<HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>Re: [CAUT] performance techniques</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> Hey D= ave, 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 s= tudent handbook (where it will be read by those who least need to read it an= d 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. Alan -- Alan McCoy, RPT EWU Piano Technician 119 Music Bldg Cheney, WA 99004 359-4627 amccoy@ewu.edu · &= nbsp;    <= B>Protocol for the “prepared” piano: PREPARED PIANO PIECES may only be performed on a designated piano after= consultation with the piano technician (including watching a short video) a= nd must follow these guidelines: ü     All structural changes to any piano m= ust 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 str= ings or soundboard to modify the sound. ü     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”) 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 r= esidue. The performer is responsible for removing any stickers immediately a= fter any performance.Care must always be used when touching dampers as they = are easily bent. Other than small stickies, there should be nothing applied = directly to the strings. This includes white-out, tape, crayon, stickers, na= il polish, etc. ü     Striking and plucking strings Strings may be struck or plucked with fingers or guitar pick. Other dev= ices must always be a material that will not mar or scratch strings. On stee= l 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 c= opper. Acceptable material include wood, plastic, rubber, etc. Never use a s= teel 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 pi= ano. In some cases, literature calls for the insertion of screws or mutes be= tween piano strings. Again, a material softer than the string must be used, = such as brass or aluminum. ü     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. ü     Common sense Most damage to our pianos can easily be avoided by using good judgment.= Please consult with the piano technician before using unconventional techni= ques. Usually an alternative can be found to satisfy both the performer and = this policy. <HR ALIGN=CENTER SIZE="3" WIDTH="95%">From: Dave Forman <dforman@= rider.edu> Reply-To: "College and University Technicians <caut@ptg.org&= gt;" <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 pia= no 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, af= ter what was done to the piano earlier, you can imagine what condition it wa= s in! The performer and her teacher were not happy, and neither am I. I am w= riting guidelines for using the piano in this manner, and I’m wonderin= g if any of you have guidelines already in place. If so, could you share the= m with us. I’m sure this is something all of us face, and rules set up= in advance could help all of us. Later today I’ll post what I’v= e written.   Dave Forman Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Princeton, New Jersey </BODY> </HTML>