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Click here for a printable version of this letter.
Dear Parents,
If you are reading this, you probably have a child or children learning to play the piano. That is a wonderful thing! I want to do all that I can to support you as you encourage them to do well in their piano studies.
A successful young piano student is supported by a team. You, as parents, are the most important players on that team. Your child's piano teacher comes close behind, and somewhere, not much more behind, comes the piano technician who keeps your piano in good playing condition.
The ongoing maintenance of your piano is actually pretty important in helping your child succeed at music making.
Some time ago, I read a working definition of intelligence: Intelligence is the ability to make finer distinctions. A good teacher will be constantly cultivating musical intelligence, helping students to make and recognize ever finer distinctions in playing technique and in musical expression.
A well designed piano that is properly tuned and regulated allows a player to cultivated a wide range of dynamics. Dynamics, for pianists, are distinctions and contours in rhythm, loudness and tone color. A fine, well maintained instrument invites the student into the dynamic possibilities that are present, waiting to be explored.
Many pianos, however, do not offer the range of playing possibilities that a student needs to move ahead most effectively. In some cases it is a matter of poor design. In many more cases, however, what is needed is simply proper set-up and diligent maintenance of the instrument.
My job is to tune and regulate your piano so that it facilitates learning, and rewards your child for the effort poured into practicing. I would more than happy to discuss with you the care and maintenance of your instrument. Please feel free to give me a call or drop me an email. I would love to talk with you.
Sincerely,
Floyd Gadd, Piano Technicians Guild Associate Member
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