Key Excursion

[Bec and John Silva]

Hi Michelle,

It doesn't get any better. I touch up any unisons that are not  
"perfect" on my own piano everyday before I practise. Sometimes I get  
so particular I have to step back and just accept whatever state the  
piano is in (which is usually just fine). I always have a list of  
things in my head I want to do to the piano to make it sound better.

But really, what other instrumentalist would play on an out of tune  
instrument if they were able to tune it themselves? Pianists probably  
don't notice as much as they could because many have no choice but to  
put up with it. Not intending to put you technicians out of some  
work, but I do think every (decent) pianist should know how to at  
least tune their own instrument.

- John


> As a piano instructor, I've always been fascinated by the work of  
> the piano tuner/tech.  The only problem is it creates a new level  
> of listening and I begin to hear problems that were probably  
> already present in the piano.  (Result:  the dreaded call-back).
>
> Similarly, as a student tech, I'm beginning to hear problems in our  
> piano that I had the "luxury" of never hearing before.  Now, not  
> only am I critical of the music but critical of the instrument as  
> well.  It's driving my husband nuts!  =)
>
> Michelle Smith
> Student Tuner
> Bastrop, Texas