<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" = xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" = xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" = xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" = xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; = charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10"> <meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 10"> <link rel=File-List href="cid:filelist.xml@01C523FA.3058A880"> <link rel=Edit-Time-Data href="cid:editdata.mso@01C523FA.3058A880">  <title>Re: [CAUT] performance techniques</title> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PersonName"/>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple = style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> Hey = Alan,<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I think I got it from Eric Wolfley. = (w/ some revisions)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <st1:PersonName>Jim = Busby</st1:PersonName> BYU<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -----Original = Message----- From: = caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org] On = Behalf Of Alan McCoy Sent: Tuesday, March 08, = 2005 3:46 PM To: College and = University Technicians <caut@ptg.org> Subject: Re: [CAUT] = performance techniques <o:p> </o:p> Hey Dave, 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 student handbook (where it will be read by those who least need to read = it and 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 ·      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) and must follow these guidelines: ü =     All = structural changes to any piano = must 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 strings = 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 stuck to itself. 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.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, nail polish, etc. ü =     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 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 copper. Acceptable material include wood, plastic, rubber, etc. = Never use a steel 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 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. 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 techniques. Usually an alternative can be found to = satisfy both the performer and this policy. <![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p> <div class=MsoNormal align=center = style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=3 width="95%" align=center> </div> From: = Dave Forman <dforman@rider.edu> Reply-To: "College = and University Technicians <caut@ptg.org>" = <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 = piano 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, = after what was done to the piano earlier, you can imagine what condition it = was in! The performer and her teacher were not happy, and neither am I. I am = writing guidelines for using the piano in this manner, and I’m wondering = if any of you have guidelines already in place. If so, could you share them = 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’ve = written.   Dave Forman Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Princeton, New = Jersey<o:p></o:p> </div> </body> </html>