<HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>Re: [CAUT] performance techniques</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> Wim,<= BR> Looks like your prepared piano policy is almost word-for-word what I got fr= om Jim Busby several months ago. Small world. Alan McCoy <HR ALIGN=CENTER SIZE="3" WIDTH="95%">From: <Wimblees@aol.com>= Reply-To: "College and University Technicians <caut@ptg.org&= gt;" <caut@ptg.org> Date: Tue, 08 Mar 2005 15:00:54 -0500 (EST) To: <caut@ptg.org> Subject: Re: [CAUT] performance techniques Conrad   There was a series of posts on this several years ago. Using the informatio= n from several other CAUT's, I came up with the following policy. I have nev= er used it, and I don't know if anyone besides me has it, but maybe you coul= d 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 perfor= mer, 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 case= s performed by the piano technician. This includes removing the lid or other= case parts and attaching anything to strings or soundboard to modify the so= und.   2. Marking strings. Small stickers may be used on dampers or agraffs to mark notes. Please purc= hase stickers that are easy to remove such as the small colored dots. Care m= ust 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 i= s responsible for removing any stickers immediately after any performance. T= here 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 ma= rk 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 st= rings 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. Acceptabl= e 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 performe= r select materials that will not damage the piano.   In some cases, literature calls for the insertion of screws or mutes betwee= n 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 f= orte. 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. Ple= ase consult with the piano technician or piano faculty before using unconven= tional techniques. Usually an alternative can be found to satisfy both the p= erformer and this policy.   Willem Blees RPT Piano Tuner/Technician School of Music University of Alabama </BODY> </HTML>