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Course Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Master of Fine Arts in Piano Technology
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The degree consists of a minimum of 32 credits (or the equivalent).
Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the degree. In many cases, as indicated below, the minimum grade is B.
 View the catalog page for the keyboard studies division.
The Master of Fine Arts degree in Piano Technology at Oberlin Conservatory is a two-year program. Designed in collaboration with Steinway and Sons, the program capitalizes on the Conservatory’s long relationship with the piano maker and daily access to world-class performers and over 240 Steinway grand pianos of all vintages. Oberlin Conservatory is the only off-site training facility for Steinway and Sons’ Technical Academy.
The program features piano tuning, touch regulation, tone regulation, and rebuilding. Students with a bachelor’s degree or above may apply for this program. Previous training in piano technology is preferred but not required for admission. Study includes training in the workshop, on stage, and in the recording studio, with special emphasis on the collaborative relationship between the concert artist and the piano technician. In addition, students train outside of Oberlin in piano remanufacturing shops and at the Steinway factory in New York. The program also includes harpsichord and fortepiano maintenance and tuning.
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Curriculum
Students take courses sequentially according to the following schedule:
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Daily Assessment
Students are assessed daily. Because this program is mentor-based, each student receives private, daily lessons from John Cavanaugh each morning and from Robert Murphy every afternoon. An example of assessment during the day includes: morning tuning theory and mechanical study of grand and upright pianos for first hour of class, private lessons by teacher demonstration for each student, then an attempt by each student to perform the procedure the student has been taught. Finally, the student masters the procedure in the presence of the teacher. The same format applies to students studying with Robert Murphy, who specializes in piano belly work. This takes place in the rebuilding shop. Robert presents the procedure, allows students to try the new procedure under his supervision, then allows students to practice the procedure.
First-Year Assessment - First Semester
First-year students are required to pass a battery of tests that comprise a comprehensive review of their first-semester studies. Assessments include the following: class participation (with no more than two unexcused absences unless approved by John Cavanaugh/Robert Murphy) and students must pass all exams with a minimum grade of B. Exams include written, oral, piano tuning, regulation, rebuilding, and voicing. The exams are either written, oral, or applied.
First-Year Assessment - Second Semester
There are a series of midterm exams that include a written exam, a tuning exam, a bench exam, and a rebuilding exam that cover one day of adjudication. In addition, the class must take a final written, bench, tuning, and rebuilding exam that tests students’ theoretical and applied knowledge. Students must pass exams with a minimum grade of B.
Second-Year Assessment - First Semester
Second-year student work is assessed daily. Second-year students start their day tuning one or two pianos in the conservatory each morning. A teacher gives feedback on their work regarding accuracy and speed. Afternoons are spent on full piano restorations - either by one student or by a group of students. This is done in the piano shop under the mentorship of Robert Murphy. Midterm grades for second year students are based on class participation, keeping up with the production schedule (speed training), and general craftsmanship. Students tune a piano, regulate a piano action model, and present a topic of their choice to share with the class as part of their midterm grade. Minimum passing grade is B.
Second-Year Assessment - Second Semester
Second-year students continue to tune one or two pianos every morning. Students also tune, regulate, and voice hammers in classrooms and faculty studios. This work is periodically reviewed by their teachers. Second-year students also learn how to appraise pianos for insurance claims, valuations, and restorations. Students are introduced to performing artists who work in the conservatory, or from other piano performance schools. Students learn how to communicate with the artists so that they understand what the players are looking for regarding piano tone and touch. At the end of their final semester, second-year student skills are adjudicated by Steinway factory employees during a final, one-week visit to the New York City factory. The education manager from the New York factory calls John and Robert to report the students’ progress.
Second-year students are required to pass a battery of tests that are a comprehensive review of both their first- and second-year studies. Assessments include the following: class participation (with no more than two unexcused absences unless approved by John Cavanaugh/Robert Murphy) and exams, including written, oral, piano project demonstrations, tuning, regulation, rebuilding, and voicing. The second-year assessment also includes the grade each student receives from a Steinway and Sons adjudicator for the student’s performance while in the New York factory in Long Island City. These tests will be either written, oral, or applied. Students must pass with a minimum grade of B.
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