Help Istvan Peter B'Racz Restore and Upgrade His Dream Piano

My name is Istvan Peter B'Racz.

I'm a classically trained pianist, composer, improviser, and music teacher who is also now also an eclectic live-performing electronic musician. Music is my life, and my profession.

All my life I have never owned my own grand piano, it's been a dream. About four years ago, I was asked to take care of a nice grand piano, with the agreement that they would eventually sell it or move it to another family member within a few years. Recently they sold it. I have recorded and performed live on this instrument many hundreds of times. It is a game changer to have a decent grand for a pianist at my level.

After they removed the instrument, I searched frantically to find another- most were just simply out of my reach financially.

Finally, I found this amazing Mason & Hamlin BB for an incredibly good price (I have purchased the piano with the help of family), knowing the action was sub-par and needed replacement. Playing on it the first time was like trying to drive an F1 race-car with flat tires! The new action will cost upwards of $10k, and as a musician- well you can guess that I dont make a large amount of money.

The action is being replaced by very modern high end carbon fiber parts. Wood "moves" over time, carbon fiber does not, and it's lighter, and more durable. I have a true expert piano technician working on this by the name of Ken Huebner, and he is hoping to have it ready by the end of July for me.

My home studio is called "The Dungeon" and this is where I perform live on streams, and teach, as well as create. The piano is a main part of all this, and I will be doing a lot more recording of my favorite classical pieces, as well as my own works and improvisations with this instrument.

I have started this GoFundMe to help pay for the action, which comes out of the tiny savings I have left at this point.

There is no minimum donation; I am grateful for every penny donated to the fund. Below are some incentive awards for anyone who donates $50 or more:

$50 - a 1/2 hour lesson with me on either piano music, electronic music, composition, or a consultation. Local, or via zoom or FaceTime; or a download code up to 5 albums of mine on BandCamp

$100 - a ONE hour lesson with me on either piano music, electronic music, composition, or a consultation. Local, or via zoom or FaceTime.

$200 - an impromptu (5-7 minutes) with notes that you choose (4-6) dedicated and recorded for you; OR 2 ONE hour lessons

$500 - a larger improvisation (10+ minutes) with notes that you choose (4-6) dedicated and recorded for you; OR 5 ONE hour lessons

$1000 - Your choice of previous rewards plus a longer ambient work/recording dedicated to you- using sounds of your choice, sculpted and incorporated into an orchestration including the piano

$5000 - Your choice of previous rewards plus a private concert; Or, a Commission for a work for piano.

I know your time is valuable, and I thank you for taking the time to read my plea. I salute you, and I look forward with joy to the music I can make on the beautiful “new” instrument your donation helped make possible.