Piano Technology Student Program

BYU Piano Technology - Student Program

BYU Piano Shop’s student piano technology program enhances the BYU mission by “providing excellent preparation... in the vocational work” of piano technology. The two-part program includes Piano Technology Presentations for prospective technicians and an ambitious apprenticeship-like employment for students desiring part-time work. Students who complete this training can pursue a career in piano technology or enhance their income before and after college graduation.

Piano technology Presentations

Each semester the Piano Shop offers three, two hour presentations for anyone interested in piano technology. These presentations, formerly known as “exploratory classes” have been well received by students and teachers alike. The three topics are:

Piano Technology Primer: What every pianist should know

This “primer” is a two hour session which deals with how the piano works, how to care for pianos, what to look for when buying pianos, what a piano technician does, and other issues related to care and maintenance of the instrument. It is very informative and enlightening, especially to those who may never have seen a piano taken apart and its inner workings demonstrated. Anyone who owns a piano will benefit from this class. Past participants have said that it really opened their eyes as to how much is involved in keeping a piano in good working condition.

“Hands-on” Piano Care for Pianists and Music Educators

This two hour session goes beyond the first presentation by showing what people can do to their own pianos, and what should definitely be left to a trained professional. For instance, nearly anyone can learn how to remove the fallboard of a grand piano and retrieve a pencil, or adjust a pedal on an upright piano. But only someone trained should adjust the sostenuto pedal on a grand, or tune, or voice, etc. This class should help remove the fear of some simple jobs and help the pianist know where to “draw the line” and call a trained professional.

How to become a piano technician

This final session is for those who have an interest in becoming a piano technician. The traditional ways to become a professional are outlined and participants are given names and addresses of schools and courses offered. It will delve into the “who-what-when-where and how” of piano technology and of what it takes to become a “Registered Piano Technician.”

Dates, times and places for these events are as follows:

How to become a Piano Technician TBA

"Hands-on” Piano Care 8 Oct 2009

HFAC E400, 6 - 7:30 pm

Piano Technology Primer 29 Oct 2009

HFAC E400, 6 - 7 pm

Availability of Jobs

Piano Shop student employees are hired as needed and as the budget allows. Jobs are available upon the discretion of the full-time technicians and School of Music administrators. The number of students and the amount of employment hours given may vary. Each semester adjustments are made as necessary.

Qualifications

No special qualifications are required for employment in the Piano Shop. However, it is suggested that a student be able to play the piano to some degree of proficiency and be mechanically inclined. Prospective student employees should be freshmen or sophomores so that they will be here long enough to learn the skills necessary to become a "Registered Piano Technician", the only recognized standard in the industry.

For Additional Information

Please contact the Piano Shop for further information about the student program, the exploratory class, or employment opportunities