History of Holland Pianos

Alexander Holland began the trade of piano tuning alongside his father Johnston and continued in his footsteps.

Johnston Holland also joined his forefathers in the piano trade and worked in Piggott's in Grafton Street, Dublin.

Johnston, or George as he was better known as, became the 4th generation piano tuner. George was very well known throughout Ireland in the early part of the 20th century and was the foremost tuner-technician working for the well-known company Piggott's in Dublin and Sligo. He carried out most of the concert tunings in the country and held the position of senior staff within Piggott's at that time.

Alec Holland (my father) started his apprenticeship with Piggott's in Dublin and worked alongside his father George, gaining invaluable experience tuning and servicing pianos for concert venues, prestigious clients and loyal customers. Alec made the brave decision to go out on his own and moved to Carlow. It was here, in his adopted town, that he officially set up the company Holland Pianos which continues to trade today under the management of his daughter Alexandra Holland.

Alexandra Holland entered the piano business in 1983, alongside her father Alec. Having gained invaluable experience working with the business she made the decision to undertake examinations with the Piano Technicians Guild in U.S.A. to qualify as a Registered Piano Technician. Alexandra trained for this qualification under the tutelage of Mr. Rick Butler, R.P.T., Chief Steinway Technician for the Kennedy Centre & White House, in Washington D.C., U.S.A. Having succeeded in achieving this notable accolade, she became the 1st Registered Piano Technician in Ireland, the 1st Female R.P.T. in Ireland and outside of the U.S.A. the 2nd Female R.P.T. in the World to hold this prestigious qualification.

Alison Holland joined the team at Holland Pianos in 2016. Having displayed an innate ability working with pianos, both in aural tuning and technical skills, she decided to follow in her mother's footsteps and undertake the Piano Technicians Guild examinations in the U.S.A. She was also mentored by the esteemed Mr. Rick Butler, Washington D.C. She qualified as a Registered Piano Technician in 2025. The Piano Technicians Guild has placed Alexandra and Alison as the 1st Mother/Daughter Registered Piano Technicians in the World.