This unit applies to the skills and knowledge required to understand the theory of piano tuning and basic acoustics and the important relationship between this and how a piano is tuned.

The type of work tasks performed in acquiring knowledge of piano tuning theory and basic acoustics will include research, investigation and some computing skills. Participation in teams including group or team coordination may be included and may be conducted in small to medium scale enterprises.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Acquire knowledge of basic acoustics

1.1. Elements of basic acoustics are explained

1.2. Acoustical laws of sounding strings are explained

2. Acquire knowledge of piano tuning

2.1. Elements of piano tuning theory are explained

2.2. Affect of inharmonicity on piano tuning is explained

3. Acquire knowledge of musical scales

3.1. Elements of musical scale theory are explained

3.2. The behaviour of piano strings and their proper dimensions are explained

3.3. The laws of strings are explained

3.4. Musical scales are identified aurally

Required skills

read and understand documentation

ask questions to gain information

collect, organize and understand information related to piano tuning

work collaboratively with others to complete tasks in a timely manner

apply knowledge of tuning and repair processes to problem solving

show independence and initiative in making decisions

collect and organize information for the purpose of:

planning tasks and identifying task outcomes

planning use of resources

assessing and prioritizing tasks

managing time and resources

assess own skills and knowledge

research and apply new ideas and techniques

use IT to organize, report and record information

Required knowledge

State or Territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to piano tuning

understanding of basic acoustics

understanding of piano tuning theory

understanding of musical scale theory

established lines of communication and protocols

problem identification and resolution

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Locate, interpret and apply information relevant to piano tuning

Basic acoustics are identified and understood

Piano tuning theory is explained and understood

Musical scale theory is explained and understood

All notes on a piano are identified a minimum of two times

Communicate and work with others in the work area

Apply safe handling practices and safe operating procedures for equipment, products and materials to:

minimise the risk of injury to self or others

prevent damage to goods, equipment and products

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in a simulated workplace environment in accordance with work practices and safety requirements

Assessment is to occur under standard work practices, and to comply with legislative and regulatory requirements.

The following resources should be made available:

upright or grand pianos

workplace location or simulated workplace

Method of assessment

Assessment must confirm consistency (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) in application of skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks according to instructions

working systematically with attention to detail

identifying improvements and avoiding damage

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

assessing operational readiness of tools and equipment

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

Assessment must include a variety of project or work activities that allow the candidate to demonstrate competency in the unit

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required knowledge and skills to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Assessment should be conducted over time and may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency

The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

oral and written questions about piano tuning theory, basic acoustics and musical scale theory and their application to piano tuning

practical demonstration of identifying piano notes aurally

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of the candidate's on-the-job performance

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Basic acoustics may include

Sound waves, beats, frequencies, harmonics, cycles, partials, overtones, nodes, fundamentals, sine waves, intonation, transients, cents, commas, compound tones, inharmonicity.

Piano Tuning Theory may include:

how wire vibrates

what happens when two or more wires vibrate simultaneously

how vibrations are organised into a tuning scale

how vibrations are related mathematically

pitch, beat rates, intervals, octave stretching.

Musical scale theory may include:

Diatonic scale, equal temperament and why, mean tone.

Laws of Strings may include:

First law, Third law, Combined law and Taylor's Formula, Need for wrapped strings

Unit sector

Piano Technology

This unit contains employability skills.