Course outline
The piano has changed little in the last 150 years. The modern piano is still a complex construction with over 200 strings which require individual adjustment to maintain pitch, a playing mechanism of over 4,000 parts requiring adjustment and periodic repair enclosed in a sturdy supporting structure of cast iron and heavy timber.
Modern technology has developed electronic pitch meters to assist with tuning, but the ideal training for a future piano technician is still based upon mastering tuning by ear and the development of fine muscle control. The adjustment of the many parts of the playing mechanism demands a knowledge of the procedures, the materials used combined with the development of hand skills.
The course will also cover the following theoretical and practical topics:
- Basic acoustics and sound production in the piano
- Methods of adjustment of the tone of the piano
- Overview of the piano industry
- Repair materials and techniques
- The materials and methods of piano construction
- Early keyboards and the history of the piano
- Starting and developing a service business
- Safe work practices for piano technicians
The course consists of 12 months intensive training followed by a 3 month internship.
INTENSIVE – 52 WEEKS
Students attend training 6 days/week initially, decreasing to 5 days/week, 9am to 5.00pm after 10 weeks. The majority of the time each day is focused on the development of aural tuning and correct tuning hammer technique. Soundproof rooms, new pianos and virtually individual instruction, monitoring and assessment ensures a steady development of both the aural and hand skills necessary.
In the afternoon students attend either seminars on piano technology theory or practical workshop sessions covering piano structure, acoustics, action regulation, voicing, repair, small business, etc.
Both written and practical assessments are conducted weekly. A pass mark is generally set at 80%.
INTERNSHIP - 12 WEEKS
The internship will enable the various skills gained during the intensive training to be integrated and brought to the standards required in the commercial world. Attendance will be 9.00am to 5.00pm, five days/week. During the internship students will undertake:
- Paid and mentored tuning of Conservatorium pianos in a simulated work environment ie. time and accuracy demands, productivity demands, managing bookings and appointments, customer service and accountability
- Two, five-day placements with piano retailers or technicians.
- Additional workshops devoted to piano repair, re-stringing, action repair, etc.
By the time of the internship, students will have completed the business development sections of the course. They will have an ABN, will have GST and business name registration if applicable, will have their own business card and stationery, etc.
The internship will also introduce students to potential future employers, and opportunities will be provided to establish links with other piano technicians and the major piano importers. Thus graduates, including those from other states or NZ, will have valuable business connections on completion of the course.
Please take note that the piano industry expects a high standard from the graduates of this course. The Licentiate will only be awarded to students who reach specific standards in the combined results of final exams, attendance, assignments, reports by employers and assessment of practical repair work during the internship. Whilst every assistance will be offered, a pass is not automatic upon completion.