About Us
Our story begins with the founding of Lansford Piano Company, a family owned & operated business here in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Ted E. Summitt Sr. worked for many years with Lansford, a Baldwin Piano dealer, as a tuner and technician.
After an exchange of hands, Ted Summitt Sr. took over ownership in 1991 and changed the name to Summitt Pianos. Summitt Pianos grew to become Chattanooga's choice for acoustic pianos, digital pianos, keyboards, and organs.
In 2002, Summitt Pianos was selected by Steinway & Sons to be their exclusive dealer for the region.
Summitt Pianos is the host for the Chattanooga Music Teachers Association recitals, annual auditions, and other musical events. Summitt Pianos provides a Steinway & Sons 9' Concert grand piano to area concerts and for the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera.
Recently, Summitt Pianos has helped Southern Adventist University reach their goal of becoming an All Steinway School, which gives SAU the distinction of being the only Steinway School in the local area. SAU became the nation's 100th Steinway School in 2009.
Summitt Pianos has been passed down the family tree to Ted Summitt Jr. who has worked closely with his dad over the many years. Summitt Pianos remains Chattanooga's oldest, largest, and only locally owned piano store.
Tivoli on the Mighty Wurlitzer.
MEET OUR STORE MANAGER:
H. "BUDDY" SHIRK
H. "Buddy" Shirk, AGO, ATOS, MTNA, CMTA, an organist and pianist who has performed on local, national, and international television, as well as in numerous recording studios and churches, is the store manager for Summitt Pianos. Mr. Shirk also served with the Baldwin Piano & Organ Co. and Cooper Music in Atlanta for many years in various sales, marketing, & management positions.
With 36 years of professional music experience, Shirk is a long-time entertainer and former church organist. Buddy has played before local, national, and international audiences, including an appearance during NBC's live Olympics broadcast in 1984. He also performed on the TBS television program, "Good News" as well as on a number of radio programs. He is one of the organist for the Tivoli on the Mighty Wurlitzer, recently served as organist for Historic Engel Stadium and is the MAINX24 Parade organist. Buddy also "busks" for SoundCorps here in Chattanooga. He is a noted studio musician for many recording artists and has been selling pianos for 43 years.
He managed several Atlanta Factory owned retail stores for the Baldwin Piano and Organ Company, where he was listed among that company's top five national sales performers every year during his employment. Buddy began his career here in Chattanooga at Lansford Piano Co. along with Ted Summitt Sr., Manny Bowen and Hazel Bacon. Buddy was inducted into the Chattanooga Chapter of the AGO and is currently a member of the American Guild of Organists, The Chattanooga and National Music Teachers Associations, and the American Theatre Organ Society. Buddy serves on the Advisory Board for Jazzanooga, is the 2nd Vice President of the Chattanooga Music Club, and has served on many other boards for organizations in Chattanooga. He attended Dalton College in Dalton, Georgia and Chattanooga State. A native of Chattanooga, he resides in East Lake where he serves as the Vice President of the East Lake Neighborhood Association and helped create the Everyone East Lake Festival. Contact Buddy directly for an appointment at 423-529-0315 or buddy@summittpianos.com
MEET MARCIA HUGHES
Marcia Hughes has devoted a lifetime to the piano business through demonstration, sales and management. Early on she was employed by Lansford Pianos & Organs in Chattanooga. Then in 1994 she was invited by Ted Summitt, Sr. to be a part of his new business team after purchasing Lansford and continuing as Summitt Pianos. Marcia is still honored to be with Summitt today under the direction of owner Ted Summitt, Jr.
Marcia has received extensive training and certification regarding the making and marketing of pianos at both the American made Baldwin and New York Steinway factories. In addition, she is a certified representative of Roland digital pianos and various other piano manufacturers. In 2006 she was awarded the greatest single instrument sale in the company’s history. An accomplished pianist, singer and songwriter, Marcia has been recognized abroad for her gospel music compositions. Her charting songs have been recorded by Dove and Grammy award winning artists. She has travelled abroad and performed for worship services, major concert venues, television, radio, internet and social media. When she isn’t traveling you can find her teaching as a way of giving back to the community.
Cheerfully serving our clients with her southern hospitality Marcia appreciates each one as family. She helps promote outside sales and is available at Summitt Pianos most Fridays from 10am-3pm and at other times by special appointment. If you would like to talk with her about the piano of your dreams she would welcome your call on her direct line at 423-605-9779, or marcia@summittpianos.com.
MEET CARIN WITHERELL:
Carin Witherell is the dedicated Business Manager at Summitt Pianos, bringing a wealth of expertise in communication and customer relations to her role. She has been an integral part of the company since 2019, leveraging her background in both the public and non-profit sectors.
Her career portfolio spans a range of responsibilities, particularly in the education industry, where she has excelled in both research and service delivery.
A firm believer in the value of a humanities degree in business and marketing, Carin studied Social Work at SUNY Empire State University and has applied her skills to foster strong customer service, retail experience, and management practices at Summitt Pianos. Carin is known for creating a supportive and enjoyable environment for both her team and customers, aiming to provide a memorable and seamless shopping experience.
Originally from Cuba, NY, Carin grew up as one of five sisters. She and her husband Bill are parents to two grown daughters, Tomie and Allie, and are proud grandparents to twin grandchildren, Elijah and Elana. Outside of work, Carin enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting, hiking, and baking. Her diverse interests and deep connection to family enrich her life and bring warmth and joy to her work at Summitt Pianos.