Piano Policies

The piano policies outline the importance using the Faculty of Music pianos responsibly, whether you're rehearsing, performing or exploring extended techniques. 

Performance Pianos

The Faculty of Music currently owns three Concert Grands, and one Baby Grand used for performances:

• Yamaha CF (1981) – Normally in the Theatre Auditorium
• Steinway D “old” (1996) - Normally in the MFRH
• Steinway D “new” (2022) - Normally in the MFRH
• Yamaha C5 X (2023) - Normally in the Mezz

MFRH – Steinway Use

• Food and drink are not allowed onstage.
• The “Old” Steinway shall be left onstage for studio classes and will be stored backstage when not in use.
• The “New” Steinway may be used for FoM concerts and Student Recitals. It will be stored in the piano garage when not in use.
• The pianos shall only be moved by trained staff with their lids closed.
• The pianos shall have their lids closed, covered and their Dampp-Chaser plugged in whenever they are not in use.
• Any damage or tuning issues must be reported immediately.

Mezz – Yamaha Use

• Food and drink are not allowed in the performance area
• This piano is not available for prepared piano pieces unless prior permission has been given by the Keyboard Coordinator
• The piano shall only be moved by trained staff with the lid closed
• The piano shall have its lid closed, covered and the Dampp-Chaser plugged in whenever it is not in use
• Any damage or tuning issues must be reported immediately

Theatre Auditorium – Yamaha Use

• Food and drink are not allowed in the performance area.
• If a second piano is needed for a performance, please reach out to Performance Facilities two weeks in advance to arrange a move.
• The piano shall only be moved by trained staff with the lid closed.
• The piano shall have its lid closed, covered and the Dampp-Chaser plugged in whenever it is not in use.
• Any damage or tuning issues must be reported immediately.

Prepared Piano

A prepared piano is a piano that has been intentionally modified to alter its sound by placing objects (such as, but not limited to fabric, screws, bolts, rubber or other materials) between or on its strings. It may also involve extended techniques, including plucking the strings or striking the body of the instrument.

Any object placed in or on the piano in this way qualifies as a preparation and must follow the guidelines outlined below.

• Prepared piano pieces must be approved by the keyboard coordinator in advance.
  • The keyboard coordinator will advise which practice pianos may be used for prepared piano.
• During performances only the Yamaha will be used for prepared pieces and Performance Facilities must be advised two weeks in advance to arrange for the piano move.
• The marking of dampers and inserting objects between strings shall not be allowed on either Steinway.
• The strumming of strings, either with the hand or with a foreign object, shall not be allowed on the “New” Steinway.
• Any action which creates a strong probability of damage to either the piano action, its case or its strings, will not be allowed at any time on any piano.

Practice Rooms and Studios

• Prepared piano pieces must be approved by the Keyboard Coordinator in advance.
• Food and drink are not allowed near the piano(s).
• Any damage or tuning issues must be reported immediately.