[CAUT] performance techniques

Wimblees@aol.com Wimblees@aol.com
Tue, 8 Mar 2005 15:00:54 EST


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Conrad
 
There was a series of posts on this several years ago. Using the  information 
from several other CAUT's, I came up with the following policy. I  have never 
used it, and I don't know if anyone besides me has it, but maybe you  could 
put it in your information packet. 
 
Wim 
 
Policy Regarding Prepared Piano Use

Composing music for the prepared piano can be very rewarding. However, care  
must be taken that the instructions to the performer do not harm the 
performer,  and the piano. Therefore, please read the following with care prior to 
doing  anything to the piano, other than opening it up, and playing it. 

1. All structural changes to any piano must be approved by and in most  cases 
performed by the piano technician. This includes removing the lid or other  
case parts and attaching anything to strings or soundboard to modify the sound. 
 
2. Marking strings.
Small stickers may be used on dampers or agraffs to  mark notes. Please 
purchase stickers that are easy to remove such as the small  colored dots. Care 
must always be used when touching dampers as they are easily  bent. Never use 
masking tape or any other adhesive that may leave a residue. The  performer is 
responsible for removing any stickers immediately after any  performance. There 
should be nothing applied directly to the strings. This  includes white-out, 
tape, stickers, nail polish, etc. In some cases chalk may be  used to mark 
steel strings but never the copper wound bass strings.
 
3. Striking and plucking strings.
Strings may be struck or plucked with  fingers or guitar pick. Other devices 
must always be a material that will not  mar or scratch strings. On steel 
strings only materials that are softer than the  steel string may be used, such as 
brass or aluminum. Copper wound bass strings  must 
also be struck or plucked with a material softer than the copper.  Acceptable 
materials include wood, plastic, rubber, etc. Never use a steel  chisel on 
piano strings. As the piano technician, I will be happy to help any  performer 
select materials that will not damage the piano.
 
In some cases, literature calls for the insertion of screws or mutes  between 
piano strings. Again, a material softer than the string must be used,  such 
as brass or aluminum. 
 
4. Extreme volume.
There is a fine line to be drawn between passionate  musical expression and 
outright banging on a piano. Please use good judgment  when playing above a 
forte. Harsh playing is damaging and will not be  tolerated.
 
5. Common sense.
Most damage to our pianos can easily be avoided by  using good judgment. 
Please consult with the piano technician or piano faculty  before using 
unconventional techniques. Usually an alternative can be found to  satisfy both the 
performer and this policy.
 
Willem Blees RPT
Piano Tuner/Technician
School of Music
University  of Alabama


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