After more than 164 years serving musicians, educators and institutions, Daynes Music Company — one of the oldest continuously operated family music retailers in the United States — has announced it will permanently close its doors, concluding a six-generation chapter in American piano history.
Founded in 1862 by John Daynes in a log building in downtown Salt Lake City, the company became Utah’s oldest continuously run family business and one of the nation’s longest-standing music retailers. In 1873, it became the first Steinway dealership west of New York, beginning a relationship that would span more than 150 years.
Under fourth-generation owner Skip Daynes, the company survived economic downturns and sweeping industry change while expanding its leadership in the institutional piano market. He carried the family business forward successfully for more than 50 years, positioning Daynes Music as a national leader among Steinway dealers.
Over its tenure, Daynes Music likely sold more Steinway pianos than any other dealership and achieved more “All-Steinway School” designations than any dealer nationwide, serving institutions including the University of Utah, Weber State University, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Southern Utah University and Snow College. In 2017, Steinway & Sons honored Skip Daynes with its Dealer Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to music education.
While Steinway will conclude its dealership relationship with Daynes Music in mid-April, the company’s legacy within the Steinway network remains deeply rooted in artistry and advocacy.
“For more than a century and a half, Daynes Music has been about far more than selling instruments,” said Todd Daynes, Skip’s son. “We’ve been privileged to support students, teachers and performers across generations.”
Beyond retail, Daynes Music played a defining role in Utah’s cultural life, supporting organizations including the Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, Ballet West, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Grand Teton Music Festival. For many years, Skip Daynes donated a Steinway grand piano as the grand prize for the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, helping elevate its global stature.
Skip’s philanthropy extended to healthcare and education, making piano donations to major hospitals, and launching the “U Play Piano” educational software program, donating keyboard laboratories to Title I schools and later contributing the research and patent to the University of Utah.
As operations wind down, Daynes Music will make available its remaining inventory of more than 50 Steinway and Steinway-designed grand and upright pianos.
“Our great-great-grandfather helped bring music to pioneers arriving in Utah,” said Daynes. “If the instruments we’ve cared for continue making music in new homes, then the mission continues.”