voicing learning curve

[RicB]

    In a message dated 2/5/2007 4:25:07 PM Eastern Standard Time,
    edmiller3 at hotmail.com writes:
    Hello,

The first piece of advice you seem to need is to not be intimidated by 
it voicing.  Nearly everyone is at first.... and it is really the 
biggest hurtle to overcome. There is lots of good written advice 
around.  Schimmel has a section on this in their technical manual. I 
believe Renner USA has an online resource. Dig in and go for it, but 
follow sound traditional advice in the begginning and keep your ears 
open.  Often when needling changes in tone larger then your ears are 
ready to immediatly pick up happen... but then if you sit back and 
listen to regular playing you hear your've done something.  In fact this 
has become one of my voicing <<tests>> through the years.  Not just 
playing each note individually, but listening to the general tonal 
effect the piano developes whilst playing.

If you can get some time with an experienced and respected voicer jump 
at the opportunity.

But above all... dont be scared by the hammer and needle.  It in the end 
is also very straightforward in practice.  Developing and refining what 
your ear does in this regard simply takes time and practice... and keen 
aural observation

Cheers
RicB



    I'm looking for some voicing advice (mentoring). I'm two years into
    learning
    the piano trade and have learned a great deal already in the realm of
    tuning, regulating and repairing (though I know there's MUCH more to
    learn).
    I've found that most skills are pretty straight foward, they just
    take a
    little doing to get the hang of.

    Voicing, on the other hand, seems to me to be the most nuanced skill
    of them
    all. I'm a bit intimidated by it. There are so many techniques that
    I have
    read about. I'm sure most of them have merit, but none of them mean
    anything
    if the technician has not developed a fine ear for tonal quality and
    characterstics, and the subtle changes that can be achieved by
    manipulating
    the hammers.

    I'm intereted in hearing any thoughts on how one develops this
    skill. I'm
    less interested in specific techniques. I'm more looking for insight
    into
    the process of learning to be a quality voicing technician. Possibly
    some
    some stories from your own voicing learning process.

    Any thoughts would be appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Ed