Application
This unit of competency covers researching the origins of the piano industry and how the different innovations in piano building have impacted on the piano technology sector of the furnishing industry and applying them to the workplace. It includes changes in design, construction and materials that have led to the evolution of the modern piano in order to correctly interpret work functions.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Research historical development of keyboards to modern pianos | 1.1 | Original keyboard instruments are researched and identified |
1.2 | Evolutionary development of upright pianos is investigated | ||
1.3 | Materials selected for use in pianos are investigated, with reasons for changes occurring examined | ||
2 | Identify changes in design of pianos | 2.1 | Changes to design of pianos are investigated and applied to work |
2.1 | Difference in playing mechanisms is known and applied to work | ||
3 | Identify types of pianos | 3.1 | Modern piano types are identified |
3.2 | Differences between pianos are identified and appropriate work practices used | ||
4 | Identify basic piano components | 4.1 | Construction of piano infrastructure is identified to determine work required |
4.2 | Major systems are identified, with all parts and functions listed before commencing work | ||
5 | Research the role of a piano technician | 5.1 | Role of technician is researched and identified and applied to own work |
5.2 | Changes to role are identified as required and adapted to | ||
5.3 |
Evidence of Performance
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Identify materials used in the work process
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality
Locate, interpret and apply information relevant to piano tuning and repair industry by identifying different pianos and their construction
Identify and observe the role of a piano technician
Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications and the reporting of work outcomes and problems, interpret basic plans and follow safety procedures
Avoid backtracking, work flow interruptions or wastage
Evidence of Knowledge
Types, characteristics, uses, limitations and preparation of materials and equipment used in piano tuning and repair
Origin and types of pianos
Piano infrastructure, including systems
Terms used to describe piano components and systems
Role of piano technicians
Established lines of communication and protocols
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must:
hold training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) or its successors
have vocational competency in the furnishing industry at least to the level being assessed with broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification
be familiar with the current skills and knowledge used and have relevant, current experience in the furnishing industry.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time rather than a single assessment event and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment must be by observation of relevant tasks with questioning on underpinning knowledge and, where applicable, multimedia evidence, supervisor’s reports, projects and work samples.
Assessment is to be conducted on single units of competency or in conjunction with other related units of competency. Foundation skills are integral to competent performance in the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment must occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process, equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.
Access is required to upright and grand pianos.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. Detail on appropriate performance levels for each furnishing unit of competency in reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy utilising the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) are provided in the Furnishing Training Package Implementation Guide.
Range Statement
Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. | |
Unit context includes: | work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods, codes and local safe operating procedures or equivalent work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements work requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving |
Original keyboard instruments include: | zither clavichord harpsichord forte piano piano |
Periods include: | antique (1700-1850) Victorian (1850-1900) modern (1900-2000) current (2000 onwards) |
Types of pianos include: | vertical: upright spinet console player grand: baby (4’6"-6’) professional (6’-7’6") concert (7’6"-9’+) square |
Piano infrastructure includes: | the case timing pins soundboard and bridges strings pinblock and tuning pins keys and actions |
Systems include: | actions soundboard/bridges strings structural |
Role of technicians include: | quotations tuning repairs rebuilding restoration polishing piano moving selling advice on purchases |
Changes to technician’s role include: | restriction to tuning or repairs only less or more restoration less or more major repairs increased use of technology in tuning process |
Information and procedures include: | workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication manufacturer specifications and operational procedures |
Sectors
Piano Technology