Dowling Piano and Pipe Organ Service & Dowling Music Studio

Contact Us:

Cherry Valley, Illinois
815-874-6242

About Us:

Richard Dowling has been servicing pianos and pipe organs for over 43 years. Clients have come to know that exceptional workmanship and superior tuning can be expected. Piano and organ problems are no problem for this highly experienced technician. Relatively minor problems, such as sticky or non-playing notes, voicing and regulation, or major rebuilding and rejuvenation of instruments is done with excellent results. Even recapping yellowed or chipped keys is often done and can make a world of difference to the musician as well as make an obvious change in the appearance of the instrument.

One crucial aid to Richard is his outstanding musicianship. His skill as a fine organist, pianist, choir and music director, and private music teacher helps in his ability to tune to the musician’s satisfaction. His Bachelor degree is music as well as graduate work has been a defining element in his superior workmanship. He understands from the musician’s point of view how the instrument should sound and react musically. He takes time to understand the desire of each client to help them achieve the quality of sound they desire for their individual needs, whether the instrument is in a private home, in a church sanctuary, classroom, or concert hall.

Caring for and tuning instruments of all makes, sizes, and age are also a part of the Dowling motto. Whether it is an instrument that is a new top brand instrument that will have it’s debut at a concert of five thousand people, or simply a small but sentimental instrument that has been given to a family, Richard takes time and care to make each instrument sound it’s best.

Richard has also recently added his son, Timothy, to his staff. Timothy has recently graduated from Rockford College with his degree in music. His goal is to follow in his father’s footsteps to continue the Dowling tradition of excellence in workmanship and musicianship.

Dowling Piano and Organ services many schools, churches, synagogues, theaters, colleges, music academies, as well as homes throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. References are available upon request. (See Testimonials)

Music Lessons:

Dowling Music Studio, staffed by Richard, Connie, and Tim Dowling is an excellent venue for obtaining superior training and support for your musical instrument. The studio has been established for over twenty-eight years in the Cherry Valley area. We are centrally located. Each teacher is highly qualified with college music degrees. Students currently come from various surrounding areas such as, Stillman Valley, Davis Junction, Byron, Rockford, Belvidere, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Monroe Center, New Milford, and Cherry Valley.

Students have individual private lessons and are able to be exposed to various instruments such as a six foot three inch grand piano, a three manual organ, a seven foot two inch manual harpsichord, console piano, guitars, and instruments obtained from extensive travels to other countries, such as a Russian balalaika, a tribal drum from Belize, a hackbret from Austria, various brass instruments from France, Germany, and the Czech Republic, and percussion instruments from Mexico.

The most important goal for the Dowling staff is for each student to enjoy and gain a deep love and appreciation for music and musicians. The student learns to enjoy the learning process and gains an education of various types of music from “Bach to Rock”. Composing and theory are highly encouraged. Many students write and perform their own compositions, both from their own enjoyment as well as public performance.

A huge element to the success of students at the Dowling Music Studio is the highly individualized assessment made for each student. Many and various method books and materials are used so that each student reaches their full potential in a fun and exciting way, yet meeting the specific needs of the individual student.

Students of all ages are encouraged to learn to play music instruments at the Dowling Music Studio. Ages from three to eighty-three have successfully learned to play instruments at the Dowlings. There is opportunity to share their talent with family, friends, and the general public with the annual recital for all. It is not to be a competition, but a time to acknowledge all the hard learning. It is also encouraged for students to play for churches, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes to show the value of sharing their talent with others.

The Dowling staff is also dedicated to helping their students earn scholarships and helping with college entrances into music programs in colleges, universities, conservatories, and other institutions of higher education. The staff is proud that many former students have continues their music studies at the college level. Students have received college degrees in music education, performance, composition, and jazz performance. Many of the former students have also continued their music studies at the college level even when their majors were in different areas.