I had the moving experience of reading Grand Obsession, by Perri Knize. Her exquisite writing style and the flowing story touched my soul. It awakened my desire for the piano, and gave me renewed interest in practicing again.

I received my music degree when I was 15, and barely kept up with my piano practicing since then. However, after reading her book, I was blown away by the huge world of amateur and professional musicians and tuners and all the wonderful techniques they use to get the right sound from their piano.

There are no words I can say to thank Perri for her riveting writing style and the education I got from this book on pianos and tuning. I am now practicing more and am performing for local music and other groups after many years of a hiatus of many decades. I also now found the perfect gift for my musician friends!

____________________________
Neil
Yamaha C5

What a delightful tribute to Perri and her wonderful book! There is something everyone can learn from "Grand Obsession". I loved it too.

Kind regards,

Robert.

It is indeed a delightful book. I'm glad to see that it will now be introduced to a whole new audience.

Perri hasn't been around for awhile at PW, and I hope she will find out about the new thread and join in.

I've been a pretty serious string player for a long time, but until I picked up Perri's book a few years ago it never occurred to me that I ought to try the piano. Without the slightest doubt, her book inspired me to start, and I'm still completely smitten by my new instrument.

Some obsessions are contagious -- and good for you!

By the way, is her last name pronounced kin-iz-ee? I'm not sure.

I enjoyed her book as well.

Send her a PM. She is member here in the Forum. Her PW moniker is 'piqué'

I enjoyed her book as well. In case you missed it, here are links to a recent interviews about her more recent thoughts and experiences:

http://www.nancywilliamspiano.com/2011/10/03/grand-obsession-adult-piano-lessons/

http://www.nancywilliamspiano.com/2011/10/04/perri-knize-on-her-adult-piano-lessons/

Yes, great book. I - well enjoyed it, but it was also a challenge.

I read the dust-cover the day I got it. There, she used almost the words I used with my Schimmel.

"... After a long and painful dalliance, she refinances her house to purchase the instrument that has transfixed her {yes, did that}. The dealer ships it to her home ... and she counts the days till it's arrival {yes, did that}. When at last she sits down to play, almost delirious with anticipation, {yes, did that} the magical sound is gone and the tone is dead and dull {yes, did that}...".

I think Perri expressed superbly the journey many of us make in acquiring the piano we love - and maybe the next one too (though, I've now finished the journey, I hope). And through her sharing her journey and heartache, she gave direction with my search.

Thanks Perri.

Unfortunately, we can't PM piqué, there seems to be a technical difficulty.

i'm so glad some of you have been inspired to re-dedicate yourselves or try out the piano because you read GRAND OBSESSION. what an honor!

lipson, very nice to see you here. thank you for the excellent review you put on amazon (i'm pretty sure that was you, right?) i'm sure you'll enjoy your time at PW as much as i have, and learn a lot, too. this is the best piano forum on the 'net, imho.

btw, my last name--the k is silent. like knife with a z.

i've had to seriously limit my time on the internet to keep myself productive with work. if anyone wants to reach me, there's a contact form on my website that goes straight to my email in-box. www.grandobsession.com

i'm not sure why the PM function isn't working. i checked and i haven't received a PM since last december.

(thanks, richd, for the tipoff on this thread.)

I think your PM is full.

Hi, Pique! Miss you.

Hi Perri,

Forgive me. I may have misled Lipson on how to pronounce your last name.

Great to see you here though.

Oh, and how badly has my picture hurt book sales?

www.grandobsession.com/news/la_events.html

Well, I would say that Perri is the better looking of the two...

Rick

miss you too!! (hugs)

so, rich, that's why my sales numbers are dropping. i will have to see about this....

Yes, Perri, that was me that wrote the review. I'm glad I know how to pronounce your name now.

Keep us posted on any future writings.

_________________________________
Neil
Yamaha C5, Yamaha Clavinova, Midi pipe organ

Super book. She does a great job bringing the
characters and environs to life.

I loved this book! It resonated with me on so many levels.....I'm in my mid 40's and also have decided that piano is my passion. I'm from Montana originally and have lots of family still there. I'm searching for a grand piano....it's always been my dream. Some girls dreamt about their wedding, but I dreamt about my future grand piano!

Loved the book and have recommended it to lots of friends. Thanks Terri!

Well Piqué and everybody else, I've been reading great comments about what seems to be a great book for some time now.

I guess that what comes next is going straight to the Amazon site and buy it.

Gosh, what a great place to come when there is some free time (PW).

Perri, would you sign my book? Please?

Buy the book from her link on grandobsession.com and look for the signed book info. It's there.

It looks like Perri has a cult following, and I'm part of the cult. I've been seduced into the world of culture, fine arts and beautiful music. I am also determined to improve my tuning abilities, and will pursue voicing. There's no turning back now.

_______________________
Neil
Yamaha C5, Yamaha Clavinova, midi pipe organ.

Ha! What a coincidence. I just finished reading Perri's book the other night. I echo Lipson's fine review. It was a delight!

I recently purchased Grand Obsession but haven't started to read it yet. I'm very excited to realize the author is right here on this post! I'm currently finishing up the Liberace scandal book, which is supposed to shortly become a movie.

Perri Knize and Liberace in the same paragraph????? Holy Cow! Perri will get a laugh from that. I love this forum.

Wow. I am impressed that the book has effected you so, Neil. I am certain that this would make Perri proud.

Lipson, when I wrote on my post that I was heading to Amazon to place an order for the book, I really was!!!

Ordered the book 3 minutes later, and it' on its way to Mexico in a few days.

I guess I will have to settle with a virtual signature.

Well, Perri willing

Everyone have a great piano enjoying weekend.

I bet if you just wrote her a letter, she'd write you back so you'd have her signature.. she's a very nice lady.

sure!

you can order one in missoula, where i live, and i'll go down to the local book store and sign it. or if you already have a copy you can send it to me to sign and i'll send it back to you.

if you go to the "buy" page on my website (see my signature line) you'll find instructions on how to get a signed copy, and on the "contact" page there's a form you fill out and send that goes to my email inbox.

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perfect!