James Newton Howard Plays the Kawai Novus NV12 at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
James Newton Howard Plays the Kawai Novus NV12 at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
Photo by Matt Harbicht (@mattharbicht)
Hollywood legend James Newton Howard, the composer behind, King Kong, Split, The Hunger Games, and Fantastic Beasts, recently sat down at the Kawai Novus NV12 during a lecture at Chapman University's Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.
Dodge College of Film and Media Arts offers students the rare opportunity to learn from Oscar and Emmy Award winners. Howard's appearance was exactly the kind of industry access the program is built around. Having one of Hollywood's most celebrated composers not just speak, but sit down and play, brought a rare live dimension to the experience, one that only an instrument like the Novus NV12 could fully deliver.
For discerning pianists, the NV12 represents the pinnacle of hybrid piano design, where traditional craftsmanship and advanced technology meet in perfect harmony. Seeing it featured at one of the country's top-ranked film schools, played by one of Hollywood's most celebrated composers, reinforces exactly that. Explore the Kawai Novus NV12 at your nearest authorized Kawai dealer or at kawaius.com.
Kawai NV12
The NV12 is the flagship hybrid model in Kawai’s NOVUS Series, designed to deliver the most authentic grand piano experience possible through a fusion of acoustic precision and digital innovation. At the heart of the NV12 lies the Millennium III Hybrid grand piano action with real wooden keys and a genuine damper mechanism, providing the weight, movement, and subtle resistance of a fine acoustic grand. A contact-less optical sensor system ensures flawless detection of every nuance, while the action’s ABS-Carbon composite construction delivers long-term precision and consistency. Powering the NV12’s sound is the SK-EX Rendering engine, which faithfully reproduces Kawai’s flagship SK-EX Competition Grand piano with rich harmonic complexity and immersive resonance. An exclusive PentaDrive soundboard system uses five individually driven transducers to project sound through the body of the instrument, creating a multidimensional listening experience that fills the room with natural warmth and depth. Additional features include a matte-finish LCD touchscreen, Virtual Piano Artisan for detailed sound and response adjustments, and built-in Bluetooth MIDI and Audio v5 for wireless connectivity. A USB-C port and built-in USB audio interface enable direct integration with recording and production setups. Housed in a refined grand-style cabinet with a curved rear design, three-position topboard, and adjustable music shelf, the NV12 is available in a high-gloss Ebony Polish finish. With its uncompromising craftsmanship, expressive sound, and premium design, the NV12 stands as the ultimate hybrid piano for the most discerning musicians.