[CAUT] Prepared pianos

[Zeno Wood]

Since we've designated one piano the "prepared piano", there has been almost
no monkeying with the other pianos.  Now I don't find green sharpie markings
on the dampers, dampers sticking up like a saguaro cactus, or dead rattling
bass strings.  I give a presentation to the composers every semester or so,
and the composition faculty are really happy.  Admittedly, the designated
piano is one in pretty wretched shape, really way overdue for a complete
rebuilding job, but with the budget the way it is, it's good serving in its
present capacity.

I've found spilling of food and drink to be more of a threat, and harder to
reason with.  Students are, after all, entitled to their slurpees, lattes,
and pizzas, at all times.  I sometimes think about walking into a practice
room and putting my coffee cup down on someone's violin.  I mean, [to be
said with incredulous outrage] where else am I supposed to put it down?

Zeno Wood
Brooklyn College



On Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 12:02 PM, Jim Busby <jim_busby at byu.edu> wrote:

> All,
>
> One prominent composer wrote (and many share the belief) that the piano is
> just another percussion instrument. Some of the pieces are actually quite
> remarkable (Cage, Crumb) in their outcome. But education seems to be the
> only thing that "helps" our cause of protecting the piano. In the 3 years
> since its adoption we've had zero incidences of abuse of damage to the
> piano.
>
> FWIW, here it is;
>
> Prepared Piano Policy
>
> A "prepared piano" is a piano that has been modified with objects placed in
> it in a very special way as dictated by a composer of a "prepared piano"
> composition. This is a valid practice, but may only be done as prescribed
> below, and only on a piano designated by Piano Shop technicians and under
> their supervision:
>
>   1. All structural changes to any piano must be approved by and, in most
> cases, performed by a Piano Shop technician. This includes removing the lid
> or other case parts and attaching anything to strings or soundboard to
> modify the sound.
>   2. Marking strings. Small stickers may be used on dampers or agraffes to
> mark notes. Please purchase stickers that are easy to remove such as the
> small colored dots. Care must always be used when touching dampers as they
> are easily bent. Never use masking tape or any other adhesive that may leave
> a residue. The performer is responsible for removing any stickers
> immediately after any performance. There should be nothing applied directly
> to the strings. This includes white-out, tape, stickers, nail polish, etc.
> In some cases chalk may be used to mark steel strings but never the
> copper-wound bass strings.
>   3. Striking and plucking strings. Strings may be struck or plucked with
> fingers or guitar pick. (Since oil from the skin can tarnish strings please
> wash hands well before touching any string.) Other devices must always be of
> a material that will not mar or scratch strings. On steel strings, only
> materials that are softer than the steel string may be used, such as brass
> or aluminum. Copper-wound bass strings must also be struck or plucked with a
> material softer than the copper. Acceptable material includes wood, plastic,
> rubber, etc. Piano Shop technicians are available to help the performer
> select materials that will not damage the piano. In some cases, literature
> calls for the insertion of screws or mutes between piano strings. Again, a
> material softer than the string must be used, such as brass or aluminum.
>   4. Extreme volume. There is a fine line to be drawn between passionate
> musical expression and outright banging on a piano. Please use good judgment
> when playing above a forte. Harsh playing is damaging and will not be
> tolerated.
>   5. Common sense. Most damage to pianos can easily be avoided by using
> good judgment. Please consult with the Piano Shop technician before using
> unconventional techniques. Usually, an alternative can be found to satisfy
> both the performer and this policy.
>
> Remember that a "prepared piano" is a special preparation required for a
> "prepared piano composition", and except for this unusual circumstance
> pianos should only be used in the "normal" way
>
>
>
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