PNTC 403 - Piano Technology 4

FC CNDP

6 credits
Morning lessons begin with tuning one piano, then returning to the piano shop for work assignments in the piano shop or where required in the Conservatory. Students make house calls to tune in the Oberlin community and are introduced to tuning, regulating, and voicing in classrooms and small recital hall pianos. Students will travel to the Steinway factory in Long Island City, New York, for a week of training and are adjudicated for their skill and knowledge of Steinway piano service. Students will also meet with performing artists to service Steinway grand pianos as requested by the performers. Students must pass a series of advanced tests including tuning, regulation, center pinning, nomenclature, voicing, common repairs, and a written exam. Afternoon lessons require students to rebuild the entire belly of a grand piano in groups of two, using the experience and training they have received prior to their final semester. This includes manufacturing and installing a pinblock in a Steinway grand piano, manufacturing new bridge caps with correct bearing, including notching and repining. Students are required to restore the plate, including gilding, hand-lettering, installing new agraffes, and restringing the piano. Work must be completed before the end of the fourth semester.

Prerequisites: PNTC 401 and PNTC 402.