Getting to Know ME

A glimpse into the life of your piano technician. The path towards finding the perfect blend of art and craft in my life.

My name is Jeff Cutler. I was born in Minneapolis and moved to Stillwater in 1986. I have been in the music industry in a variety of roles since the 1970's. Some of my earliest memories are of the piano floor at the Schmitt Music Store in downtown Minneapolis. My mom would bring me along to visit dad and I would wander through this musical wonderland, touching instruments that had been played by touring artists, beautiful new pianos waiting to be delivered, and those still looking for a home. The piano shop above the sales floor was a wonderland of tools, sawdust, and magicians. My dream of working with these people and these instruments draws from these early memories.

I spent nearly 20 years working for Schmitt Music in a variety of roles; sales, service, and management. About 25 years ago I decided to try another venture and left the music industry. In late 2006 the siren song of music was stirring my old dreams once again. Attending a St Paul Chamber Orchestra concert, listening to Layton “Skip” James play, provided an epiphany. Skip, who was at the time the Principal Pianist with the SPCO, also makes harpsichords. The leap from what his hobby is to what would be my way back into the music industry came swiftly, and the path was clear.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to learn and study with some very gracious, talented, and not-too-forgiving technicians in the area, and after some years learning this craft I found myself back with Schmitt Music. I was their on-staff piano technician from 2013 – 2019. During this time I was fortunate to attend the Steinway Technical Academy at the Steinway factory in Queens, NY. 

My other interests include family, bicycling, motorcycling, photography, and reading. I was a member of the Stillwater Fire Department for 22 years until retiring as a Captain in 2009.