[CAUT] Performance piano usage

[A440A@aol.com]

Craig asks:  I will answer with the policy at Blair School of Music, 
Vanderbilt U.  

<< Here are my questions:

1. Does your institution have guidelines for usage of performance pianos and

if so, how are they implemented or enforced?

       None.  I have tried in the past, but in effect, any student can 
practise on any of the stage pianos, (except the newest D, which is in the big hall 
and usually locked). 

 

1. Who has keys to your best concert pianos (assuming they are locked or

access to the room is restricted)?
   All the faculty

 

1. How much rehearsal time is allowed for performance majors giving a

recital? 
     No limit, per se.  However, the venues are booked pretty heavily. 

 

1. How do you control or limit time of piano use for evening and late-night

rehearsals? 

      I don't, and it seems that nobody does. 

 

1. Approximately how many hours a week is your best piano played?
     Perhaps 5 hours of rehearsals, and 5 hours of performance. 

 

1. In your opinion, what is the distinction between 3rehearsal2 and

3practice2? 

   None.  


>>The

existing guidelines allow two two-hour rehearsal times on the piano that

they1ve chosen to play. The students who are given keys are FAR exceeding

that amount of time.  (I have discovered them at times playing very late at

night/ early morning; don1t know for how long.)

Ya, me too.  Our second D, which is the best in the smaller venue, is used 
extensively for rehearsals, sonata classes, performances, practise, etc.  I have 
been using Renner Blues in this piano (a 1980 vintage).  They last five 
years, and have been replaced 5 times.  Original whippens.  It was restrung in 
1990, and then got a new pin block in 2001.  Original tuning pins were often 
against the plate, and the holes wallowed out rather quickly.  
      I like them to use the piano, a lot.  I like to do hammer work, 
voicing, etc.  The more it is played, the more top dollar work there is for me!  
Regards, 

 

 

  >>



Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html