[CAUT] performance techniques

[Alan McCoy]

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Hey Dave,

Here is what we have written down here as part of our recently written and
adopted piano policies that will be a part of our faculty handbook and the
student handbook (where it will be read by those who least need to read it
and ignored by those who most need to read, comprehend and abide by it!).
The video referred to is by Alan Eder, RPT.  I took a lot of this from Jim
Busby at BYU.=20

Alan


-- Alan McCoy, RPT
EWU Piano Technician
119 Music Bldg
Cheney, WA 99004
359-4627
amccoy@ewu.edu


=B7      Protocol for the =B3prepared=B2 piano:
PREPARED PIANO PIECES may only be performed on a designated piano after
consultation with the piano technician (including watching a short video)
and must follow these guidelines:
=FC     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.=20
=FC     Marking strings
Sticky note paper is the preferred material to use for marking dampers,
agraffes or strings. To mark a string node a thin (1/8=B2) strip of the
adhesive part of a stickie note should be worked around the string and stuc=
k
to itself. 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.Care must always be used when touching dampers as the=
y
are easily bent. Other than small stickies, there should be nothing applied
directly to the strings. This includes white-out, tape, crayon, stickers,
nail polish, etc.=20
=FC     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 (copper is much softer
than steel) must also be struck or plucked with a material softer than the
copper. Acceptable material include wood, plastic, rubber, etc. Never use a
steel chisel or screwdriver 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.
=FC     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.
=FC     Common sense
Most damage to our pianos can easily be avoided by using good judgment.
Please consult with the piano technician before using unconventional
techniques. Usually an alternative can be found to satisfy both the
performer and this policy.





From: Dave Forman <dforman@rider.edu>
Reply-To: "College and University Technicians <caut@ptg.org>" <caut@ptg.org=
>
Date: Tue, 08 Mar 2005 07:42:10 -0500
To: <caut@ptg.org>
Subject: [CAUT] performance techniques

Dear Caut,
Several weekends ago, two pieces were performed on our main performance
piano that used strumming, banging on the strings, and other techniques. I
was not informed that this was going to happen.That Sunday night a pianist
gave her senior recital, and recorded it as an audition for grad school.
Well, after what was done to the piano earlier, you can imagine what
condition it was in! The performer and her teacher were not happy, and
neither am I. I am writing guidelines for using the piano in this manner,
and I=B9m wondering if any of you have guidelines already in place. If so,
could you share them with us. I=B9m sure this is something all of us face, an=
d
rules set up in advance could help all of us. Later today I=B9ll post what
I=B9ve written.
=20
Dave Forman
Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Princeton, New Jersey



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