I wanted to express my appreciation for the coverage the Oregonian has given to the
elimination of piano players at the local Nordstrom stores. It has been my honor and
privilege to serve as the lead pianist for the downtown store for the past nine years.

Both the front page article (Nov. 28) and the Nov. 29 Editorial by Mary Kitch served an
important purpose in letting the public know of this regrettable corporate decision.

While the company is standing by its claim that Portlanders prefer canned music to live
piano, I want to thank you for shedding light on something that was deliberately
being downplayed.

I also want to thank every person who upon learning of Nordstrom’s decision has written
letters of support for me, and most important, those who have taken the time to approach
me personally to let me know that they have appreciated by music over the years.

It has been a bit like being in “It’s A Wonderful Life” for the past month as I have been
visited by hundreds of Portlanders who took a moment out of their holiday season to share
with me their memories of live piano and me specifically in the downtown store.

I will miss sitting in the middle of this beautiful city and being in direct contact with so many
of its residents, but I fully intend to stay in the area and find ways to continue to make music
and be a part of this unique community.

Matthew Kern
Southeast Portland
January 2, 2008

Copyright © 2003-2008 - Matthew Kern