You may not know Greg Sikora’s name, but odds are you’ve heard his handiwork — especially if you’ve ever attended a show in the Philly region, writes Rita Giordano for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The longtime piano technician, who got his start at Taylor Music in Willow Grove, has spent decades tuning pianos for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Lady Gaga, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Raised in Olney and a graduate of William Tennent High School in Warminster, Sikora didn’t read music, didn’t go to college, and nearly lost his life in Vietnam. But a job at a local music shop revealed his rare ear for pianos — a gift that took him from Montgomery County to the grand stages of the world.
Sikora spent years as the chief piano technician for the Philadelphia Orchestra, working with musical giants and mentoring the next generation of tuners. His tuning career has led to unforgettable moments with legends like Pavarotti, Cher, Johnny Cash, and Dave Brubeck.
Now 77, Sikora has eased into consulting and writing, but his passion for the craft remains. “It’s been a very satisfying career because it demands the best of you all the time,” he said.
Read more about Greg Sikora and his pianos in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
