Worship leader Don Nichols is turning Arkansas’ unused pianos into instruments of joy as the founder of Piano Specialists of Arkansas. The company offers tuning, moving, repairs and even piano adoption to ensure everyone can make music.
“It is my passion for everyone to enjoy making music as much as I do,” Don says.
That passion was sparked in junior high and led him to Oklahoma Baptist University, where he trained to become a church worship leader.
Over two decades ago, Don began working in music retail, managing Little Rock Piano for eight years until the store closed at the end of 2024.
When a tornado struck and damaged the store’s delivery truck, Don didn’t miss a beat, buying his own trailer and customizing it for moving pianos. He had already been handling deliveries on the side, but this moment became a turning point.
Since its inception, Piano Specialists of Arkansas has grown from a few moves a month to an average of 45.
“The recipient can be assured the piano has been checked out by a knowledgeable piano person and has been repaired and tuned by a reputable tech,” Don says.
Don has a soft spot for instruments with history. His company takes in pianos from families who no longer need them, sparing them the hassle of selling and offering a second life for these cherished pieces.
“I hate to throw away a good instrument,” Don says.
Among Don’s trusted collaborators is Derick Clausen, a gifted piano tuner who was born blind.
“He tunes using only a tuning fork for his starting pitch and his ears,” Don says. “This results in a beautiful, smooth tuning.”
He met Derick at Piano Kraft, located in downtown Little Rock, which is now closed, where Don used to teach piano classes.
“The owner of that store also had a moving and tuning business,” Don says. “When he decided to close his store and move out of state, I bought his phone number from him and also inherited Derick.”
Don also partners with a team of skilled technicians for voicing, regulation, action repairs and detailing. But what sets his team apart isn’t just technical expertise; it’s heart.
Don says that while technique, strength and knowledge are essential to a piano move, a genuine love for the instrument is what makes it great.
“I love hearing how a customer has a new joy in playing a quality piano that I have helped them find, or in repairing a family piano to its original tone,” Don says. “You don’t have to be a performer to enjoy music.”