Legacy Continues here...

John and Cher Met

John and Cher’s journey began when Cher, in search of a job, walked into an art store where John worked. His passion for pianos and welcoming nature immediately drew her in. What started as a professional connection soon blossomed into a deep personal relationship, one that would later reveal itself as part of a greater plan guided by God.

John’s History and Skill Sets

John was a focused and ambitious young man. He graduated early from Ocean Township High School in New Jersey and began working as an apprentice piano tuner and technician at Tusting Piano Co. in Asbury Park, NJ. There, he trained under Frank Zavalia alongside his brother Frank, eventually honing his skills to become a master tuner & technician. The brothers opened The Piano Shoppe in Bradley Beach, offering piano sales, tuning, and repair services.

John was also an accomplished drummer, writing beats and choreographing routines for his high school drum corps. The group won awards and performed in major events such as the Macy’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, showcasing John’s creativity and leadership.

John’s Impression of Cher and Her Love for Pianos

On their first date, John was impressed by Cher’s curiosity and passion for pianos. He gave her several piano repair tasks, which she completed with ease and enthusiasm. This shared interest in craftsmanship marked the beginning of a partnership that would shape both their personal and professional lives.

Cher’s Story and Family Background

Cher grew up in a "repair, not replace" family, frequently helping her father with household, car, and bicycle repairs for their large family. Her engineer uncle nurtured her natural interest in craftsmanship and the arts, mentoring her in a variety of skills, including:

• Mixed Media & Textiles
• Pottery & Woodworking
• Woodcarving & Leather-working
• Stained Glass & Copper Enamel
• Scrimshaw & Photography
• Seamstress & Pattern Making

Cher’s love for puzzles and design also extended to piano and guitar repair. Although she was un able to have a piano at home growing up , she found ways to take lessons and developed a strong connection to music. She also became interested in guitar, purchasing her own Yamaha acoustic with her first paycheck after outgrowing her first instrument. This passion for music and repair has remained a key part of her life.

Cher’s Professional Training and Skill Sets

Cher has been professionally trained alongside John for over 37 years, making her an expert in piano tuning, repair, and guitar maintenance. Her skills include:

• Piano Tuning & Repair: Cher is highly skilled in tuning pianos and performing a variety of repairs, including action repairs, key top replacements, and ivory restoration.
• Ivory Repair & Key Top Replacement: Cher specializes in delicate ivory repair and key top replacements, restoring pianos to their full aesthetic and functional beauty.
• Action Repair: Cher has extensive experience in action regulation and repair, ensuring a smooth, responsive touch for every piano she works on.
• Guitar Repair & Maintenance: In addition to piano work, Cher has developed expertise in guitar repair and maintenance, ensuring that every instrument performs at its best.

Cher's diverse background, her 37 years of training alongside John, and her passion for precision make her a well-rounded and exceptional technician. Her attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure that every instrument she works on—whether a piano or guitar—is treated with the utmost care and skill.

John & Cher had 3 children - Karissa, Jordan & Triana All three played a key role in Brower Piano Service, growing up assisting their parents in the shop and working on piano actions at the dining room table—just one example of their family’s legacy in building the business.

John and Cher wanted their kids to grow up knowing these skills, with the hope that one day they could play a part in continuing the legacy.

Triana has been by her father’s side, training and working as an apprentice technician in the shop and on the road for most of her life.

Triana also served as John's secretary, photographer for social media and the website, as well as helping design and photograph for the website and social media. She has been seriously pursuing her piano work and photography since 2015.

While she occasionally assists her mom, Cher, in the shop and on road tech calls, Triana began focusing more on her photography in 2022. She has dedicated significant time to documenting the business, capturing the craftsmanship involved in the piano restoration process, and rebuilding the Brower Piano website over the past eight years. She continues to assist her mom whenever needed.

Jordan and Karissa have pursued other interests but occasionally lend a hand when visiting.

Brower Piano continues to be more than just a business; it remains a lifestyle and an art form that John and Cher took seriously.

John wasn’t just a technician—he was a Master craftsman. He poured his whole heart and soul into every piano.

We vow to do the same as we continue John's legacy while servicing your instrument.