About Matze Music… 30 Years of Piano Service Experience

Matthias Wandler, born and raised in Germany, is the founder and owner of Matze Music, a piano tuning, voicing and repair service located in the Washington, DC metro area.  Matthias was trained and inspired by some of the best piano builders in Germany.  He started as an apprentice in 1989 at Seiler Piano Factory in Kitzingen, Germany and completed the Berufsakademie (BA) as a piano technician in 1992 at the European College for Piano Technicians in Ludwigsburg, Germany.  After graduation, Matthias continued his lifelong passion for music, working as a professional piano tuner and technician, in piano sales and other musical pursuits.  In 2001, he founded Matze Music. 


Matze Music provides tuning and repair services to clients in their homes.


Extensive experience tuning and maintaining pianos for concert events, churches, restaurants, country clubs, retail facilities, ballrooms, offices, etc...



Trusted by schools and private piano teachers across Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC

Matze Music follows German procedures for piano tuning, regulation and voicing to create the finest sound available. 

Technical Experience

Self employed since 2001 with freelance work for:

Steingraeber & Soehne Piano Factory
Bayreuth Germany 

Steinway & Sons Store Sherman & Clay
Seattle WA

 Schimmel Pianos Store Rosenberger
Kitzingen Germany 

Rick Jones Pianos PianoWarehouse
Beltsville MD

PianoCraft Piano Sales & Restoration
Gaithersburg MD

Rice Music House: Home of Steinway PianoS
Columbia, SC

Please visit our testimonials and piano tuning demonstration


Matthias has established a long and successful record across the piano industry for 30 years.  In addition to piano voicing and tuning, which he can do naturally by ear, Matthias also has his own professional repair studio which can handle structural carpentry work and complex reconditioning of pianos.

Matthias is certified installer for the ‘Dampp Chaser’ System. Humidity control for your instrument.

More info: www.pianolifesaver.com

Matthias is also deeply involved in playing music. He is the leader of the DMV-area Bavarian music bands “Die Zwei” (The Duo), and the “Lost Lederhosen” band (5-6 musicians), doing vocals, playing drums and brass as needed. He also plays with the German Band "Alte Kameraden" from Fairfax, VA and on occasion, goes back to play with "Winzerkapelle Roedelsee/Frankenpower Live," where he started in 1981 in his hometown of Roedelsee, Germany.

The art of Piano Regulation Explained

Mattias Wandler explains the fine point regulation procedures Matze Music uses to regulate pianos.


Client Testimonials

Dear Matthias,

I am so happy with my new piano! It sounds wonderful—it’s renewed my interest in practicing and in making music to have such a great-sounding instrument! Daniel told me how much time you spent at the house yesterday, making sure everything was just perfect. You are a really dedicated guy and I’m so happy to have found you!
— Martha D. - Washington, D.C.
Last week a man from the Steingraeber factory who was responsible for the final prep of their pianos for concerts came by and regulated our piano. I found his work, and his explanations absolutely fascinating, so I filmed them to share with others who have similar interests.
— Bill H.
Not only are you a master tech but a great teacher. I found it fascinating to learn about all those little tweaks that can be made. I have played that beautiful piano at Bill’s and follow Eric’s adventures.
— Bobbie B.
Matthias did an exceptional job regulating as well as voicing my grand. He really transformed the piano. Thanks again for the recommendation.
— Rich D.
Matthias -
Just wanted to say thanks! The piano sounds great! So much fun to play!
— Dan Sullivan

Piano Tuning

Tuning and maintaining a piano is a work of art and each piano requires TLC.  Every instrument is different and Matthias believes in his ability to get the best possible sound from any piano.   Larry Fine, the author of The Piano Book said it best:

"The piano is, I believe, unique in our culture in the way it weaves music, craft, history, business, science, and engineering - both low-tech and high-tech - into a remarkable tale worth telling."

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Matthias via email or telephone at 703-975-7249.  


What does it mean to “tune” a piano?

Tuning is the process of adjusting the tension at which the strings are stretched, using a wrench called a tuning hammer, so that all the strings vibrate in pleasing harmony with one another in accordance with certain acoustical laws and aesthetic and musical customs. Although the tuner may also perform other adjustments to the piano at the same visit, strictly speaking, only the above process constitutes “tuning.”

Why does a piano go out of tune?

A piano in good condition goes out of tune primarily because its soundboard and other wooden parts expand and contract with changes in humidity, which changes the tension on the strings. This happens whether or not the piano is played. Also, a piano in poor condition, with the tuning pins loose in the pinblock, can go out of tune because it is unable to hold the string tension constant.

How often should I have my piano tuned?


At what time of the year should I have my piano tuned? Does it matter?

You will get the most for your money if you have the piano tuned at times of the year when the tuning will remain stable for some time. When the heat is turned on or off for the season, the indoor humidity, and consequently the tuning, begins to change, and these changes may continue for weeks or months afterward. For this reason, it’s best to wait for at least a few weeks after turning the heat on or off before having the piano tuned. Otherwise, the piano may go out of tune very shortly after being tuned. However, if you are sensitive to tuning, it may be difficult or impossible to time the tunings to the indoor humidity changes in such a way that you will be satisfied most of the time, especially in climates with cold winters. The tuning changes continuously, and the only ways to adapt to it are to have the piano tuned more frequently, to institute some kind of indoor or in-piano humidity control, or to put up with some amount of out-of-tuneness.

How much does it cost to maintain an acoustic piano?

It depends on how much you play and on how conscientious you want to be about piano maintenance. Typically a piano will be tuned twice a year at a cost of $100 to $200 per tuning, depending on geographic region and the experience and reputation of the tuner. Some tuners in high demand charge more. In addition, every so often a piano will need regulating (adjusting the piano action to compensate for wear and bring it back to the manufacturer's specs), voicing (adjusting the tone for changes that take place as a result of use), internal cleaning, and repairs. For most piano owners, budgeting an average of $300 to $500 per year will suffice, although the actual outlay will be less in some years and more in others. Teachers and performers who use the piano more, or need to maintain optimal performance, should budget accordingly.

Why do some pianos stay in tune longer than others?

Actually, all pianos go out of tune continuously. It just may take a while before you notice it. How soon you notice it depends on such factors as the design of the piano (though, interestingly, not necessarily on its quality), the various pressures and tensions being exerted on the soundboard and structural elements, climatic changes, your ear and sensitivity to out-of-tuneness, and on the kind of music you play.

If a piano technician says a piano is not tunable, does that mean the piano should be disposed of?

Not necessarily. It depends on why the piano is not tunable, how much it would cost to fix it, and how much the piano is worth. Sometimes the tuning pins can be tightened at minimal or moderate expense. In other cases, the piano needs to be restrung with larger tuning pins, or the pinblock needs to be replaced, possibly costing thousands of dollars. This would be worth doing only if justified by the potential value of the instrument.

What is A440?

This means that the A above middle C is vibrating at 440 cycles per second. This is the standard pitch to which most pianos and other instruments are tuned, also known as “concert pitch,” although some orchestras prefer to tune to a slightly higher pitch.

What is pitch correction (pitch raising/pitch lowering)?

When a piano is tuned, the tuner first tunes one note, usually the A above middle C, to a standard such as a tuning fork or electronic tone. Typically, the standard is A vibrating at a frequency of 440 cycles per second. Then the rest of the piano is tuned relative to that pitch. When, because of neglect or humidity changes, this A on the piano is far from its correct pitch, this pitch must be reestablished and the piano roughly tuned relative to that pitch. This is called pitch correction or, in any particular case, pitch raising or pitch lowering. After the pitch correction, a fine tuning can be done. If a fine tuning is attempted at the same time as a pitch correction, the piano will usually end up out of tune because the strings have a tendency to revert part way to their old tension when a large change in tension is attempted at one time. Due to the extra work involved, tuners will usually charge extra for a pitch correction, which may sometimes even require a second visit to complete. In some climates or with some instruments, a pitch correction may be required with nearly every tuning.

What is “aural tuning”?

Aural tuning is tuning the piano by ear (not using an electronic device).


Electronic tuning devices have become extremely sophisticated in recent years and are used by some of the most skilled tuners. The best tuners can also tune by ear, which is necessary to check the work of the device and to do some aspects of the tuning job that are not easily done electronically. However, use of the electronic device can save the tuner time and fatigue, allowing him or her to do a better job and to do more jobs in a day than would be possible by ear. The devices are also very useful for tuning in difficult environments, such as when there is a lot of background noise, because they can screen out the noise better than the ear can. Some of the devices can also “save” a favorite or unusual tuning so that it can be exactly reproduced the next time it is needed.


The best place is where the temperature and humidity will remain relatively moderate and constant, and away from big drafts, open windows, and direct sunlight. Especially, keep the piano several feet away from heating registers and radiators, or block off or redirect the heat from such registers and radiators if the piano must be placed closer.

What is the best temperature and humidity for my piano?


Should I have a humidifier system installed in my piano?

Piano climate-control systems can help smooth out seasonal humidity changes, resulting in better piano sound and operation, longer life, and possibly less frequent tunings. Even if you already have whole-house humidification and de-humidification, you may benefit from the extra protection. Ask a piano technician or piano dealer about having a climate-control system installed in your piano.

Why does a piano need to be tuned after being moved?

Subtle differences in humidity between the new and old locations cause the piano to go out of tune. Very inexpensive pianos that are structurally inadequate may go out of tune because of the handling of the piano, but this is not a big factor for most instruments. The tuning of vertical pianos may be affected by unevenness in the level of the floor, or differences in the evenness between the old and new locations (grands are usually not affected by these issues).


First of all, very few piano movers also tune pianos. Both are skilled professions, but are quite unrelated to one another in the kind of skills they require. Most of all, however, the humidity difference that makes a piano go out of tune at the new location works its effect gradually over a period of from several days to several weeks. The piano may sound just fine right after being moved, but be quite out of tune a week or so later. If the piano is tuned immediately after being moved, it will probably be out of tune within a couple of weeks, so it’s best to wait some time after moving before having the piano tuned.

What is “regulating”?

Regulating is the adjusting of the action and keys to restore them to their factory-default specifications. See also the answer to the next question.

Can the touch or feel of my piano’s action be adjusted?

Within certain narrow parameters, the touch can be adjusted by regulating the action. Regulating is the process of restoring the dimensional relationships (positions, angles, distances, etc.) of the action parts to their factory-specified defaults. Over time and with playing, these dimensions gradually change and must periodically be restored in order for the piano to function properly. Each dimension also has a certain narrow window of permissible variation, so by cleverly manipulating these variations, it may be possible to make the touch slightly lighter or heavier, or the repetition faster, than the factory default specifications. Lubricating the many friction points in an action can also work wonders in lightening a heavy-feeling touch.

If changes are desired that fall beyond what is possible through normal regulating and lubrication, then the technician must carefully analyze the source of the problem and make more drastic changes to the action, which may involve modifying or rebuilding it to some extent. This was once solely the province of trial and error, but scientific principles can now be brought to bear on these problems, with consistent and happy outcomes. More advanced and technologically-savvy technicians can advise you about your options.

Note: There is a psychological connection between tone and touch. Sometimes adjusting the tone of the piano, or just tuning it, can make the piano’s touch feel better, even though there is no mechanical connection between tone (or tuning) and touch.

What is “voicing”?


How can I lower the volume of my piano?

You can have the piano voiced, which mostly involves softening the hammers to produce a more mellow sound. You can also change the room acoustics by adding rugs, upholstered furniture, draperies, wall hangings, and other sound-absorbent objects. Storing some cardboard boxes under your grand piano, while not very attractive, can do wonders for softening the sound. Finally, there are some accessories on the market in the form of Styrofoam products, blankets, etc. that, when applied to the back or underside of the piano, can reduce the volume by many decibels. One home remedy is to wedge a quilt or blanket between the soundboard and the structural beams. Contact a piano technician for details.

Why do my piano’s keys sometimes stick?

Sticking keys are usually caused by humidity changes. Interestingly, keys can stick in both humid and dry weather. Humid weather can cause wood and cloth to swell and interfere with the movement of other parts. Dry weather can cause holes to contract and bind on guide pins. In most cases, the remedies are fairly simple, such as sanding or repositioning swollen parts, expanding tight holes, and lubricating.




A broken string is neither major nor trivial. If the string is a bass string (steel wound with copper), the replacement string will have to be special-ordered because each model of piano, and each bass string within that model, has unique specifications for length and thickness. If the broken string is plain steel wire, the technician should be able to replace it on the spot from a reel of wire of the proper diameter. There are about 15 or 20 possible wire diameters for steel piano wire, and technicians usually carry a small supply of each in their car. In either case, it will take several additional visits of the tuner over an extended period of time to stretch the new string before it will hold its tune. In the meantime, it may be necessary to mute the new string to prevent it from sounding sour. So, although the replacement of the string itself is not complicated, the whole process can end up being expensive and a nuisance.

What is the soundboard?

The soundboard is a large, thin sheet of wood (or a laminated wood product), usually of spruce, that amplifies the vibrations of the strings and broadcasts them through the air to the ear.

If the soundboard is cracked, does that mean the piano is junk?

No. Solid spruce soundboards have a tendency to dry out, shrink, and crack as they age, especially in environments that have pronounced seasonal variations in humidity. The shrinkage often results in a loss of crown, or curvature, of the soundboard, which can sometimes be detrimental to the tone. But the cracks themselves are usually harmless unless they are accompanied by buzzing sounds or other problems.

If the piano I am getting needs repair and I invest the money into the piano, shouldn’t I be able to recoup the money when I later sell the piano?

Unfortunately, not always. It depends on the nature and cost of the work, and on the value of the piano. The question to ask is whether the work to be done increases the value of the piano, and if so, by how much. Basic maintenance work like tuning and action regulation will not usually increase the value of the piano, whereas major work like restringing or replacing the soundboard will. (Of course, you should have the basic maintenance work done anyway or else the piano may be unpleasant to play and may deteriorate.) You should also consider the cost of a new piano of the same brand, or of a brand similar in quality, stature, or reputation. That’s because the value of a used piano will generally be tied to, and limited by, the cost of a comparable new one. You will usually recoup the cost of any good work you do on a piano like a Steinway or other top-rated brand because of their high value (both new and used), but for most other brands, your ability to recoup your expenses will be limited. That’s one reason why, except for sentimental or historical reasons, most older pianos are not completely restored.

Recommended Piano & Music Instructors


Cora Lee Khambatta 5422 5th St S Arlington, VA 703.447.9228

Donna Ethelbert
5732 N Carlin Spring Rd
Arlington, VA 22203 703.841.5454

Voice & Performance, Holly Shockey www.brandywinemusicstudios.com 2001 N Brandywine St Arlington, VA 22201 703.795.4988


Claire Flynt claireflyntmusic@gmail.com 5151 Williamsburg Blvd. Arlington, VA 22207 http://www.claireflynt.com



Piano & Voice Linda Maguire Imaguir3@masonlive.gmu.edu 1643 Preston Road Alexandria, VA 22302 703.895.3450  


Marisela Smith - Opus Conservatory | brambletonpiano@aol.com
43469 Lucketts Bridge Circle
Ashburn, VA 20148, 571.244.2852

Fairfax county & Loudoun county

Fiji Park - qtbomb79@hotmail.com
4306 Park Green Ct
Fairfax,‎ VA‎ 22030
You Tube channel: Jiji (Ji Yoon) Park
(703) 625-2771

Elza Ritter - elzaritter@gmail.com
14768 Basingstoke Loop
Centreville,‎ VA‎ 20120
(703) 901-3614


Alan Aranas - The Music Academy of Virginia
24701 Bryne Meadow SQ Apt 109
Aldie VA 20105

Falls Church,va

Radina Dosera
118 West Marshall Street
Falls Church VA 22046

Nikola Paskalov, npaskalov@gmail.com
2118 Greenwich Street
Falls Church, VA, 22043
(703)870- 5949 

String Instruments: Dannice Crespo
Danni842@earthlink.net 1830 Anderson Road
Falls Church, VA 22043


Wyndy Fredrick
712 Tamani Dr
Herndon VA 20170
202.528.0249 or 703.435.8943

Inessa Mir-Aliyeva 
2312 Emerald Heights Ct
Reston VA 20191
540-915-5006 (can text message also)


Lena Afanaseva - lena.a@cox.net
19193 Ferry Field Terr.
Leesburg, VA www.lenapianostudio.com


Keeta Hammond - Keeta@manfinedesign.com 
12511 Brenmil Ln
Manassas, VA 20112


Margarita Gramaticova

Eric Himy, Concert Pianist, Teacher

Springfield, VA

Irina Yurkovskaya - PerfectPitch88@yahoo.com
7359 Stream Way
Springfield VA
703.569.3290 www.PerfectPitchMusicStudio.com


Sharon Barko Bernson - pianoinclined@hotmail.com
21872 Broadleaf Sq.
Sterling, VA 20164


Dave Roberts & Laura Abott - la.music@usa.net
501 Mashie Dr SE
Vienna VA 22180 703.242.2279

Harmonia School of Music - contact: Ms. Chonghae Durak
204F Mill St NE
Vienna VA 22180
703-938-7301 harmoniaschool.org


Andrew Kraus, Pianist & Teacher
pianist@andrewkrauss.com, www.facebook.com/AndrewKraus.Pianist
5133 Clavel Terrace Rockville, MD 20853
301.467.4197 http://www.AndrewKraus.com


Joey Arkfeld
600 Forest Glen Rd Silver Spring MD

Chevy Chase Music School, Rok Palcic
5480 Wisconsin Ave, Apt 1402
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 info@chevychasemusic.org
301.539.9051 chevychasemusic.org

washington dc

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop - stephanie@chaw.org
545 7th St SE
Washington DC 20003 202-547-6839 www.chaw.org