In a message dated 96-09-08 12:44:34 EDT, dkvander@clandjop.com (Vanderhoofven) writes: << Just a question... Someday I would like to be a concert tuner, and I recently was asked to tune the Steinway D at our local college. It was very sharp, and I did three tunings to lower it to A-440 and then to stabilize it. It was my best tuning ever. David, Congratulations! It is a great feeling when you know you have tuned well, isn't it. I don't know why (maybe one of our professors can enlighten both of us-Dr. JIM???) but many times it is much more difficult for me to lower a piano than to raise it. The sharper it is, the more tunings it takes to stabilize it. Three is not unusual for me either when it is very sharp. << But how frequently do you have to tune your concert pianos to maintain them at A-440? I would really appreciate knowing that so I can make recommendations to our local college. >> During the season, the pianos are generally used at least once a week. This seems to keep them pretty stable. I tune for every rehearsal and for every performance and charge full fee for each one. These rehearsal tunings, I am convinced, are what contributes most to the stability during the performance. If several weeks pass and we haven't used the concert instruments, I will drop by when I'm in the area and put a very quick tuning on them; no charge to the customer, most of the time they don''t even know I do it. Having the tuning in my Accutuner for that instrument is what makes it so easy for me; I'm usually in and out in 15 minutes. I would rather spend that 15 minutes making my life easier than spend an additional whatever doing pitch lowers or raises for rehearsals/performances. If your objective is to be a "concert" technician, then I would advise you to give a little extra now as you educate the local college folks to what the instrument's needs are for concert level. 1. Be involved with your instrument; keep the management informed as to what it needs now and for the next five years--set a plan (long range plan, Vision 2001<G>.) 2. Tune for rehearsals and charge for the tuning but stay for the rehearsal. The artist will greatly appreciate it if you are there; I know from experience! Also, you will learn a great deal. Plus you will get to know the orchestra people--new referrals/new business opportunities. 3. If you read music, get a copy of the score and study it. The artist's appreciation and trust in you will triple if he/she sees that you are interested in what is being performed. I have had many artists comment most favorably when they see I have the score with me. Plus, the score will help you discover potential problem areas. 4. Be there for the performance--for yourself, the artist, and the music! Gina
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