Two opportunities are coming up:  February 12 and February 19, 2011.

Evelyn Smith of Noteworthy Piano Service will lead this enjoyable, interactive tour of the piano for piano players.
We’ll explore the workings of a piano, talk about tips for piano care, and discuss questions such as:
· Why was the piano invented?
· What happens inside the piano when you play the keys?
· How do the pedals work?
· Why do pianos go out of tune and what can you do about it?
· How do you select a suitable piano, new or used?
Bring any piano questions you might have. Expect to have fun and surprises!

1) Saturday, Feb. 12, workshop & reception in The Music Academy’s Allen Recital Hall
TIME: 2pm-3pm, with student performers beginning at 1:45pm
RSVP: to Shana DiCamillo at sdicamillo@musicacademync.org
or (336) 379-8748 ext. 112

The Music Academy of North Carolina
1327 Beaman Place
Greensboro, North Carolina 27408

2) February 19, for students of Allegra Gicla and friends of Noteworthy Piano Service

Cultural Arts Center, Greensboro, NC

Time TBA

RSVP: noteworthy@triad.rr.com, 336-358-0800

“Is it wrong to place against an outside wall? How far from the fireplace must it be? Can I keep my piano in an unheated room?”

These are all common questions posed by piano owners. The answers lie in two important criteria: temperature and humidity.

Pianos are mostly wood and are greatly affected by seasonal change. Variations in the air’s relative humidity, and to a lesser extent temperature, cause a piano to go out of tune. In the long run, repeated swings in relative humidity can cause damage to the finish, cracking of the wooden soundboard, and even structural failure. So, when locating your piano, try to choose a spot with the fewest drafts, no direct sunlight and stable temperature and humidity.

–from the Piano Technicians Guild, www.ptg.org

www.noteworthypianoservice.com

WHERE TO GET INFORMATION

To begin your search, take a look at the Acoustic and Digital Piano Buyer, available free online at http://www.pianobuyer.com/ (Also linked from the Resources page of www.noteworthypianoservice.com) This valuable resource contains articles on how to buy a piano and gives current price lists of all major piano brands.

NEW OR USED?

If you’re interested in a new piano, there are many fine instruments available in the area. Even if you want a used piano, it’s always a good idea to begin your piano search by visiting local piano dealers to learn about the quality and price range of new pianos. And you may just decide to drive a new model home!

If you want a used piano, there’s one important thing to remember–you can get an excellent value, but you’re taking a big chance unless you have it checked by a qualified technician. It’s like buying a used car–the paint job may look nice but it should be checked under the hood for costly and hidden problems. For a service charge, Noteworthy Piano Service will evaluate used pianos for prospective customers.

From a spinet to a concert grand, all have one thing in common—they’re sensitive to changes in their environment.  With more than 200 strings under 18-20 tons of tension, there are several factors which affect the tuning, but the most important is seasonal changes in humidity.

Humidity’s the culprit

Piano strings are stretched over a crowned, wooden soundboard. Like all wood, the soundboard swells in summer humidity, stretching the strings (especially the middle octaves) and causing the pitch to rise. In winter, the opposite occurs. Because of these climatic changes, even a piano that’s never played will still go out of tune.

Moving, too can cause a piano to go out of tune, though not usually for the reason that most people think. Generally, the bumpy ride in the piano mover’s van doesn’t jostle the strings out of tune. But the piano will have to adjust to the humidity of its new environment, and this often causes tuning changes.

What can you do?

•Humidity control. The ideal humidity level for pianos is 42%, though the piano can adjust to any reasonable level of humidity if it is kept stable. We can discuss ways to keep your piano’s environment as stable as possible.

•Location. Choose the piano’s location carefully—never put it near heating or air conditioning vents or an open window. Basements often cause problems because of dampness. Try to restrict the air flow near the piano, and avoid direct sunlight.

•Regular tunings. Don’t expect good music from any piano that isn’t tuned and serviced regularly. Most manufacturers suggest tunings twice a year for a piano in use in the home.

Maybe you can’t fool Mother Nature. But by following these tips you can help your piano stay in tune and do what it does best—bring you the satisfaction of making beautiful music.

–Evelyn Smith, RPT