Resources

The Conservatorium and selected piano firms will provide the following resources:

• 6 soundproof practice rooms
• 2 x 30 square metre workshops for piano repair, storage of materials, etc
• seminar rooms and office space
• access to studio pianos
• 6 new 121cm (or taller) upright pianos of high quality for tuning and
  regulation tuition
• 3 grand pianos for regulation and repair tuition
• felts, cloths, leather and parts for piano repair
• basic hand tools and workshop equipment

Teaching will be largely provided by 1 head teacher and 2 auxilliary teachers. The proposed personnel are Geoffrey Pollard, David Kinney and Ara Vartoukian. David and Ara are also graduates of previous courses. David is currently a prominent concert technician, technical adviser and re-builder of pianos. Ara is a concert technician, piano rebuilder and a previous instructor of this course.

Together, they will bring a unique and invaluable variety of styles, practical experience and perspectives, as well as a sympathetic understanding of the difficulties that students may confront. Four specialist tutors will provide seminars on health & safety, business basics and development, piano construction and repair.

Whilst training at the Conservatorium, students will have access to a comprehensive music library, many opportunities to hear piano performances at the highest level and a range of quality pianos from various makers. Excursions are included to piano collections, parts suppliers and meetings of the APTTA.