Where it began…

Westend Piano Ltd. was founded by Eric Kaunat in 1948, a skilled piano technician who imported his craft from Europe.

A devoted apprentice

One day in 1966, Mr. Kaunat made the acquaintance of an avid pianist with a strong desire to learn more about pianos. Mr. Kaunat had found a worthy apprentice in Mr. John Yeats, an electrical engineer from Northern Telecom. In 1971, Mr. Yeats bought the company. By 1977, now retired, he was immersed full-time in his passion.

Like father like son

Doug, John's eldest son, was 20 in 1977, and had been involved in the piano business part-time since the age of 14. Doug was very intrigued by the positive effect this new business activity had on his father, and decided to follow in John's footsteps.

Doug's upbringing involved music. He studied mechanical engineering with a subspecialty in acoustics & piano technology, and obtained his Bachelor of Engineering degree from Concordia University in 1985.

In 1989, Doug was now ready to take over the business. Alongside his wife Kati and four children, he continues the legacy and the upstanding reputation of Westend Piano.

Important dates

1948

Founding of Westend Piano Ltd. by Eric Kaunat in Pointe St-Charles

1966

John Yeats is apprenticing with Eric Kaunat

1971

John Yeats purchases Westend Piano Ltd.

1974

Relocation of the business to Montreal-West

1977

John Yeats retires from Northern Telecom and pursues his passion full-time

1989

Doug Yeats takes over the family business

1996

John Sr. Yeats passes away

2001

The business is relocated to a bigger facility at 17 Ronald Drive, Montreal-West

Westend Piano today

Westend Piano is a high-quality piano restoration facility. Its association with many outstanding people in the piano technology trade makes it a leader in this field. Some of these people have been trained in house over the years, developing highly specific skills. Others have been trained elsewhere bringing and sharing their knowledge with us. Our team is vibrant and passionate about the work we do.

Some of Westend Piano's regular associates include:

Tuners / Technicians:
Marie-France Baribeau
Kati Yeats
Allan Sutton
Claude Thompson

Woodwork Specialists:
Romuald Karny, keyboard
Wladyslaw Karny, soundboard / bridges

Piano Movers:
John Yeats Jr.
Peter Yeats
Xavier Lauzon

Musicians:
Esfir Dyachkov
(Pianist & Teacher)

Dang Thai Son
(Concert Pianist & Teacher)

Trevor Payne
(Jubilation Gospel Choir)

Tristen Lauber
(Pianist & Teacher)

Andrea Cochrane
(Pianist & Teacher)

Leif Vollebekk
(Musican)

There is more to our background...

Doug was also an accomplished athlete in Greco-Roman Wrestling. Between 1975 and 1992, representing Canada, he won medals in numerous international competitions and represented Canada at 5 Olympic Games.

1999 : Admitted to the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame
2001 : Admitted to the Concordia University Sports Hall of Fame
2004 : Admitted to the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame