b100

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B100 - Basic Piano Tuning Vertical Piano Technology

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DESCRIPTION

This course introduces the student to the piano from the technician's point of view.

The student demonstrates the skills and knowledge acquired through attendance and interaction during classroom lectures & labs, the completion of individual lab projects and the rebuilding of his/her vertical project piano.

CURRICULUM

Introduction

·          Piano terminology

·          Piano manufacturers

·          Development of the piano-forte

·          Development of the vertical action and the "upright" (vertical) piano

Tuning

·          Theory, harmonic series, inharmonicity and partials

·          Interval ratios and coincident partials

·          Tuning hammer technique, setting the pins, and setting the strings for tuning stability

·          Unison, octave, interval and equal-temperament tuning with test procedures

·          Treble & Bass tuning with test procedures

·          Special tuning topics and considerations

·          Electronic tuning aids

·          Tuning modern, antique, square, "birdcage" & electric pianos

Technical

·          Design & nomenclature of the vertical piano

·          Repairing keys, hammers, dampers, etc.

·          Replacing worn parts, key covers, hammers, felts, etc.

·          String splicing & Restringing

·          Refinishing

·          Regulating the keys & action of the vertical piano

·          Regulating pedals & pedal trapwork

·          Rebuilding the vertical project piano

 ( B100/2 )

Other

·          Effects of too much or too little humidity in the piano

·          Apprenticing

·          Starting a business and getting customers

·          Business techniques & practices

·          The Piano Technicians Guild

·          Further training & continuing PianoTech education

Hours Needed to Complete this Course

·          This Course:  Lecture hours   350 *

·          Additional Project hours   800 **

*   (Theory, Lecture & Instructional Lab project hours are performed at the school and in the school's shop.) 

** (Additional hours will be needed for home reading assignments, practice tuning and work on the project piano.  This time varies with each student.)

Tuition for this Course

$ 8,000      (Financing can be arranged.)

Tuition includes:

·          instruction:  "one-on-one" & classroom

·          trade visitations

·          basic tools

·          basic textbooks & progress evaluations

·          home-study materials with exams

·          video & audio tapes loan program

·          vertical project piano

·          use of modern shop tools and facilities

·          AND, post-graduate access to school for advice and guidance

(Notes:)

·          Additional tools, books & supplies may be purchased at a student discount.

·          When the project piano belongs to the student, the student must pay for replacement parts and supplies, which can be purchased at the student discount.