[CAUT] Prepared pianos

[David Ilvedson]

But it won't have the tone compared to the prepared concert instrument... '-]

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Jim Busby" <jim_busby at byu.edu>
To: caut at ptg.org
Received: 11/9/2009 10:32:56 AM
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos


>Zeno,

>VERY good point. At BYU we have one piano as well. They may NOT use any other 
>piano.

>Jim

>From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Zeno 
>Wood
>Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 10:48 AM
>To: caut at ptg.org
>Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos

>Since we've designated one piano the "prepared piano", there has been almost no 
>monkeying with the other pianos.  Now I don't find green sharpie markings on the 
>dampers, dampers sticking up like a saguaro cactus, or dead rattling bass strings.  I 
>give a presentation to the composers every semester or so, and the composition 
>faculty are really happy.  Admittedly, the designated piano is one in pretty wretched 
>shape, really way overdue for a complete rebuilding job, but with the budget the 
>way it is, it's good serving in its present capacity.

>I've found spilling of food and drink to be more of a threat, and harder to reason 
>with.  Students are, after all, entitled to their slurpees, lattes, and pizzas, at all 
>times.  I sometimes think about walking into a practice room and putting my coffee 
>cup down on someone's violin.  I mean, [to be said with incredulous outrage] where 
>else am I supposed to put it down?

>Zeno Wood
>Brooklyn College


>On Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 12:02 PM, Jim Busby 
><jim_busby at byu.edu<mailto:jim_busby at byu.edu>> wrote:
>All,

>One prominent composer wrote (and many share the belief) that the piano is just 
>another percussion instrument. Some of the pieces are actually quite remarkable 
>(Cage, Crumb) in their outcome. But education seems to be the only thing that 
>"helps" our cause of protecting the piano. In the 3 years since its adoption we've 
>had zero incidences of abuse of damage to the piano.

>FWIW, here it is;

>Prepared Piano Policy

>A "prepared piano" is a piano that has been modified with objects placed in it in a 
>very special way as dictated by a composer of a "prepared piano" composition. This 
>is a valid practice, but may only be done as prescribed below, and only on a piano 
>designated by Piano Shop technicians and under their supervision:

>  1. All structural changes to any piano must be approved by and, in most cases, 
>performed by a Piano Shop 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 agraffes 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. (Since oil from the skin can tarnish strings please wash hands well before 
>touching any string.) Other devices must always be of 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 material 
>includes wood, plastic, rubber, etc. Piano Shop technicians are available to help the 
>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 pianos can easily be avoided by using good 
>judgment. Please consult with the Piano Shop technician before using 
>unconventional techniques. Usually, an alternative can be found to satisfy both the 
>performer and this policy.

>Remember that a "prepared piano" is a special preparation required for a "prepared 
>piano composition", and except for this unusual circumstance pianos should only be 
>used in the "normal" way