Maintenance Costs

Avery Todd atodd@UH.EDU
Thu May 30 07:32 MDT 2002


List,

I've been asked to come up with an app. dollar figure on what
it might cost on a yearly basis, to maintain the two Steinway
D's in our major performance hall. This should include
maintaining the instruments at a high level of performance
capability plus eventual replacing of action parts, stringing,
etc. that will be needed. I'm assuming they mean this to be
based on the value of my services if they had to bring in an
independent technician to do the work.

The Provost's office has asked the theatre manager to come up
with an estimated cost of what it costs to run the facility,
independent of the remainder of the School of Music, with the
idea of paying for some or all of it out the university budget
instead of the music budget.

One piano was purchased new when we first moved into our new
facility about 5 years ago and the other was completely rebuilt
(except soundboard) by the Rappaport's about 6 yrs. or so ago,
including a new keyboard, frame and damper assembly.

The hall is used primarily for guest artists, faculty recitals,
large ensemble performances and occasional rentals to outside
competitions, performances, etc. The Houston Symphony also uses
the facility once or twice a year for a performance series their
Chamber Orchestra does, sometimes using piano and/or harpsichord.

This is a very performance oriented school, with app. 500 music
majors, so the hall gets quite a bit of use, although not as much
as our smaller recital hall that the students use.

Since I've never had to do this type of thing before, I need any
help doing this that anyone could give me today. The tuning part
I can figure out but the rest is what I need help with. The report
has to be submitted Friday and I just found out about it this
morning.

Any takers? Thanks.

Avery
University of Houston


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