Steinway & Sons Partners in Performance Award, the highest industry honor bestowed by Steinway. Minneapolis-based Schmitt Music, which operates 21 stores, including six Twin Cities locations, was recognized as the top Steinway Piano dealer in the country with this award.

Schmitt Music was selected for exemplifying The Spirit of Steinway that embodies the vision, integrity and spirit of company founder Henry E. Steinway. The award is of particular significance because 2003 marks Steinway's 150th anniversary celebration. Schmitt Music received the Performance Award for overall excellence in each of eight qualifying categories. The award recognizes outstanding performance in such areas as Steinway concert-and-artist programs, product knowledge, and customer service as well as promotional, merchandising and marketing efforts on behalf of Steinway & Sons and Boston pianos, which are designed by Steinway.

"We're proud of our long-standing partnership with Steinway, and are honored to receive this
recognition," said Tom Schmitt, President of Schmitt Music. "This award recognizes our
company-wide commitment to service, and our constant efforts to understand what's important to our customers."

Schmitt Music, established in 1896, operates 16 stores in seven states, including the local stores. Locations include six showrooms in Minnesota, with five in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Schmitt Music also has stores in Fargo, N.D.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Eau Claire, Wis.; Omaha, Neb.; and a store in Kansas. It also owns and operates Wells Music in Colorado.

Steinway pianos are played by 95 percent of all concert pianists performing with major symphony orchestras around the world, and considered by most music experts as the world's finest. They are sold in the United States by a select number of exclusive authorized dealers.

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